Dumplings (Gaau ji)

Oh the horror of Dumplings. The absolute horror.

Dumplings is a 2004 Hong Kong horror film, directed by Fruit Chan. The film is actually an expansion of a short segement from the compilation, Three... Extremes. I've had the honor of seeing both versions, and I must say that both are almost equally disturbing.

The plot revolves around Mrs. Lee, who believes she is less attractive than she once was and would like to rekindle her romantic relationship with her husband. A local chef, Mei, cooks her special dumplings which she says will revitalize her.

The film stars Bai Ling as Mei, Miriam Yeung Chin Wah as Mrs. Lee, Tony Leung Ka Fai as Mr. Lee, and Pauline Lau as the Masseuse.

Well, the movie is something to experience. The visuals are bizarre (not "The City of Lost Children" bizarre, just odd), and troughout the entire film there is an uneasy feeling that's provided thanks to the aforementioned visuals and due to the freakish audio used throughout the film. The sound really sets the mood and lets the viewer know that something is not right.

I guarantee that you'll sit there with your mouth wide open at least once during the film. And why am I hungry for gyoza?

*** out of *****