3 Extremes (2-Disc Special Edition) [Import]

I actually sat down to watch this DVD without knowing that it was a trilogy of horror tales, so it was a bit of a surprise to see the credits for the first segment start rolling and to have watched the climax of that first story without knowing it was the conclusion. But the description of the movie that came with the disc only talked about the first story and helped perpetuate my error. In point of fact, "Three Extremes" ("Saam gaang yi") is a trilogy of horror stories from three Asian directors from three different countries. This might not be everybody's cup of tea, especially when it comes to their taste in horror, but this certainly is an improvement over most of the horror anthologies we had to endure during the 1960s and 1970s. What you need to know is that it going beyond what we have seen in the past, some viewers will find this film goes too far.

The short that will push limits and buttons alike is the first one, "Dumplings," directed by Hong Kong's Fruit Chan. It takes a familiar theme in horror shows, the desire of a woman to maintain her looks and youth. Ching (Miriam Yeung Chin Wah) was a television star and while we would think she is still attractive, she is no longer working and has no doubt it is because she is losing her looks. So she seeks out Mei (Ling Bai) who makes dumplings in her crowded apartment and who maintains they are the secret to her own youthful appearance, because she claims to be a whole lot older. So Ching tries the dumplings, and, damn is they do not appear to be working. That means more dumplings, but the process is too slow for Ching and she is willing to try something more drastic, so Mei says she will see what she can do. Now I could let you know more about what else Mei does in her little apartment and what he secret ingredient turns out to be, but it might shock you, offend you, and possibly make you physically ill. But, hey, that is what peole WANT in a horror film, right? In that regard Fruit Chan comes up with a situation that will truly horrify you and a final scene that could well make you close your eyes and vow never to take a bath as long as you live. You will not forget this one and you might not forgive the director.

Next up is "Cut," by the Korean director Chan-Woo Park ("Oldboy"). A director (Byung-hun Lee) of horror films wakes up on his set to discover that his wife (Hye-jeong Kang), a pianist has her fingers super-glued to the keys of a piano. On the couch sits a young child who has been bound and gagged, while the director finds himself at the end of a tether that restricts his movements as to what he can and cannot reach. This strange situation has been created by a stranger (Won-hie Lim), who has appeared in all five of the director's films, and hates the director because he is everything the stranger is not. The stranger's goal is to bring the director down to his level by forcing the man to do something evil. Again, telling you what he want the director to do would be giving away too much of what happens, but the multiple meanings of the title given the circumstances will point you in the right direction. Suffice it to say that things get bloody, a lot bloodier than the first story, and even then it is not over.

Finally, there is "Box," from the Japanese director Takashi Miike ("Audition"). Given his track record (the "Dead or Alive" trilogy), the biggest surprise on this DVD might well be the restraint and almost surreal approach he takes in telling this tale, because after the first two I was not sure what sort of horror show was being saved for last. The story is about a novelist, Kyoko (Kyoko Hasegawa), who is having nightmares about what we assume is her past. Once upon a time there were twin girls, Kyoko (Mai Suzuki) and Shoko (Yuu Suzuki), who worked in a sort of magic act with their stepfather (Atsuro Watabe). The girls were contortionists, who would fold themselves into small boxes. Darts are thrown at the boxes to make them spring open and reveal flowers where the girls had been. But the stepfather, who cares more for Shoko, albeit in clearly disturbing and ominous ways, makes young Kyoko jealous. So she comes up with what may or may not be a bit of childlike payback that has fatal results. Now as an adult, Kyoko is not only having recurring nightmares, but she has also received a letter telling her to return to the circus for a reunion. The ambiguity of the situation, where she could be just dreaming or totally insane, is hardly resolved by the ending of this one.

I have discovered two interesting things about "Thee Extremes" now that I have actually watched the film. First, "Dumplings" was originally a complete film on its own that has been cut down to less than half its original length for this exported version. Second, Lions Gate changed the order of the segments for the U.S. version. Originally it was "Box," and then "Dumplings" followed by "Cut." That would certainly make a difference to viewers. I have to say that starting with the least offensive tale rather than the one that could compel viewers to hit the eject button on their DVD players is an interesting tactic to take. But I take some small measure of comfort in noting how many people knowing full well that the opening segment could be too much for some viewers still refrain from letting the cat out of the bag and allowing others to make up their own minds.

First off, if you've seen the original "THREE", do not use that viewing experience to pass judgement onto THREE...EXTREMES (aka. THREE 2). Trust me...these film shorts go leaps & bounds beyond the original. I promise.

With that said, let's get on with it shall we..?

THREE 2 is headed by some of the leaders of modern-asian film, and they do lead us indeed. Miike gives us a calmer version of himself with excellent non-linear storytelling, while Park Chan Wook is as filled with vengeance & revenge as ever. And Fruit Chan..? Let's just say that you may want to skip the "midnight snacks" when venturing into Chan's twisted little world of chinese cuisine.

This film has yet to be released in North America, but it is on the horizon. So if you're not comfortable with ordering from Hong Kong, then you may have to wait a month or so...but it will be worth the wait (especially since there are no features on the original imported disc).

But do not let this show pass you by. I've viewed these stories well over a dozen times, and have introduced many to the unorthodox marvel of Asian film. They will never go back, now...and neither will you.

Buy it.
Watch it.
Watch it again with friends.

DO IT NOW...ADD IT TO YOUR CART & BUY..!!!

** Note: If you are interested, Fruit Chan also has a full-length version of the DUMPLINGS storyline; though I do not think that it will see a North American release.

It consists of three stories each by independent directors from China, Korea, and Japan. The first one (called "Dumplings") is simply disgusting, but what makes it impressionable is that its storyline goes through different levels that one gets the impression that the disgusting part of the film is nothing more than an accessory, a method that puts you in the right frame of mind and creates the kind of tension that makes you think. I was hanging on to the arm of my couch for the duration of this segment.

Also, "Dumplings" has a full-length version as part of this 2-DVD set - very worth watching.

The second segment (called "Cut") is simply brilliant and with a lot of symbolism. I would consider this more of a disturbing art film rather than a horror film Yes, there is dancing too (and well done). It explores Evil, and the way it portrays how we are held by a kind of "rubber band" that stretches and prevents us from going too far is simply brilliant.

The last segment (called "Box") deals with guilt. It is one of those films where you cannot distinguish between reality and fantasy. Which is the dream and which is the real world? I love films like that! The revelation at the end is disturbingly powerful.

If one is a film buff or has any sense of artistry in them, I would highly recommend this film. For those used to "Hollywood" you might find a hard time. It does require you to think and, in my case, for days. Regardless, I will say that once you see it, you will never forget it.