Search for the Snow Leopard – Adam & Eve – Director – Nick Orleans – Cast – Asia Carrera, Ashton Moore, Stephanie Swift, Cheyenne Silver, Steven St. Croix, Lexington Steele, Mark Davis, Randy Spears and more.
It’s hard to believe that twenty five years have passed since this extravagant award nominated and winning production was released. Lavish in every way with a huge cast of performers, exotic locales, great special effects, some incredible sexual scenarios and a total mainstream look and feel. It was film that garnered a lot of critical acclaim in and out of the industry. When I did the original review back in August 1998 for NightMoves I mentioned this would be not only an award nominee but winner as well. When you talk about classic porn from each decade, I consider this a film as a 1990’s “porn classic”.
There are a couple of connecting stories within the framework and structure of this film and fit in well with the main plot. The story centers around Eve Taggart (Asia Carrera) who is a scientist and researcher for a university who studies the endangered snow leopards. She is sent off to Bardot, a foreign country where there are some snow leopards. Upon her arrival she hooks up with a guide Shirkahn (Steven St. Croix) who knows the dangers she could face, not only the leopards but the poachers as well. It is tough country but after getting settled in she is ready to get her mission underway. How Eve manages to get around all the dangers that are surrounding her research adds even more to the story. When it comes to the sex in the film there are nine sex scenes that range from sensual and romantic to all out down and dirty. There are a couple of flashback scenes as well to add more to the story, one involving Eve’s father Walter (Mark Davis) trying to bribe a customs agent (Stephanie Swift). More about that further down. There is also a scene where Eve and her associate Sara (Ashton Moore) come across an altar and suddenly ten goddesses appear out of thin air and what takes place is definitely eye catching. There is also an orgy scene tossed into this film that plays off pretty well with some sizzling sexual happenings.
Still with all the sex, the main plot and story line is the main focus of the film. There are a couple of goofs in the film and one in particular. It is in a flashback when Walter Taggert is talking about his daughter Eve and the work she is doing with snow leopards. From the settings and surroundings it looks like the 1940’s which means Eve would be in her 60’s and Asia and her character were far from that age. Yeah, I’m a stickler for detail and I am sure most would not even notice. That aside, the entire structure and direction of this big budget production is very well done by Nick Orleans and his crew. It is one of those films that if the hardcore was reduced to an “R” level it would work well as a mainstream movie.
There is so much to like here beginning with the very large and competent cast who bring a lot of realism and believability to this project with better than average acting chops. The settings and backgrounds are incredible, the costuming is spot on, the music is some of the best I have heard for a porn film, the special effects are exceptional and the cinematography is pinpoint sharp and clean allowing for some eye catching visuals of the action, both sexual and non sexual. No wonder it received an AVN award for Best Cinematography. Then there is the sex, nine scenes worth that will keep you excited and Ms. Carrera is at the top of her game (She and James Bonn won the AVN award for Best Couples Sex Scene). There is a lot of variety when it comes to the sexual encounters that take place throughout the film. And yes, we do see some absolutely beautiful snow leopards.
Clocking in at a little over two hours it is definitely a couple’s oriented film that is perfect for a rainy night, or any night for that matter. If you are looking for something classic from back in the day, then I strongly recommend getting hold of this beautifully done production from Adam & Eve. It will certainly stir your senses in many ways.
A side note: When you look at the entire cast of this film, many of them award winners, not one performer is still connected to the industry today.
Art Koch, National Features & DVD Editor, NightMoves Magazine and AAN
