Your life is characterized by the choices you make and the searing sexual melodrama Masseuse II, a stunner written by Neil Wexler, understands both that and many other human issues. In dealing with self-esteem, dysfunctional relationships and even alcoholism and taking risks with sex that pushes the envelope further than he ever has, Paul Thomas has created a very marketable sex film; among the best he's ever made.

With that, among an incredible number of fine performances, Ashlyn Gere has turned in a stunning, career-stopping acting performance that overshadows her award-winning roles in Chameleons and Two Women. As Gere has matured into one of the class veteran performers, with a reputation for reliability and great performances, she continues to be one of the sexiest women in porn. She remains the antidote to the fake-tit bimbo syndrome that permeates adult features and that makes her realistic portrayal of a sensual, but sad masseuse/prostitute simply tragic.

Masseuse II actually deals with two masseuses in parallel stories, both of which work. The sequel retains the tease element of the successful first feature, but that experimental film dealt simply with one elongated relationship between Hyapatia Lee and Randy Spears. Masseuse II delves further. Ashlyn tries to maintain a mysterious, secret relationship with Steve Drake, while looking for self-esteem as a hooker. Her friend at the massage parlor (played beautifully by the luscious Asia Carrera), believes that massage is an honorable profession, even as she blindly rekindles a destructive relationship with dry alcoholic ex-husband Steven St. Croix.

Gere's character progresses from flippant, sarcastic and seemingly happy to downright depressive, while Carrera gets stronger while sorting her life out. But along with these fascinating portrayals comes the stunning sex, all of it played out in a seductive, teasing way and developing into realistic, often raunchy, erotica.

Tremendous sexual tension permeates Asia's first massage scene with Tony Tedeschi, which culminates in her first hand-job as a masseuse. When she hooks up with St. Croix, the first-rate tease and masturbation leads to a tremendous hardcore sequence. She absolutely devours Leena with her mouth and double dildos (including two in Leena's pussy at the same time) in an interesting scene where Leena (as St. Croix's current girlfriend) wants to taste what St. Croix had dubbed, "the fuck of his life." The concept's as kinky as the sex is hot and Carrera can easily be crowned, in my opinion, the sexiest Asian performer in adult history. And this is her best performance so far.

Meanwhile, Ashlyn uses sex to improve her self-image, right until the film's stunning conclusion. Masseuse II boasts one incredible, strange sequence where customer Carl Radford fantasizes about being a woman. In fact, he wants to be Ashlyn. After Gere blows him, she straps on a large fake cock, which Radford skillfully swallows. Then Ashlyn fucks him up the ass before he fucks her — and we know we've witnessed a new (and improved) Paul Thomas. In yet another kinky moment, Ashlyn takes over sex duties in the parlor from Asia Carrera, when Randy West pushes Asia's envelope too far. West spanks his timid, submissive blonde wife and Ashlyn does West while the wife licks her ass. West fucks both Gere and his spouse, cums on Ashlyn's tits and forces the wife to lick it up.

While Ashlyn Gere turns in another amazing sexual performance that will surely get her nominated for Best Actress, Randy West revels in a role so low, so revolting, that "scumbag" seems a compliment. A nomination for him, as well.

Not enough can be said for the great performances, sex scenes, script and technical quality of this superb movie. Stores that don't carry product like Masseuse II, which is also being supported by a hot marketing campaign and box cover, shouldn't be in the adult video retailing business. One of the year's very best!