Three Extremes (aka Three Monsters) (2004) (DVD)

Take three of the most talked about independent directors in Asia, stir in a bit of evil, and what do you get? An exceptional collection of deliciously disturbing short films.

In "Three Extremes", Japan's Takashi Miike, China's Fruit Chan, and South Korea's Chan-wook Park each offer a peek at the darker side of humanity.

In Chan-wook Park's "Cut", Korean movie star Lee Byung-Hun plays a director whose life changes at the hands of a bitter acquaintance. It's darkly humorous in the vein of (but not nearly as good as) Park's masterpiece "Old Boy". Park's short touches on adultery, relationships, regret, fame and childhood memories - as well as featuring amputation, torture, child abuse, and a crazy set - as Lee and his kidnapper spar until the shocking (but not altogether satisfying) end.

Next, Takashi Miike ruminates on envy in the fantastic looking but slow-moving "Box". The beautiful Kyoko Hasegawa plays a novelist who can't escape her murderous past. The idea behind this short is great, but Miike's approach is uncharacteristically art house-esque. Not only does "Box" creep along at a slug's pace, it also jumps from dream to reality so much that at a certain point, you might give up trying to figure out which is which. The ending is extremely unsatisfying. That said, "Box" is so darkly beautiful (if not coherent) that it's worth a view.

The most potentially controversial short is Fruit Chan's "Dumplings". Bai Ling is wonderful as a Mei, a cook-cum-abortionist renowned for her age-reversing dumpling. The food's magical powers come from the addition of a grisly ingredient. Neglected by her husband (Tony Leung), aging film star Ching (Miriam Yeung) seeks out Mei and her special secret recipe. The scenes of Ching munching on the oddly crunchy dumplings (the person who did the sound during the eating scenes should either be given a big raise or fired, I'm not sure which) are sure to have you squirming in your seat. A comment on human vanity, "Dumplings" is pure black humor and gore that will have you laughing with your hand clasped over your mouth.

"Three Extremes" is a worthy collection not just because it features three well-made Asian short horror films, but also as an introduction to these very talented directors. If you enjoy this disc, check out Takashi Miike's "Audition" and Chan-wook Park's "Old Boy".

"Three Extremes" is available on DVD in both a Hong Kong and Korean import. If your favorite DVD store doesn't carry it, try Poker Industries Asian DVD Store.