Review:

Three... Extremes

Box, Dumplings, and Cut

Country: Japan, China, Korea
Year: 2004
Genres: Suspense, Horror, Noir, Drama, Cult

Horror/Suspense [4****]

As any other review will tell you.. these three are not very 'horrifying,' despite the reputation of two of today's best asian directors, Miike and Park. These are, though, very gory and graphic at times, as well as their plots centered around violence. So, as usual, don't expect anything to be held back. Despite the minimal usage of scary-looking objects and 'boo'-shots, more than ever there is a constant suspense throughout these films.

Individuality [5*****]

Wow, there isn't much more to say about the attention to detail and uniqueness of what each of these three 'shorts' put out. And together, they complement each other so completely. Especially Box and Cut. The cinematography, audio, visuals, acting, plots... it is all at such a high degree of excellence. I am completely amazed at how my high expectations of these directors and everyone who made these films have surpassed even themselves yet again.

Themes & Flashbacks [4****]

Each of the three films gives a somewhat significant and well implemented theme or comment. Most of them about the human mind. Saying any more is to ruin the movies, so I won't. Needless to say, though, and no matter how Extreme these stories go, we can all relate to their human emotions. That said, you probably won't get what it all means until the very end of each one. This is good and bad, depending on what your expectations of a movies consists. For me, it was a plus: to be able to think about and interpret the movies meanings and plots in many different ways. It is just very interesting. But, then again, who wants to walk out of here with a big question on their face?

Overall [4****]

I was very happy to see Park come though with another great one... since I had to watch Cut nearly 3 months after the rest. Miike is at his best since Audition, and that's saying something! They are very full and complex for the time limits on each. Dumplings is maybe drawn out more, but that's because I saw the more extended theatre-length version. Watching Dumplings in one night, and then Box and Cut together another night is highly recommended. Or one per night. But all three in one day may be too much. Oh yeah.. and you probably won't ever want to eat dumplings again after watching it.