One of the most significant and offbeat HK adult films, AN AMOROUS WOMAN OF TANG DYNASTY is a period softcore drama with a decidedly feminist perspective and sexual encounters that are always relevant to the story. Taoist priestess/poetess Yu Yuan-gi (Pat Ha Man-chik) possesses a yearning to experience aspects of life that go beyond the traditional parameters of her station. While associating with the upper echelon of society, she also carries on a torrid relationship with roving swordsman Tsui Pok-hau (Alex Man Chi-leung). Yuan-gi (a gifted scholar who chose to become a priestess, in order to be independent) and Pok-hau (a man who chose to be an assassin, rather than live a mundane life) are a seemingly ideal match but he eventually leaves her to resume his travels in the martial world. In the meantime, Yuan-gi earns the reputation among the townsfolk of being amoral because of the sexual relationship she carries on with her maid, Lu Chiao. Pok-hau returns but soon abandons her again, prompting Yuan-gi to take up with other men. However, when she discovers that Chiao has been impregnated by a man whose identity she refuses to divulge, Yuan-gi's actions lead to tragic consequences.

Eddie Fong Ling-ching's directorial debut, AMOROUS WOMAN is filled with beautiful imagery and the regal staging seems inspired more by Japanese cinema than traditional HK fare. In a film well-acted by all, it is Pat Ha (easily the most adventurous HK actress of this period) who gives the standout performance: cold yet passionate, determined yet vulnerable. Her daring work, combined with the intelligent screenplay and meticulous production rank this far above the flood of period sex films that followed the creation of the Category III rating in 1989. Fong's original cut of the film ran over an hour longer but reportedly no longer exists, alas. Raymond Lee King-man’s often spare but consistently striking art direction was honored with a statuette at the 21st Golden Horse Awards. Tom Poon Chun-wai (as a scholar attracted by Yuan-gi’s gifts but repulsed by her decadence), Chang Kuo-chu (as a resolute swordmaker), Lam Hoi-ling, Donald Kong To, and Ku Feng also appear.