Three Extremes is an interesting flick consisting of three short films, of roughly forty-five minutes each. None of the movies are connected in any way. In-fact they are directed by three different directors. Dumplings is the first, directed by Chan Fruit, the second is called Cut, directed by Chan-Wook Park, and finally the reason I was drawn to this flick in the first place, the amazing Takeshi Miike does Box.

Dumplings is a slow paced (much like many Asian features) film that slowly makes your jaw drop. A middle aged Asian actress knocks on an apartment door and inquires about these famous dumplings which are prepared by the occupant of the apartment. I have to admit, the first twenty minutes or so are awfully boring and you really have to pay attention to get the full effect of this movie. But you will find yourself very disturbed once you finish it. This one is not for everyone, but if you’re a fan of extreme Asian cinema, this one is right up your alley.

Cut is more of a mindfuck flick that doesn’t take as much time getting into the story. It starts off on the set of a vampire movie. The story then follows the director of the movie back to his home where he finds his wife is being held on her piano by a contraption not seen since Strangeland. This is another flick that you really have to pay attention to, to really understand and appreciate the end. I think this is the lesser of the three stories, although it contains the most blood. The story kind of lost me a little while due to its complexities. I think if Park kept this story a little more simple, it would have been more effective.

Box is the superior of the stories, Takeshi Miike really focused on stillness and silence in this masterpiece. Most American directors can not get away with such a film that I consider a work of art. This starts off with a woman waking up from a dream where she was being buried alive in a box. Half of this feature is in flashback/dream and the only criticism I would give this movie was the fact it was kind of hard to determine if this was present or a dream or a flashback or what. But the flashbacks consist of two very young girls who are assistants to a magician in a very creepy, isolated circus in Japan. A tragic accident happens to one of the twin girls and this is where the movie becomes incredibly creepy.

The visuals and silent aspects of this feature are really affective. Words really cannot describe or give this movie any justice. This is a must see. I don’t care of you’re a fan of Asian horror or not, do yourself a favor and give this one a chance. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.