Film review of “The Chronicles of Libidoists”: Wu Kang-ren bares all in a sexually explicit story

2/5 stars

Wu Kang-ren reveals a new side of his talent as he strips off everything in an erotic drama The Chronicles of the Libidoists. Wu plays one of four lonely souls in modern-day Taipei who search for meaning in life through extreme sex.

The film caused considerable controversy due to its numerous nudity and explicit sex scenes, but was a box office success in Taiwan.

His script is full of allegory and symbolism and alludes to philosophical questions about love, life and identity; his protagonists hope to find happiness or perhaps enlightenment through torture.