Three…extremes – Saamgaang yi (2004)

Directed by: Fruit Chan, Park Chan-Wook, Miike Takashi | 125 minutes | horror | Actors: Bai Ling, Miriam Yeung, Lee Byung-Hun, Lim Won-Hee, Kyoko Hasegawa, Atsuro Watabe, Gang Hye-Jung

After seeing ‘Three…extremes’ you will look at rejuvenation cures, circus artists and pianists with completely different eyes. Three leading Asian filmmakers break through all kinds of taboos and present you with some shocking scenes. Not for the faint of heart, but die-hards can expect a spicy yet satisfying horror meal.

‘Three…extremes’ is a triptych. Famous directors like Park Chan-Wook, Fruit Chan and Takashi Miike have each screwed together and merged a half-hour film. The result is a varied mix of horror genres. Story one is Chan’s “Dumplings” in which an elderly woman desperately tries to maintain her youthful appearance. At any cost. The second part of this film consists of Park’s ‘Cut’ in which an arrogant cinematographer is put through the cracks by a sick serial killer. The final piece is Miike’s ‘Box’ in which twins are haunted by disturbing visions.

What is striking is that the camera work and the use of color in every episode are very beautiful. The films look very cheerful, despite the dismal content. Now don’t expect a standard slasherflick or ‘Ring’ clone. ‘Three…extremes’ consists of wicked stories without freaky ghosts or indestructible monsters. The film focuses on psychological horror in which taboos such as cannibalism, pedophilia, incest and the animalistic urge for violence are highlighted. Things that are horrific, but (can) happen right under your nose. Of course the stories are not presented too realistically, because that would be rather unbearable. But even in the current fairy tale form, the stories remain very intense.

Chan’s sinister “Dumplings” is the most impressive story. The colorful camera work and the strong acting make the already twisted story about eternal youth extra intense. Miriam Cheung plays a great lead role. Chan-Wook is less well on track. His ‘Cut’ is a kind of weak ‘Saw’ clone with an uninteresting killer. It won’t be exciting. The Japanese enfant terrible Takashi Miike does not disappoint with the disturbing ‘Box’. The film is astonishing, intriguing and difficult to digest. A typical Miike movie.

‘Three…extremes’ is an interesting film. It won’t be gross, but because of the heavily loaded subjects that the filmmakers tackle, the stories quickly get under your skin. Not light food, but nutritious. Although after seeing ‘Dumplings’ you will leave your meal for what it is.