Review: "Intimate Confessions of a Chinese Courtesan" is an absolutely gorgeous movie in every aspect, from open to close. It is both a Kung Fu revenge flick and an intense drama, as both styles are melded together wonderfully by director Chu Yuan. The film opens with a shocking discovery that Master Liao, a frequent visitor to the local brothel, has been murdered. Just as the inspector realizes that the mysterious Ainu was the last person with him that night, the film's credits roll, and we are taken back to the beginning.

The lovely Ainu was brought to the brothel along with a large group of unsuspecting women. All were kidnapped, and all of them were treated horribly throughout the process. As she is introduced to Lady Chun, it is already apparent that a large interest is taken in this special girl, as Chun remarks what a great name she has. She stares off into the girl's eyes, absorbing everything.

After a group of four officials put out bids to be the first to have their way with Ainu, the Governor's father ends up being the winner, and proceeds to fulfill his own self-indulgent desires in private. One after one, each of the four are seen pouncing on Ainu, followed by a freeze frame and a loud shriek from the lady in question. These images are meant to stay in the viewers mind for the rest of the film, as they are the catalyst for Ainu's payback.

Brother Yan is a man who works in the brothel and pretends to be mute. He reveals his ability to speak only to Ainu, and vows to help her escape. During their first attempt, however, he is killed and Ainu finally succumbs to Lady Chun's lustful desires, promising never to escape again. Their romance begins, just as Ainu's plan of revenge begins to go into action.

The meat of the film is Ainu's violent revenge on each of the four officials. The way she attacks them mirrors the way they treated her along with the other girls they abused. Chu Yuan constantly plays flashback images of the initial sexual attacks, the ones that stay in your mind during the entire film. This reinforces the audience to stay on Ainu's side, even during the moments where she seems to become vicious and cruel, we are reminded of the catalyst behind it all.

This movie is absolutely a treat to watch, as it is filmed so gracefully and with such attention to detail. A beam of snow-filled light falls down upon Master Liao's murdered body, blood of the brightest crimson hits pure white with the most painting like fluidity. Pretty much every scene is alive with a vibrant light that the camera catches, even in the darkest instances. It's hard to keep describing how beautifully shot the movie is without sinking to the deepest depths of hyperbole.

Despite all the dramatic moments and murderous intrigue, through and through "Confessions" is indeed a Kung Fu film. It is unlike most you will see though. The action choreography, by Tsui Yi Ngo, is skillful and engaging. You have your classic Shaw backflips and sword fights riddled with blood, and it's so damn fun to watch. Lady Chun kills people with her fingertips. If that isn't cool, nothing is. The final battle, which is basically Ainu against everyone else, is tremendous, and serves as a precursor to a beautiful conclusion.

The drama in this film could have been throw away, typical fare were it not for the superb performances. Especially by Lily Ho, who completely steals the screen from almost anyone else. The intimate moments between Ainu and Lady Chun are damn intense, and give the ending a much greater emotional impact. Every fight scene is sandwiched in by a great story and acting that makes watching the battles worthwhile, as opposed to them being filler fluff.

Without saying too much about the movie, it is with an incredibly high recommendation that I tell everyone to pick this up now. The Celestial DVD is marvelous, and I absolutely love this film.