One of the unique features that has made Hong Kong cinema famous is its captivating 18+ films. These works not only attract audiences with their intriguing plots but also feature stunning, alluring actresses who leave an unforgettable mark on viewers’ hearts.
Among these names, some have become symbols, not just within Hong Kong but also renowned throughout Asia. Let’s take a look at four of the most notable 18+ actresses from Hong Kong, who have significantly contributed to the history of this film genre:
Chung Lee
When discussing the icons of Hong Kong’s 18+ film genre, Chung Lee is a name that cannot be overlooked. The actress, born in 1970, gained fame through her role in the film Jan Dara (Vietnamese title: Mẹ Kế).
Chung Lee portrays a seductive character who becomes the object of desire for her stepson, resulting in some daring scenes. However, the passionate moments in the film are not only provocative but also showcase Chung’s remarkable acting skills, receiving high praise from industry professionals.
In addition to Jan Dara, Chung Lee also starred in another film titled Samsara, which tells the story of Tashin, a monk who has decided to leave his quiet life to start a family. The pivotal character that influences his decision to change his life is Pema (played by Chung Lee), a beautiful girl from the countryside.
Besides her 18+ films, Chung Lee has left her mark on traditional cinema with notable works like Thần An, Thành hiệp 2, and Cân vệ Trung Nam Hải. She also appeared in the classic action film Heaven Dragon Bait in 2003, playing a character named Khang Mẫn.
Thư Kỳ
Like Chung Lee, Thư Kỳ is also a prominent symbol of Hong Kong’s 18+ film industry. Born into a modest family, she initially struggled to find her footing in the entertainment industry. Thư Kỳ began her career by appearing in adult magazines and eventually transitioned to 18+ films.
Thư Kỳ notably starred alongside Kha Tuấn Hưng in the film Linh Hồn và Dục Vọng. In this film, Thư Kỳ has steamy scenes with Kha Tuấn Hưng. Initially, she portrayed her character as an actress, but it was later revealed that Kha Tuấn Hưng was accused of using her to pressure other actresses into uncomfortable situations, causing her to lose her composure.
Throughout her career, Thư Kỳ has signed contracts for six films with Kha Tuấn Hưng. However, after her first film, Linh Hồn và Dục Vọng, she faced challenges in the industry due to societal pressures. Fortunately, her appearance in the film Vương Tinh brought her a new ray of hope.
With Vương Tinh, Thư Kỳ was featured in the 18+ film Sắc Tình Nam Nữ, which helped her gain recognition as an outstanding actress at the Golden Horse Awards in 1997. This achievement marked an important turning point for Thư Kỳ, allowing her to escape the stigma of adult films and return to mainstream cinema after many years, becoming a leading actress today.
Diệp Ngọc Khanh
Diệp Ngọc Khanh is a notable actress from the 90s era in Hong Kong cinema. She began her career in the entertainment industry by participating in a beauty contest organized by ATV. Shining in the contest, Diệp Ngọc Khanh became a rising star, participating in numerous films but struggled to gain fame for six years.
To become a star, Diệp Ngọc Khanh decided to “strip off her inhibitions,” posing in seductive photoshoots and appearing in various 18+ films. Among her notable works are Hãy Chiếm Lấy Em, Người Đàn Bà Đẹp, and Khao Khát Thầm Kín, which gained significant attention and admiration.
With her rising fame, Diệp Ngọc Khanh returned to mainstream cinema and achieved considerable success. She impressed audiences with her performances in films like Ánh Trăng Trên Sân and Hoa Hồng Đen. These works allowed her to earn prestigious awards such as the Golden Horse Award and the Golden Plum Award.
Ôn Bích Hà
The final name on our list is Ôn Bích Hà. Born in 1966, she is known as one of the most prominent actresses in Hong Kong cinema. The character Tô Đắc Kỷ in the film Phong Thần Bảng in 2001 is one of her most recognized roles, which she is still remembered for today.
Unknown to many, Ôn Bích Hà also starred in 18+ films. She collaborated with Nhậm Đạt Hoa in the 1996 film Kinh Biên. In this work, Ôn Bích Hà had some very heated scenes. Despite her profession, she could not avoid the controversies surrounding her, leading her to leave her hometown for a while to avoid public scrutiny.
Currently, Ôn Bích Hà is not actively participating in the entertainment industry as much. However, audiences still remember her for her significant roles in various films, showcasing her talent in the industry. In the summer of 2025, Ôn Bích Hà is expected to make a comeback with the film 731.
