YELLOW EMANUELLE is another slice of Italian sexploitation from the guy who bought us BLACK EMANUELLE. This one's a surprisingly romantic fable about a British pilot who is injured during a beating by thugs and ends up being tended to by a Chinese nurse, whom he falls in love with. The story that follows is completely serious and goes for arthouse appeal rather than pure sleaze. Inevitably there's little story to punctuate the endless stripping, nude, and sexual scenes, but we do get a bit of globetrotting, some surprising twists, and elements of tragedy. Chia Lee is pretty convincing as the used and abused nurse driven to the edge.
9 Reviews
Yellow Emmannuelle is more like a yellow fever
PeterMitchell-506-5643648 March 2013
This is a disjointed movie. Seriously. The movie spends too much time on part of the story, and not enough on the other, where the sex bits in between are something of a cut and pace style. There are some really erotic moments as to Emy Wong's scenes of pleasuring men in the global trade of prostitution. She falls in love with a naval officer, who's called up on another trip and she hits the dumps. So, our shy Asian philly seeks sex from other men, after coming to the conclusion that Romeo's never gonna return. She really gets an education, after attending a sex school run by a strict money hungry madam. At the sound of a double clap, she has a thin shirtless Asian dude who tries out all the newies (fresh meat) and the positions amidst shots of pornographic art, one unforgettable scene has his nude ramming buttocks, reflected in a mirror, as he humps Emy. I loved that brazenness to this movie but on the whole, this one turns out to be quite a bore. Our naval officer tracks down Emy, and so begins a reuniting of lovebirds, where Emy gives up the biz. Tragedy strikes for one, when the two are interrupted by a former client in a restaurant, a middle aged guy who obviously can't get enough of her, or probably is infatuated with her. Emy refuses to acknowledge him. Such a typical scenario, of this 'hanger on/harassing customer, interrupt pro's new life' have been used in so many other prostitute type films. We do have some nice Asian night shots, plus a cat fight, involving Emy, fighting another pro for a standing street spot. And too we have some lotto game (I don't know what you call it), where the winner gets to see Emy do some nude frontal dancing, amidst a song I haven't heard in yonks.
"Yellow" Emmanuelle
lazarillo25 January 2007
This is Albertini Bitti's follow-up to "Black Emanuelle" which he made after his star Laura Gemser had moved on to much sleazier pastures with the infamous Joe D'Amto. Bitti went in the exact opposite direction by trying to make a film that resembled the pseudo-classy "official" French Emmanuelle films with Silvia Kristel. Technically though, this is not an Emmanuelle film--its Italian title roughly translates to "The Sensuous World of Emy Wong" and there is no "Emanuelle" to be found anywhere in it--but it was re-titled "Yellow Emanuelle" for its English-language release, which is not only blatantly racist but is also pretty confusing as the Javanese Laura Gemser is every bit as "yellow" (i.e. Asian) as the Chinese star of this one, Chai Li (whose character is named Emy Wong anyway, not Emanuelle").
The movie itself is pretty strange too. Rather than wallowing in sleaze and European-flavored absurdity like the "Black Emanuelle" series it tries to be a serious melodrama, but winds up just as absurd in its own soapy way. An English airline pilot (played by an obviously Italian actor)is mugged in Hong Kong and winds up in the hospital where falls in love with a Chinese female doctor. After she loses her virginity to him, he ends up re-assigned, and though he is supposedly deeply in love with her, he can't seem to be bothered to make a long-distance phone call to Hong Kong. Forlorn, the respected doctor ends up becoming a prostitute! And if all that seems pretty preposterous, just wait until the end which somehow manages to combine the plot of the greatest love story of all time, Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet", with the absolute worst, the Ryan O'Neil-Ali McGraw tear-jerker "Love Story".
There's not nearly as much sex as you'd expect from a film with "Emanuelle" in the title, but there are some nice nude scenes from both Lee and from everyone's favorite member of Italian parliament, porn star Ilona "Ciccalona" Staller (she plays a jealous secretary who sabotages the couple's relationship). For me though, that wasn't really enough to paper over the ludicrous premise and the giant cracks in the allegedly serious plot.
The movie itself is pretty strange too. Rather than wallowing in sleaze and European-flavored absurdity like the "Black Emanuelle" series it tries to be a serious melodrama, but winds up just as absurd in its own soapy way. An English airline pilot (played by an obviously Italian actor)is mugged in Hong Kong and winds up in the hospital where falls in love with a Chinese female doctor. After she loses her virginity to him, he ends up re-assigned, and though he is supposedly deeply in love with her, he can't seem to be bothered to make a long-distance phone call to Hong Kong. Forlorn, the respected doctor ends up becoming a prostitute! And if all that seems pretty preposterous, just wait until the end which somehow manages to combine the plot of the greatest love story of all time, Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet", with the absolute worst, the Ryan O'Neil-Ali McGraw tear-jerker "Love Story".
There's not nearly as much sex as you'd expect from a film with "Emanuelle" in the title, but there are some nice nude scenes from both Lee and from everyone's favorite member of Italian parliament, porn star Ilona "Ciccalona" Staller (she plays a jealous secretary who sabotages the couple's relationship). For me though, that wasn't really enough to paper over the ludicrous premise and the giant cracks in the allegedly serious plot.
Things go wrong for Emy Wong.
BA_Harrison7 February 2018
British airline pilot George Taylor (Giuseppe Pambieri) enjoys a night out in Hong Kong with his work colleagues, but ends up in hospital after he gets in a fight with several men. While recuperating, George does his best to woo his beautiful doctor, Miss Wong, but when he is discharged, he hooks up with company secretary Helen (Ilona Staller AKA pornstar Cicciolina) instead. However, realising just how deep his feeling are for Emy, he ditches Helen, and declares his love to the doctor.
George and Emy become a couple and decide to get married. Emy prepares their new home while George is in London working, the pilot promising to keep in touch by mail. However, a bitter Helen intercepts George's letters and tells Emy that her man is in Australia and intends to marry the rich daughter of a sheep farmer. The distraught Emy tries to top herself, is almost raped by a 'friend', and drops out to become a hooker.
Frustrated at not being able to talk to Emy via long distance phonecall, George returns to Hong Kong, unaware that his woman is now walking the streets...
Yellow Emanuelle isn't really an Emanuelle movie: the lead character, played by Chai Lee, is Dr. Emy Wong-there is no Emanuelle. And while the film features the soft-core sex and full frontal female nudity synonymous with the Emanuelle series, the tone is different from the Laura Gemser films, being far more melodramatic and ultimately very downbeat. Despite this being a sexploitation movie, writer/director Bitto Albertini keeps it surprisingly classy, with great cinematography, solid performances and a story that refuses to wallow in D'amato-style sleaze. Despite the copious sex and skin, the film is actually quite moving: you'll despise Helen for hiding Emy's mail, and the film's final scene is remarkably tragic - certainly not what I expected.
George and Emy become a couple and decide to get married. Emy prepares their new home while George is in London working, the pilot promising to keep in touch by mail. However, a bitter Helen intercepts George's letters and tells Emy that her man is in Australia and intends to marry the rich daughter of a sheep farmer. The distraught Emy tries to top herself, is almost raped by a 'friend', and drops out to become a hooker.
Frustrated at not being able to talk to Emy via long distance phonecall, George returns to Hong Kong, unaware that his woman is now walking the streets...
Yellow Emanuelle isn't really an Emanuelle movie: the lead character, played by Chai Lee, is Dr. Emy Wong-there is no Emanuelle. And while the film features the soft-core sex and full frontal female nudity synonymous with the Emanuelle series, the tone is different from the Laura Gemser films, being far more melodramatic and ultimately very downbeat. Despite this being a sexploitation movie, writer/director Bitto Albertini keeps it surprisingly classy, with great cinematography, solid performances and a story that refuses to wallow in D'amato-style sleaze. Despite the copious sex and skin, the film is actually quite moving: you'll despise Helen for hiding Emy's mail, and the film's final scene is remarkably tragic - certainly not what I expected.
What kind of film does "Emy Wong" aspire to be?
JohnnyOldSoul29 December 2005
From the promotional materials of the time, "The Sensuous World of Emy Wong" (better known by the unfortunate title "Yellow Emanuelle") one would think Bitto Albertini (aka Albert Thomas) was intending to churn out another soft-core romp, similar to the films of Joe D'Amato. However, after the opening montage around the seedier parts of Hong Kong, viewers finds themselves in the midst of a very different kind of film.
This is not unusual with Albertini's work. His legendary "Emanuelle nera/Black Emanuelle" (1975) was essentially a melodrama, with lots of soft-core fondling thrown in to attract the grindhouse crowd. Albertini concentrates more on dramatic tension and melodrama then his counterparts, with mixed results in most cases, including "Yellow Emanuelle." On one hand, you've got Ilona Staller (who later became on of the more off-the-wall figures of Italian porn) and Giuseppe Pambieri engaging in much (simulated) sleazy sex, accompanied by Nico Fidenco's pornoesque score. On the other hand, the romance between Chai Lee's Emy Wong and Pambieri seems to come from another film entirely. It's sensitively told, the actors really seem to believe in what they're doing, and their love scenes are beautifully shot (including one in an unfurnished bedroom that is just this side of art.) The drama works on some levels, Chai Lee creates a sympathetic heroine, although her plight (which I won't spoil for you) seems a little contrived and out of left field. The television version deletes the entire ending subplot (which, again, I won't spoil) and actually works better. The original theatrical ending seems hurried and contrived, so much so that it's intended effect is replaced by a giant "Huh?" from the audience.
All-in-all, the film is enjoyable and beautifully photographed. Those who prefer their sleaze a bit warmed-over but with *some* dramatic oomph will enjoy this picture. Those looking for something a bit more sordid may want to look elsewhere, perhaps to Joe D'Amato's huge catalogue of sexploitation.
This is not unusual with Albertini's work. His legendary "Emanuelle nera/Black Emanuelle" (1975) was essentially a melodrama, with lots of soft-core fondling thrown in to attract the grindhouse crowd. Albertini concentrates more on dramatic tension and melodrama then his counterparts, with mixed results in most cases, including "Yellow Emanuelle." On one hand, you've got Ilona Staller (who later became on of the more off-the-wall figures of Italian porn) and Giuseppe Pambieri engaging in much (simulated) sleazy sex, accompanied by Nico Fidenco's pornoesque score. On the other hand, the romance between Chai Lee's Emy Wong and Pambieri seems to come from another film entirely. It's sensitively told, the actors really seem to believe in what they're doing, and their love scenes are beautifully shot (including one in an unfurnished bedroom that is just this side of art.) The drama works on some levels, Chai Lee creates a sympathetic heroine, although her plight (which I won't spoil for you) seems a little contrived and out of left field. The television version deletes the entire ending subplot (which, again, I won't spoil) and actually works better. The original theatrical ending seems hurried and contrived, so much so that it's intended effect is replaced by a giant "Huh?" from the audience.
All-in-all, the film is enjoyable and beautifully photographed. Those who prefer their sleaze a bit warmed-over but with *some* dramatic oomph will enjoy this picture. Those looking for something a bit more sordid may want to look elsewhere, perhaps to Joe D'Amato's huge catalogue of sexploitation.
Yellow Melodrama!
dekkard89 June 2005
This Hong Kong filmed potboiler packs in more melodrama than week's worth of 'The Young & The Restless'. This one is more of a throwback to the original 'Emmanuelle' trilogy(especially 'Goodbye Emmanuelle') than a D'Amato sleazefest. Chai Lee(Emy Wong)undergoes a stunning transformation from dour nurse to hot-to-trot streetwalker. Future Italian porn star/politician, Illona Staller, who would later go by the name Ciccolina(and have sex with an HIV positive John Holmes) plays Emy's competition. Exotic locales and some decent soft-core scenes round this one out. Recommended for fans of the original 'Emmanuelle', of which I am one!
One of the best...
Falconeer11 July 2006
Warning: Spoilers
Before seeing this, I was merely expecting another mediocre soft core copy of the much imitated "Emmanuelle" series starring Sylvia Kristel. It was really surprising how good this one turned out to be. It actually has a story, and it is very romantic indeed. What makes 'Yellow Emanuelle' so good is it's leading heroine, the beautiful and exotic Chai Lee. She plays her character, Emy Wong so sweetly, that the viewer just has to feel something for her when her dreams crash down around her. Emy Wong is a much-respected doctor, statuesque, with a regal quality. She comes from an important old family, where ancient customs are still practiced. Emy will remain a virgin until she is married, to a man she has never met. The beautiful doctor seems OK with this arranged marriage. It is simply how it is done in her world. However she does not plan on meeting and falling in love with the British pilot who ends up under her care in the hospital where she works. Emy decides to do away with custom, and she gives herself to her Western man. But only after a very long courtship, as Doctor Wong is anything but an easy woman. Her pilot, George, is a good guy, and promises to marry Emy, so that she doesn't lose her respectability and place in her rigid society. Neither one counts on a third party, one Ilona Staller, who destroys their relationship through a series of vicious games. Emy is made to believe that she has been abandoned by her man, that he only played a game with her in order to sleep with her. Her place in society is gone, she has been debased. The film takes a surprisingly dramatic and depressing turn as this proud, elegant woman gives up her career, as well as a sweet relationship with her caring father, and succumbs to a life of drinking and prostitution. I was surprised to find myself so engrossed in this operatically tragic tale. I was on the edge of my seat when George blows back into town, and unknowingly walks into a hotel where his beautiful Emy is working as a prostitute! Classic drama. I imagine many viewers were a bit frustrated by all this drama. One would expect lots of sex and nudity here, but there is not much. And when there is, it is totally non-exploitative, and very artsy and soft-core. If you are a fan of the first Emmanuelle, with Sylvia Kristel, than you most likely will appreciate this, lesser known classic. I was especially impressed by the extra attention to details. The whole segment where Emy takes George to her fathers house on the island is really nice. Her father shows George, and the viewer his impressive collection of Bonzai trees. He has a whole miniature forest built out of these amazing trees. Totally unexpected. After catching it on late night cable TV years ago, I spent much time searching the internet for a copy of the film. When i finally got it i found that the video version was longer. More sex? No, more melodrama. For the DVD release there is a subplot about George suddenly keeling over with some unknown deadly disease! I actually preferred the cable version better. I am glad that this rare gem has been released finally on DVD. I must also mention the beautiful cinematography and the bizarre and catchy 70's soundtrack. While watching this one you just get the feeling that you are watching something very rare, and quite special. I recommend it to thoughtful viewers who don't need sex and violence to maintain their interest.
P.S. If someone out there owns the original version that used to play on late night cable, the one without the stupid tacked on ending about George dying of some silly disease out of the blue, please PM me..thanks!
An absolutely beautiful film for its time
sinnerofcinema13 January 2019
The actors are great and the story is gripping for soft core of the time. I could not stop watching. It could use more in the erotic side because I was so invested into the actors I wanted be there with them in their intimate moments as well. This is a grand prize for soft core. Seek it out. Loved the film very much!
Not your standard lowbrow sexploitation fare
Woodyanders6 May 2009
Warning: Spoilers
Handsome and dashing British airline pilot George Taylor (a solid portrayal by Guiseppe Pambieri) gets beat up by thugs after a wild night in Hong Kong. George meets and falls in love with the sweet and virginal Dr. Emy Wong (a fine and charming performance by the lovely Chai Lee). George regains his health and goes back to work. When Emy fails to hear from George for a lengthy amount of time, she succumbs to despair and becomes a prostitute. While director/co-writer Bitto Albertini does indeed deliver a satisfying amount of the expected tasty nudity and steamy soft-core sex, this film is anything but your routine wallow in leering sleaze. Instead it's a surprisingly thoughtful, touching and tragic love story between two well drawn and highly appealing characters (Chai as Emy Wong is especially radiant and endearing). The picture starts out bubbly and cheerful, but the tone radically shifts into a more grim and harsh mood about two thirds of the way through. Emy's descent into vice after she falsely assumes that George has abandoned her is bleak and upsetting; ditto the remarkably sad and heartbreaking surprise bummer ending. Granted, the narrative is certainly melodramatic, but never too silly or trashy. Moreover, the sex scenes are quite tasteful and even genuinely erotic. Notorious Italian porn star Ilona Staller has a nice sizable supporting part as George's jealous and uninhibited secretary Helen Miller. Guido Mancori's polished cinematography offers many strikingly gorgeous shots of the exotic locations. Nico Fidenco's funky, throbbing score hits the groovy spot. Worth a look for those seeking something different.
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