三更
This film literally leaves a bad taste in one's mouth, but not because it's badly made - it's the subject matter that is rather, err, unpalatable. Director Fruit Chan certainly captures the theme of eternal youth in a manner that leaves a memorable impression, for after watching this film, you'll not soon forget it. I watched this years ago when it was first distributed and revisited it this afternoon. It remains as compelling as ever.
Chinese actress Bai Ling plays a dumpling maker whose services are in high demand because her dumplings are special. There is one unique ingredient that helps restore youth to the one who consumes the dumpling. A former TV star who was once in high demand desperately turns to Aunt Mei the dumpling maker, hoping to restore her fading beauty and save her crumbling marriage.
Despite the rather unsavory nature of this film, there is much to appreciate here: the sense of menace belying Aunt Mei's outwardly affable demeanor (she entertains her clients by singing Chinese songs of yesteryear), Mei's sinister visits to a local hospital known for its high abortion rate, and more. A couple of minutes into the film, the viewer gets clued in as to what the special ingredient for the dumplings are, and it is truly stomach churning. Beware: there are graphic images in this film, including one of an abortion.
Once you get past this, the story itself is riveting. Growing up in South East Asia, I used to hear about the atrocities committed in the name of beauty such as the practice of wearing special metal like objects under one's skin called "susuk" using black magic, and so this particular story is not really unusual in parts of Asia, despite its repugnant nature. It certainly is a thought-provoking film begging that perennial question, "What price beauty?"
Chinese actress Bai Ling plays a dumpling maker whose services are in high demand because her dumplings are special. There is one unique ingredient that helps restore youth to the one who consumes the dumpling. A former TV star who was once in high demand desperately turns to Aunt Mei the dumpling maker, hoping to restore her fading beauty and save her crumbling marriage.
Despite the rather unsavory nature of this film, there is much to appreciate here: the sense of menace belying Aunt Mei's outwardly affable demeanor (she entertains her clients by singing Chinese songs of yesteryear), Mei's sinister visits to a local hospital known for its high abortion rate, and more. A couple of minutes into the film, the viewer gets clued in as to what the special ingredient for the dumplings are, and it is truly stomach churning. Beware: there are graphic images in this film, including one of an abortion.
Once you get past this, the story itself is riveting. Growing up in South East Asia, I used to hear about the atrocities committed in the name of beauty such as the practice of wearing special metal like objects under one's skin called "susuk" using black magic, and so this particular story is not really unusual in parts of Asia, despite its repugnant nature. It certainly is a thought-provoking film begging that perennial question, "What price beauty?"
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