Three Extremes

Directed by: Fruit Chan, Park Chan Wook, Takashi MiikeStarring: Ling bai, Tony Leung Ka Fai, Byung Hung Li

Synopsis:Three tales of horror from three prominent Asian directors. In Fruit Chan’s “Dumplings”, a beautiful but vain ex-actress seeks out a woman who’s special recipe for dumplings can help you regain your youthful looks – but at a cost. In Park Chan Wook’s “Cut”, a film director and his wife are beset by a madman intent on forcing them to kill each other. In Takashi Miike’s “Box”, a young woman finally confronts her bizarre childhood as a circus performer – and the truth behind her twin’s death.

Review:

Fruit Chan’s Dumplings is such a taboo-breaking tour-de-force that the other two segments don’t really stand a chance. I was literally reeling in horror as I watched as the main character, Connie, begins eating the dumplings. And, as I was watching this with headphones on, I couldn’t fail to hear each and every crunch. If you haven’t guessed what the special ingredient is, I won’t spoil it but don’t say you weren’t warned. The story itself is well-told and ends on a really gross but inevitable note.

Whilst Fruit Chan will be “dining” on his success of Dumplings (which has been extended into a feature film), Park Chan Wook is already a hit on the international arthouse scene with his “Vengeance” trilogy and his vampire tale, Thirst. His segment bares a lot of resemblance to the sort of set-up the “Saw” movies have dwelt on – a seemingly “good” person forced to do despicable things in order to survive his ordeal. The “who”, “what” and “why” is dealt with early on, leaving Chan Wook with a room containing four people, one of who has her fingers taut in piano wire, ready to be severed...

Takashi Miike is one of Japan’s most prolific and entertaining film-makers. He is capable of churning out schlock as well as high art – often in the same film (Audition). He is also a master of the grotesque, which is what he aims for here with his tale of a young woman who used to be a circus contortionist. It is a very strange tale, full of bizarre imagery which makes the protagonist confront her past.

The only real problem with Three Extremes is that, in my mind, the three segments should be in a different order. It should start with Cut, then have Box in the middle, followed by Dumplings. In this way the two more memorable stories would both receive the appreciation they deserve.

Verdict:

With “Dumplings”, this trio of grizzly tales have earned the title of Extreme – even without really showing anything explicit. Park Chan Wook fans need to see his segment because it showcases his camera angles and storytelling, and Takashi Miike delivers something typically bizarre.

7 out of 10 (MikeOutWest)