Taiwanese art-house master Tsai Ming Liang, 48, had no problem with the controversy surrounding his latest film The Wayward Cloud.

Last week, he jokingly dared us to "promote my movie as pornography".

"We can't belittle the hum sup lo (perverts). They need entertainment and in the process, we can re-educate them," he told Today rather optimistically.

Lead actor Lee Kang Sheng, however, begs to differ.

"Yes, there are explicit scenes in the show," the soft-spoken Lee said. "But the film is about much more than that."

Lee, who had to bare it all for the role of a porn actor in The Wayward Cloud, still quivers at the thought that it would be anything but art for some viewers.

"I have to agree with Tsai. There's no doubt there would be hum sup lo in the theatre. But I can only hope they'll see things beyond my naked butt."

Lee said The Wayward Cloud is his most daring exhibit to date, which is hardly surprising.

In the movie, which is out now in cinemas, the 37-year-old actor enjoys simulated oral sex and several lengthy sex sessions. But it's the brief appearance of his pubic hair that surprises most people.

"I was against full nudity in the past. But I figure that if I want to be a professional actor, I shouldn't let this bother me and restrict my growth. I'll do it, as long as there is a good director and script," he said.

Of course, Lee knew he was in good hands.

He shares a close bond with Tsai, having been cast in all eight of his movies.

Tsai - who discovered him outside an illegal games arcade more than 14 years ago - even famously remarked that he would stop making films should Lee ever quit acting.

"He did say that," recalled Lee with a grin. "But I don't think that will happen. I like acting and will continue to do it. It's like Tsai is documenting my life."

Being known as Tsai's protege and muse, however, is a double-edged sword.

"He encourages me to take up other film-makers' deals. But such opportunities are hard to come by because they see me as Tsai's actor," he said.

"It doesn't matter. I'm also making inroads as a director. I made my first movie last year and am finalising the script for my next movie."

He did, however, admit that he does not have the full support of his family.

His 60-year-old mother doesn't watch his films at all.

"Like most people, she prefers to watch TV and Hollywood fare," said Lee, the younger of two boys. "She doesn't get my art-house movies. She says they're boring."

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