review by Shira
Dumplings 2004
Watched Oct 02, 2012
Shira’s review:
Fruit Chan's expanded version of the "Dumplings" vignette from the move "Three Extremes." Fascinatingly disturbing look at the price some will pay for youth. Eerily shot, giving you just glimpses and hints at first into just how twisted and macabre these "black market" dumplings filled with the youthful rejuvenating power of aborted human fetuses are. Bai Ling seems so strange in real life that her portrayal of Aunt Mei was entirely realistic. Cannibalism and abortions and incest - OH MY. It makes me feel weird to say that I enjoyed this film - but I did, very entertaining if you can stomach it.
I understand the ending in this film is different than the one in "Three Extremes" so now I want to see that too.
I enjoyed this film to but I gotta say I damn near puked on several occasions. I can see all the blood and gore in the world and it doesn't make me sick, but show me somebody eating something nasty or fucked up and my stomach starts to turn.
When Mrs. Li goes to try the dumpling for the first time and it falls on the floor because she gags, I'll admit I didn't know if I could watch the rest, but I powered through! I'm with you though - in fact when Mrs. Li stepped on the eggs and then killed the baby chick, that had more of an affect on me than anything!
Yeah I agree. For me it's one of those films where I had the stink eye look on my face the whole time I was watching it. It really is a disgusting film, but like you said if you can stomach it it's actually pretty good.
I definitely had the same look on my face and my hand over my mouth the entire time. I'm going to watch Three Extremes as well, I want to see the alternate ending and the 2 other horror vignettes.
Yeah I haven't seen Three Extremes yet because I had the option of watching it or watching the expanded version of Dumplings so I chose the Latter. I do want to see the other two vignettes though.
I'll await your review!