Due West

Due West from 2012 is an audacious and raunchy exploration of male sexual fantasies that intertwined with a smart socio-cultural commentary. The movie, directed by writer-turned-filmmaker Mark Wu, is situated in Hong Kong, featuring a panoramic spectrum of relationships characterized by evolving societal norms and perceptions about love, lust, companionship, and marriage.

The film unfolds around the life of the primary protagonist, Justin Cheung, who plays the role of Frankie Chow. Frankie is an integral part of the story, serving as the pivotal fulcrum that creates momentum and initiates the viewer into understanding the evolving dynamics of sexual taboos in Hong Kong society. Frankie navigates through his life with his two close friends; one of them, a confident, sexually adept connoisseur named Ng Ming Kuen, is portrayed by Gregory Wong. Ng Ming seems to foster a comparatively more casual approach towards relationships and female companionship. On the other spectrum, his second friend, a timid and shy counterpart, fits the comedic relief of the narrative and serves as the innocent bystander to the trio's exploits.

The plot of Due West is largely derived from Frankie's journey as he grapples with his sexual curiosity and the societal norms that he’s been conditioned to adhere to. His life takes an interesting turn when he chances upon an adult magazine from the western provinces known as "Due West". The magazine, laced with sultry and risque photographs and narratives, sparks a wave of newfound curiosity in him. The magazine serves as a catalyst, gradually transforming Frankie from a naive boy to a man, constantly seeking opportunities to fulfill his carnal desires and fantasies.

The story further intensifies as the trio embarks on a journey to the Due West. Here, an interesting fusion of comedy, drama, and a dash of love, lust, and friendship is woven skillfully into the narrative. The trio encounters an array of relationships and incidences, giving a candid look at the sexual tourism that works unreservedly in some parts of the world. The writers balance the graphic sexual content with an intriguing storyline that pokes at the sensitive societal norms, subtly questioning the morality of it all.

To say that Due West is loaded with sexual nuances would be accurate. Still, it would be important to note that the movie approaches it with a level of wit, humor, and honesty unusual for this genre. The characters are well-rounded, deep, and there's a complexity about them that drives the entire narrative. Frankie’s transformation throughout the movie offers insight into the mind and workings of a man exploring his sexual identity in a society that's in-cultural-transition.

Importantly, what sets Due West apart is its balance. While it delves fearlessly into the territories of explicit sexual content, it ensures these instances add value to the narrative, subtly pushing the boundaries of Hong Kong's film industry norms.

The cast of Due West, specifically Justin Cheung, Gregory Wong, and Mark Wu, bring a fresh perspective to the film through their acting prowess and commanding screen presence. Justin Cheung’s portrayal of Frankie is riveting and deeply compelling. His character’s journey from innocent curiosity to sexual exploration captures the audience's attention. Gregory Wong ensures an appealing and entertaining experience with his confident depiction of Ng Ming, leaving audiences amused and enthralled.

The movie concludes on an intriguingly layered note, reflecting the societal dynamics of Hong Kong society’s cultural perceptions regarding sex, companionship, and love. All in all, Due West is a brave, bold, and refreshingly honest film that explores the contemporary masculine psyche while providing commentary on sensitive aspects of societal norms and expectations. While it may be too bold and explicit for some, its honesty, wit, and engaging storytelling make it worth a watch.