Overview
FROM THE NIGHTMARES OF 3 HORROR MASTERS.
An Asian cross-cultural trilogy of horror films from accomplished indie directors: Dumplings, directed by Fruit Chan of Hong Kong, Cut directed by Park Chan-Wook of Korea, and Box directed by Miike Takashi of Japan.
Review
Three Extremes is a 2004 anthology horror film that consists of three separate segments directed by three different Asian filmmakers: Fruit Chan, Takashi Miike, and Park Chan-wook. Each segment explores different themes and styles of horror, but all share a focus on extreme violence, psychological terror, and the darker aspects of human nature.
The first segment, directed by Fruit Chan, is titled “Dumplings” and follows a former actress who seeks out a mysterious chef known for making rejuvenating dumplings. However, she soon discovers the horrifying secret ingredient in the dumplings. As for extremes, this was the only one of the three I felt even knocked on the door to being truly extreme. Yes, there was a knock, but really no answer.
The second segment, directed by Park Chan-wook, is titled “Cut” and tells the story of a successful film director who is kidnapped by a disgruntled extra and forced to participate in a sadistic game of revenge and torture. This one was just bizarre and really not that engaging.
The third and final segment, directed by Takashi Miike, is titled “Box” and follows a young woman haunted by disturbing childhood memories and visions of her dead twin sister. As she delves deeper into her past, she uncovers a shocking truth about her own identity. Among all three in this anthology, I felt this was the best overall film, but really a weak entry into a project of extremes. It felt more like quiet horror.
Overall, I just felt Three… Extremes was sub-par and nothing special. Everything seemed watered down like it was cut for commercial television…no nude scenes, the violence was really subdued and the lack of extreme horror is puzzling.
Rating: ★½ (out of 5)
