This lurid, ultra-stylish expose on the 1970's Hong Kong modeling circuit, is something to behold. Chin Han plays the handsome guy from the small village, who comes to Hong Kong to seek his fortune, only to find himself at a job interview, where he is asked by a beautiful woman, to remove his clothing. Being an ambitious sort, the man complies, and soon finds himself caught up in a very strange reality. Treated like a slab of meat by powerful women, who demand more than he can give, Han ultimately disappoints everyone in his life, and moves from place to place, and bed to bed. Older women, young women, even a miserable old woman with no legs (!) expect not only sex from this guy, but also love, devotion, and total submission. Soon, Han finds himself alone, and is forced to move in with a sexually confused man, who he finds out too late, is Han's only true friend.
"Sex For Sale" broke new ground for Hong Kong cinema, in it's frank look at the darker side of sexuality. "Shaw Brothers" studio, the producers of classic, countless Kung fu films, also put forth some sexy films like this, and the result is quite fascinating. Shot with some impressive production values, as was typical for Shaw Brothers films, "Sex For Sale" features amazing, candy colored sets, cutting edge 70's fashion, and beautiful people. The sex scenes are very tasteful, and the raunchy jazz score makes them seem even sexier. This is a depressing film to be sure, but worth the trouble it will take to track down. What makes the film unique is that there is no "good guy" to root for. The main character isn't very sympathetic, and he does some unsavory things to get ahead and to survive, and he seems to have no control over his own sex-drive. But he is gullible; and sometimes just plain stupid, and that makes him somehow innocent. And that makes the viewer care about him. This is a smart film and it's jaded look at the 1970's swinging scene is fascinating. Reminiscent of films like "Midnight Cowboy" but i think it more closely resembles "American Gigolo."
