Lawrence Lau provides another snapshot of social realism akin to his amateur acted affair Gangs. However with Sylvia Chang and debuting Rain Lau, Queen Of Temple Street is put into another division, with expectations. Providing up close but not overbearing views of the prostitution surroundings, Lau's drama is agreeable but lacks a final, expert touch. The emotional battles between Wan and Yan are perfect scenarios and the aspects covered are both rife with texture and explicit symbolism. But the latter goes into pretentious overdrive at times and the drama is merely performed, not so much enhanced. It's comforting to know Lau is aiming to disrupt the destructive circles of our characters so the film definitely becomes worthwhile but it doesn't reach out fully and grow into something beyond its setup. Also with Lo Lieh, Ha Ping, Josephine Koo and Kwan Hoi San.

The film did pick up multiple Hong Kong awards though, including Best Supporting Actress for Rain Lau and Best Screenplay.