With Liu Fendou's Ocean Flame about to have its North American premiere as part of the Toronto International Film Festival interest is running high on the unusual underworld drama. Produced by Simon Yam - who also has a support role - the film tells the story of one of the most wildly dysfunctional romantic relationships possible. Here's how TIFF describes it:

Recently released from prison, shameless blackmailer Yao relives the story of how he came to meet and fall in love with Li Chuan, a waitress at a quaint beachfront coffee shop. Pulling her out of her simple existence, Yao quickly lures Li Chuan into his criminal world, forcing her to join his prostitution ring in order to keep him in her life. As romance gives way to jealousy and heartache, Yao’s actions lead to fatal consequences – consequences he must desperately find peace with so many years later.

Yes, that's what you should do with someone you love: turn them into a prostitute. Ouch. The film has drawn a Cat III rating in Hong Kong so you know it's not pulling back from the difficult material and the English subtitled trailer is looking impressive. Take a look at it below the break.