Three… Extremes (2004)

Three… Extremes Poster
Original Title: 쓰리, 몬스터

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.

Title: Three ... Extremes

Release Date and Directors: "Three ... Extremes" is an East-Asian anthology scary film that was launched in 2004 and directed by 3 of the most accomplished contemporary Asian filmmakers: Fruit Chan from Hong Kong, Park Chan-wook from South Korea, and Takashi Miike from Japan.

Plot Overview: "Three ... Extremes" comprises 3 distinct, independent brief movies: "Dumplings", "Cut", and "Box". Regardless of their self-reliance, each brief showcases painful tales of horror that link components of mental and physical scary, making the anthology a special mix of gruesome narratives.

Dumplings (Directed by Fruit Chan): A childless, aging television actress Mrs. Li (Miriam Yeung) is desperate to restore her youth and vitality to recover her philandering other half's attention. She looks for the help of Aunt Mei (Bai Ling), a local chef understood for making dumplings with potent rejuvenation residential or commercial properties. The disturbing twist is the dumpling's main ingredient-- human fetuses. The narrative takes a turn when Mrs. Li discovers she's pregnant and contemplates a horrific choice.

Cut (Directed by Park Chan-wook): An unhinged extra (Lim Won-hee) kidnaps successful movie director Ryoo (Lee Byung-hun) and his better half, subjecting them to a sadistic game for vengeance and acknowledgment. The director is compelled to strangle a little kid, or else his wife will be completely tortured by the extra. It's a battle of moral extremities, pointing towards the weight of regret and obligation.

Box (Directed by Takashi Miike): The 3rd short informs the oblique and haunting tale of Kyoko (Kyōko Hasegawa), a novelist who is haunted by problems of her past. Her dreams expose her tumultuous youth, her training as a contortionist with her twin sister, their envious rivalry for their fitness instructor's love, and the terrible ending all culminating in a climax of self-realisation and satisfaction.

Vital Reception and Achievement: "Three ... Extremes" gained vital honor worldwide and broadened the reach of Asian horror cinema. It was applauded for its distinctive narrative design, the directorial prowess on display screen, and the performance of Bai Ling in specific. The film received numerous award nominations, including for Best Picture at the Hong Kong Film Awards.

Conclusion: In essence, "Three ... Extremes" is a cinematic exploration of the darkness that stays in human nature and the horrifying lengths individuals can go to please their inmost desires and worries. The anthology effectively blurs the line in between drama and scary, leading to an extraordinary experience for viewers who can swallow the extreme and graphic material. Regardless of the severe stories, the film ultimately informs a tale of humanity's battle with guilt, revenge, vanity, and competition.

Top Cast

  • Kyoko Hasegawa (small)
    Kyoko Hasegawa
    Kyoko (segment "Box")
  • Atsuro Watabe (small)
    Atsuro Watabe
    Yoshii / Higata (segment "Box")
  • Mai Suzuki
    Young Kyoko (segment "Box")
  • Yuu Suzuki
    Young Shoko (segment "Box")
  • Mitsuru Akaboshi
    Circus Member (segment "Box")
  • Miriam Yeung (small)
    Miriam Yeung
    Li Qing (segment "Dumplings")
  • Bai Ling (small)
    Bai Ling
    Mei (segment "Dumplings")
  • Pauline Lau
    Li's Maid (segment "Dumplings")
  • Tony Leung Ka-fai (small)
    Tony Leung Ka-fai
    Mr. Li (segment "Dumplings")
  • Meme Tian Pu-Jun
    Connie (segment "Dumplings")
  • Miki Yeung (small)
    Miki Yeung
    Kate (segment "Dumplings")