Gaau ji (2004)

Director:

Fruit Chan

Writer:

Lillian Lee (writer)

Release Date:

20 August 2004 (South Korea)

Genre:

Drama | Horror | Thriller

Plot:

In Hong Kong, Aunt Mei is a cook famous for her home-made rejuvenation dumplings, based on a millenarian...

Plot Keywords:

Rejuvenation | Black Comedy | Disturbing | Neglected Wife | Male Rear Nudity

Cast

Pauline Lau	...	Masseuse
Tony Leung Ka Fai	...	Mr. Lee (also as Mr. Li)
Bai Ling	...	Mei, the cook
Meme Tian	...	Connie (as Meme)
Miriam Yeung Chin Wah	...	Mrs. Lee
Miki Yeung	...	Kate

Also Known As:

Dumplings (Hong Kong: English title)

Runtime:

91 min

Country:

Hong Kong

Language:

German | Mandarin | Cantonese

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

France:-16 | UK:18 | Germany:18 | Sweden:15 | New Zealand:R18 | Australia:MA | Brazil:18 | Finland:K-18 | Portugal:M/18 | Argentina:18

Company:

Applaus Pictures Limited

Movie Connections:

Edited into Saam gaang yi (2004)

Beautifully shot and disturbingly interesting

"Dumplings" tells the tale of a former doctor, who operates a dumpling shop from her home with a secret youth creating ingredient. A former actress, past her prime seeks out this special food created by Aunt Mei in order to attract her adulterous husband's attention. Fruit Chan makes no attempt to imply or hide the secret ingredient from the audience, but rather lays out the premise from the beginning, while increasing the graphic details throughout the film. This film explores some disturbingly probable themes, especially how far people will go to reclaim their youth, and the emphasis society places on looking young. He manages to explore the repercussions of this quest for youth, while still leaving some details up to the interpretation of the viewer. The film is exquisitely shot, with some amazing angles and close-ups surrounded by beautiful cinematography, and set design. He manages to bring the viewer into the world of the characters making the theme all the more real and disturbing. Fruit Chan accomplishes this realism by juxtaposing Aunt Mei's blunt and complacent attitude with Mrs. Li's deterioration into desperation. Definitely not for the squeamish, or easily disturbed. To some this topic will be upsetting. However, for those who like something a little different, or fans of such directors as takashi miike or chan wook park, you will love it. I enjoyed it thoroughly.