Star Showcase 2: Shu Qi

If you look up the words 'sexy' or 'sultry' in a pictionary (but it has to be one published in Hong Kong hehe), you'll see a photo of Taiwan-born actress Shu Qi right beside it.
Why not? This woman is the epitome of eroticism and sensuality - and she's proud of it. How do we know? From her virgin (pun intended) stints in softcore porn flicks SEX & ZEN II and VIVA EROTICA! (for which she incidentally picked up a pair of H.K. Film Awards) to her first Hollywood showing THE TRANSPORTER, the 29-year-old screen siren is particularly adept at inspiring (among hot-blooded men, of course) lust and libido.

For the record, I don't find Shu Qi exceedingly enticing. Is she hot? Somewhat, if not in the conventional sense. I much prefer Shu Qi the thespian to Shu Qi the sexpot. Sure, she's been in a myriad of mediocre movies, but remember, these movies suck in spite of her, not because of her.

5Shu Qi (right) clearly doesn't mind being SO CLOSE to her equally gorgeous compatriots Vicki Zhao (left) and Karen Mok (center).