Naked Poison (2000)
Reviewed by: danton on 2002-02-20
This is a mean-spirited, ultra-cheap B-movie that is devoid of any redeeming qualities in its relentless focus on sex and violence. Yet somewhere along the way, it almost manages to transcend the onedimensional script and actually creates a quite tense, highly charged atmosphere that keeps the viewer gripped at the edge of the seat.

It's the story of a nerdy young man (Sam Leung) who doesn't get much respect at home or at work, and who is overwhelmed by the power of his sexual frustration. When he inherits is grandfather's herbalist store and medicine cabinet, he manages to concoct a powerful drug/aphrodisiac that renders women helpless and in need of his sexual services. Soon, he transforms himself into a sex maniac taking advantage of the women around him (incl. Sophie Ngan), while ignoring some of the drug's less pleasant side effects.
A co-worker (Gwennie Tam) who actually likes him offers a chance to get back to more healthy forms of social interaction, but this being a Cat 3 thriller, it's clear that a few people must die, some blood must be spilled and the protagonist must pay for his sins.

Not a memorable movie by any means, but still a cut above similar offerings. The actors do a good job with the rather ludicrous script, and the film manages to build and sustain suspense right to the end. The obligatory sex scenes are more on the violent than the erotic side of things, however.