Ang Lee Movie Prompts Virus Threats In China

New York, NY (CNS) - Ang Lee's latest film "Lust, Caution," has prompted a serious online virus threat in China that officials say come embedded with hundreds of downloadable versions of the film. Set in Shanghai during the World War II-era, the film tells the story of a Chinese woman who is recruited to seduce and kill a married enemy collaborator.

According to local news media, hackers are planting viruses on Websites that provide online video or download services of "Lust, Caution," and could infect personal computers if users attempt to download the movie or even click the link.

Computers that encounter the virus will be left with a blank screen and users may even lose their on-line game accounts, security software producer Rising told Xinhua new agency.

Another issue that has made the movie talk of the town is its explicit sex scenes. The film was given NC-17 by the Motion Picture Association of America and Chinese officials cut some seven minute of the movie showing on-screen sex before releasing it to the mainland theaters.

"Lust, Caution" is based on a short story, of the same title, by the famed Chinese author Eileen Chang. It received its world premiere at the Venice film festival and was released to U.S. theaters on Sept. 28.