Near the beginning of the Tang dynasty, in 7th century China, General Shi Yan-sheng is tricked into leaving the crown prince unguarded. The crown prince is murdered by one of his brothers ...
See full summary »
Add our editors' Netflix movie and TV picks to your Watchlist, including "Bridgerton," David Fincher's Mank, and more.
User Lists
Related lists from IMDb users
Share this Rating
Title: Temptation of a Monk (1993)
Want to share IMDb's rating on your own site? Use the HTML below.
6 wins & 13 nominations.
See more awards »
Edit
Cast
| Credited cast: | |||
| Joan Chen | ... | Princess Hong-e - Scarlet / Qing-shou - Violet | |
| Hsing-Kuo Wu | ... | General Shi Yan-sheng / Jing-yi | |
| Fengyi Zhang | ... | General Huo Da | |
 |
Ming-Yang Li | ... | The Abbot |
| Lisa Lu | ... | Shi's Mother | |
| Rest of cast listed alphabetically: | |||
| Teddy Robin Kwan | ... | Soldier | |
Edit
Plot Summary
|
Add Synopsis
Storyline
Near the beginning of the Tang dynasty, in 7th century China, General Shi Yan-sheng is tricked into leaving the crown prince unguarded. The crown prince is murdered by one of his brothers who then becomes emperor. Shi retreats to a monastery, perhaps to hide, perhaps to plan a coup. When his loyal troops as well as the princess he desires are slain, he seeks refuge in a remote, abandoned monastery where an aged abbot schools him with practical, earthy teachings. The emperor's forces pursue Shi: first a woman, then a general seek to overpower him with lust and might. Over the course of the film, the reds of battle give way to blues of meditation. Written by <jhailey@hotmail.com>
Certificate:
See all certifications »Parents Guide:
View content advisory »
Edit
The Abbot: So noisy! Even the birds can't sleep! Didn't you want peace?
Shi Yan-sheng: I want to say the evening prayers.
The Abbot: Go sleep in your room!
Shi Yan-sheng: I can't sleep, my heart's not at peace.
The Abbot: Go find something to eat!
Shi Yan-sheng: Not hungry.
The Abbot: You don't eat, tummy's empty, heart's not!
See more »
Did You Know?
Quotes
Shi Yan-sheng: [says the evening prayer]The Abbot: So noisy! Even the birds can't sleep! Didn't you want peace?
Shi Yan-sheng: I want to say the evening prayers.
The Abbot: Go sleep in your room!
Shi Yan-sheng: I can't sleep, my heart's not at peace.
The Abbot: Go find something to eat!
Shi Yan-sheng: Not hungry.
The Abbot: You don't eat, tummy's empty, heart's not!
See more »
Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.
Edit
See full technical specs »
Details
Country:
Hong KongRelease Date:
25 August 1995 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
Temptation of a Monk See more »Company Credits
Show more on
IMDbPro »
Although I have quite a lot knowledge of Chinese history, it does not help me understanding any part of this film. All the actors behaved strangely, seems to me that they were born on another planet. For example, no one answers other people's questions directly. The mood of this film overall is stressful, non-interesting.