Ai Nu is here taught the ways of the world where sacrificing ones purity and innocence for wealth is the laid down rule. One character even describes the outside world as no better so accept what's within the confines of the brothel. The path of discovery for Ai Nu instead turns into a tale of rediscovering and holding onto innocence but more importantly love, not being devoured by the world of wealthy men where woman are merely emotionless servants. Chor Yuen's has a compelling grip on the material and long patches of dialogue dominates the second half, to an immersing effect. The stunning Shaw Brother's sets and art direction is dependably captured as well.

Where it's clear Intimate Confessions Of A Chinese Courtesan fell down was the lack of depth to characters, especially that of Chun (although Betty Pei Ti elevated the shortcomings greatly). Here she gets the full treatment with not so much classy results but when venturing into the main themes of the film subsequently, you get more of a solid ground to stand on. Ai Nu and Chun's relationship contain different dynamics as well since Ai Nu isn't out for revenge, but it boils down to how lost the characters are and can become.

Lust For Love Of A Chinese Courtesan lacks the full grace and effect of, what you might call the original movie (Candace Yu and Nancy Hu do fine work but are not as memorable as Betty Pei Ti and Lily Ho) and possesses a few cartoonish elements such as the portrayal of the wealthy, horny men. It makes for a not so comfortable contrasting two halves but the rise in quality subsequently in thematics makes many flaws forgettable. Also with Alex Man and Chang Kuo-Chu.