Watch Three...Extremes
- 2003
- 2 hr 6 min
Three...Extremes is a horror anthology film that features three different segments directed by three acclaimed Asian filmmakers. The movie showcases the unique horror styles of each director, exploring their individual takes on fear and supernatural terror. The first segment, directed by Japanese director Takashi Miike, is entitled "Box." This segment tells the story of a young woman named Kyoko (played by Japanese actress Hye-jeong Kang), who is haunted by a particularly disturbing childhood memory involving her twin sister, Shoko. As Kyoko's eerie past comes back to haunt her, she begins to experience bizarre and inexplicable events, leading her to question her own sanity.
The second segment, "Dumplings," is directed by Hong Kong filmmaker Fruit Chan. This segment is a tale of a former actress named Mrs. Li (played by Chinese actress Bai Ling) who seeks out the help of a mysterious chef (played by Japanese actor Mitsuru Akaboshi) to make a special kind of dumpling that is rumored to have incredible anti-aging properties. As her obsession with maintaining her youth becomes more and more intense, Mrs. Li discovers the horrifying truth about the secret ingredient in the dumplings.
The third and final segment, "Cut," is directed by South Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook. The segment follows the story of a successful film director named Ryu (played by South Korean actor Byung-hun Lee) who is kidnapped and held hostage by an extra (played by South Korean actress Jung-ah Yum) who was recently fired from one of his productions. The extra demands that Ryu commit a series of increasingly violent and sadistic acts in order to secure his own freedom.
Throughout the film, each segment explores various themes of horror and fear, delving deep into the psyches of its characters and challenging them in unique and terrifying ways. The performances of each actor are riveting and powerful, conveying a range of emotions from anger and fear to desperation and despair.
The film's cinematography is also particularly noteworthy, with each segment showcasing a distinct visual style that perfectly complements the mood and tone of the story being told. Takashi Miike employs stark and haunting imagery to convey Kyoko's growing sense of unease, while Fruit Chan uses vibrant and colorful visuals to highlight the grotesque nature of Mrs. Li's quest for youth. Park Chan-wook's segment is shot in an almost theatrical style, creating an intimate and intense setting for Ryu and his captor's twisted game of cat and mouse.
Overall, Three...Extremes is a chilling and thought-provoking film that is sure to leave a lasting impression on viewers. With its sharp writing, strong performances, and striking visuals, it is an exemplar of what is possible when talented filmmakers are given the freedom to explore their individual visions of terror.
Three...Extremes is a 2003 horror movie with a runtime of 2 hours and 6 minutes.