Playing on the ancient Indian text, the Kama Sutra, The Carnal Sutra Mat (1987) suggests an adult film focused on exploring various sexual positions, techniques, and the art of lovemaking, albeit likely in a much more explicit and less philosophical manner than the original text. The “Mat” might refer to a specific prop used in the film or simply be part of the playful title. The narrative could involve characters learning or teaching sexual techniques, perhaps guided by a modern interpretation of the Kama Sutra, leading to demonstrations of diverse positions and practices. The Carnal Sutra Mat likely aims to offer variety and perhaps an educational veneer (however thin) to its explicit content, appealing to viewers interested in exploring different facets of sexual activity. The 1987 release date places it in the mid-to-late 80s video market, where thematic concepts like this were used to structure and market adult features.
Before Michael Mak’s Sex And Zen became a cult favourite in the ’90s, there was Ho Fan’s Yu Pui Tsuen (The Carnal Prayer Mat, 1987). But without sex bomb Amy Yip, coarse humour or lesbian love affairs, Yu Pui Tsuen had to rely on the nudity and sex from his cast of relative unknowns to save the day. When a young man dreams that he drowns after a night of carnal passion, he asks a buddhist monk to translate the experience for him. The monk replies that the dream is a warning not to indulge the pleasures of the flesh to excess, but the man ignores his advice, marrying a virgin and making love to her constantly. However, after several torrid affairs, the man begins to realise the sagacity of the monk’s warning.
