All language subtitles for Dumplings.2004.CHINESE.720p.WEBRip.x264

DUMPLINGS

HAIR SALON

Mrs. Li? Oh, you're so beautiful.

They say your dumplings
are the most expensive.

Of course! Please come in.

You've come at the right time.

The water is boiling,
I've been waiting for you.

Actually, I recognized you.

I often saw you on TV when
I first came to Hong Kong.

You were the best!

I quit acting a long time ago.

Please, have a seat.

Guess how old I am.

Sit over here, please.

Here.

Just take a guess, Mrs. Li.

I suppose...

You're in your thirties at most.

I'm much older than that.
They call me Aunt Mei.

But you don't have wrinkles.

And I have fair skin, too.

I'm my own best advertisement.

Your skin is great. I'm impressed.

My dumplings are worth it.

You get what you pay for.

Mrs. Li!

I'm putting in more cabbage for you.

I know you dislike chives
because of their strong flavor.

This cabbage is great.

I'll cut it fine, squeeze it dry,

and put more ginger in the filling, okay?

-You decide.
-Okay.

YUE MEI PAVILION

The Northerners always say,

"Good health comes from a nap
and good eats come from dumplings."

Dumplings have existed in China
for more than 1,400 years.

But the Southerners still say,

"It's just dough stuffed with meat.
Nothing special!"

I only use high-gluten flour

for texture and chewiness.

I knead it well,

until it is like a peeled egg.

Smooth, translucent, and soft.

Got to keep the filling from leaking out.

So that the juicy flavor
explodes in the mouth.

Here you go, Mrs. Li.

Eat while it's warm.

Take your time.

Baby, behave.

I eat this often. It's so nutritious.

Sometimes I put in soup,

sometimes it's minced
and steamed with citrus peel.

But adding the dumplings taste the best.

And they made me famous.

Baby...

It's a shame to discard this.

Wash it then bury it in the soil.

The flowers will bloom especially well.

Let me tell you,

all expensive cosmetics claim to
contain precious stuff like...

bird's nest, ginseng, pearl powder,
pollen, royal jelly, whatever.

Those are useless.

For women to rejuvenate,

you must start from the inside
for the best results!

Only my secret recipe can do this.

Mrs. Li.

While eating it, think of the results.
Don't think of what it is.

Let me sing you a song.

It's a custom of mine

to sing a song from my youth
after my customer eats.

Take it as entertainment.
Let me sing for you.

Clean up the kitchen.
There will be a fridge delivery tomorrow.

Bring me some soup the day after tomorrow.

Sir, may I go now to deliver
Mrs. Li her soup?

Mr. Li, you've been staying
in our hotel for months.

Don't you want to leave?

My house is still being renovated.

My dining set from Paris
is still in the warehouse.

It's too humid now and my
decorator refuses to work.

I'm fussy like him.

If things don't feel good to the touch,
I reject them.

Please behave, Mr. Li.

All right, let's behave.

I'll behave when I eat.

-You are naughty.
-It isn't breaking.

What is it?

Goodies.

Oh, my...

It looks disgusting.

-Try some?
-No, thanks.

Your soup, ma'am.

What did she say to Mr. Li?

Oh... I don't know.

RADIOLOGY

I went through so much to get these.

They've stepped up the surveillance here.

Because some paparazzi have shown up.

Hong Kong media is so nosy...

Don't come to pick up
for the next two weeks.

Even the locals can't get
ahold of this stuff.

We'll see.

-This is for you.
-Thanks.

-Did you recognize him?
-What? Who?

-Wang Shouyi.
-Wang Shouyi?

Why did you two break up?

It was long ago.

He loathed the one-child policy.

But I was aborting over ten fetuses a day.

That was 3,000 a year,
30,000 in ten years.

He was afraid that I would
have a cursed child

for all the deaths I caused.

-It was our national policy.
-Indeed.

I was only serving the people!

Indeed! Bye, then.

This way, ma'am.

-Put it through.
-Which one?

-The lunchbox.
-Okay.

Open it.

Ham and egg on rice?

Yes, lunch for my kid.

Ham and egg, plain rice.

-You may go.
-Thanks.

Thank you.

I didn't lie to you, trust me!

Shut up!

Anna!

Believe me, I didn't lie to you.

Stop following me!

Or I'll beat you up!

I taped these long ago because
I was so fond of you.

Enjoy!

Hello?

Fung!

Yes...

Is it raining in London?

Your mom said that you have
maxed out your credit card.

Who are you with? A girl? Girlfriend?

You're dating! Does your mom know?

Your mom said she still hasn't
seen your report card.

You did well to choose me as your sponsor.

I'll call you later.

Okay. Bye!

Dating at 13!

So it's puppy love! Your son?

Do I look that old?

You ever consider having children?

We are unable to. I don't know
whose problem it is...

Don't worry, you'll soon regain your youth

as well as the heart of your man.

Do you have more potent
stuff for faster results?

The best are those in
the 5th or 6th month.

Have to extract it by breaking
the water sac then slide it out.

It's covered by a layer of creamy fat.

The colors are defined. You can
even see the cranium.

Its tiny limbs would still
be moving around.

In the first trimester... only this small.

By the third trimester,
the meat would be too tough.

The 5th month is perfect, kitten-like.

So cute and so nutritious.

Let me show you.

This is it! 80 years old.

She ate exactly this and feels
18 years old again, check that out!

This is what I made the fillings with.

You're still afraid?

I was a doctor.

In China, only the best minds
could study medicine.

My forte was surgery with no bleeding.

So you've saved many lives.

You can say I cleansed them.

Face it, we all have different
fates that we can't escape.

We must treasure our time here
and live the best we can.

Honey?

I'm at your favorite bakery.

Want some custard tarts?

-I'm working.
-Really?

I'll be home late.

Remember your promise.

Of course, our 15th anniversary.

I'll keep you company tomorrow.

Okay. Bye.

You were on a trip last week.

You promised to celebrate
our anniversary together.

I'm just going for a few days.

I want to go visit
my nephew in London, too.

Sure, if you like.

And go shopping, too.

So many "zeroes"?

You used to laugh a lot.

Now even a big fat check
can't make you happy.

Laughing doesn't always mean happy.
You're not going with me.

I'll be gone only four or five days.

And if it's more than five days?

I'll write you another check as a fine.

Fines are only for making mistakes.

Whatever.

Hello?

About that contract,
if you don't send it over soon,

I'm going to change my mind.

The cap is $950 million.

I can accept an average of
$2,000 per square foot.

Work it out with my secretary.
I'll be out of town.

Bye.

It tastes bland this time.
What's in that crunchiness?

It's okay, they have hands
and feet already, you know.

And ears, too!

Those were bones?

Nah, their bones are not hard.

I'll chop it finer next time.

Simmer it in broth next time,
it'll be less greasy.

Broth is good, it keeps all the juices.

Are you done?

-This can't go on.
-Pardon?

My skin is still flabby.

No! It's much better!

I need your most potent stuff.

Don't worry. I'll find it.

It's time for me to sing.

Suit yourself, but I must go.

Bye, Mrs. Li.

This way.

Don't worry, I'll find it for you.

-Call me when you do.
-Trust me!

Aunt Mei?

-Who are you?
-A friend of Mrs. Kam.

Oh! Come in, my dear!

Speak up! Beg for help.

I can't help you.

Then who else can?

Mrs. Kam said you were
a great doctor in China. I believe her.

It's too risky.

Let me recommend a hospital in Shenzhen.

It's quite good, and legal, too.

I know.

-But I can't afford the fees.
-Black market, then.

You are the black market!

Hey!

I'm not.

Her feet are swollen.

She's showing.

I thought she gained weight.

She's five months along.

I would have scraped the uterus
in the first trimester.

But now the fetus is big.
If I force it out,

its bones might puncture the uterus.

I can't do it, it's too risky.

Please help her, she's only 15!

I quit long ago. It's illegal.

But she can't keep the baby!
She's too young to be a mother.

Say something! Speak up! Beg for help!

I must tell you this.

Her dad did this to her!

Please help her with the abortion.
He is a monster!

If the baby is born,

I don't know what to call it,
my stepchild or grandchild?

Have mercy on us!

Quit your job today.

And you'll take care of me?

I can afford that, given you're
so slim and eat so little.

-No, I love to eat.
-You love to laugh, too.

Wow! Your home is so grand!

So? It's empty.

It's a house, not a home.

My husband is probably with
some young girl now.

Didn't he notice your change?

I can't wait! I need your best stuff now.

For youth and beauty.

We women are always busy fighting our age.

I used to laugh a lot when I was young.

I joined a TV station
right after high school.

I became a big star doing a series.

Li was the sponsor of my show.

I was doing a stunt,
and fell down accidentally.

He was there and he held me up.

So you married him?

I was only 20 then. Every girl at that age
dreams about a perfect marriage.

He was in his 30s, and he loved me.

I thought I would live happily ever after.

All men love 20-year-old chicks.

Men in their 30s love 20-year-old chicks.

So do men in their 40s, and 50s.

Even men in their 60s and 70s
love 20-year-old chicks.

I can accept that,

as long as he doesn't flaunt it.

Men are all the same.

All they want is sex.

What's so good about a 20-year-old bimbo?

What about you?

Worse.

I broke up with my first love.

Then I married an uneducated man.

A cook!

We mainlanders all wanted to
come to Hong Kong back then.

We would do anything just
to get a Hong Kong ID.

As for me...

I struggled hard before I got
my identity card.

But then, I also got divorced.

I don't think you'd dare get a divorce.

Women like you are everywhere.

You're lucky that you've found me.

Otherwise...

In five years, you'll be wife-number-two,
in ten years, wife-number-three.

And in 15 years,
you'll be wife-number-four.

Unlike you, I'm my own boss.

You may be rich, but I am free.

Mrs. Li!

-Thanks, Aunt Mei.
-You're welcome, bye.

Mrs. Li. Not yet.

These are things money
can't buy, just like love.

The potent stuff is rare.

All right. Bye.

What a creepy place?

Relax...

There.

Relax.

Just relax.

It'll be over soon.

Girl, it's almost done.
It's been 18 hours already.

Relax.

You must try to relax, dear.

Will she be all right?

Of course.

Try to relax.

Your cervix has not fully dilated yet,
you're not even fully grown.

We women must protect ourselves!

Don't let others take
advantage of you again.

Take care of your daughter and
don't let this happen ever again.

Her water broke!

-It's okay.
-Don't be nervous.

I swear it will be over in ten seconds.

Breathe deeply!

Work with me, okay? Relax... hold on!

Relax! Cry if you want to!

It's fully dilated! Stay calm
and on my count...

Three, two, one!

The head is out... wait!

Where are my tongs?

Relax!

Try to relax.

Beautiful.

Don't be sad, my dear.

There's no more life in this baby.

So fresh.

My dear.

You'll be fine.

It's over.

It's done, my dear.

I'll help you to my couch, get some rest.

-Thanks.
-Take her shoes.

Oh, goodness.

Let me sing for you.

My... you're heavy.

I can't hold you much longer.

Help.

Want some snacks, Mrs. Li?

I'll do steamed dumplings this time.

Need some wine, too.

It's a boy.

A boy?

See that little thing?

So beautiful, so rare.

Boys hardly get aborted in China,
you know, only girls do.

I didn't use any oxytocin,
just a catheter.

Drugs make it inedible.

It will damage its nervous system.

It is also a first-born, the most
nutritious thing in this world.

You saw the mother,
she's not a prostitute.

She's still in high school!
Young and healthy.

Then get on with it.
How will you prepare it today?

This will make you feel brand new.

Hello?

My husband broke his leg.

Now you need me, after you broke your leg.

Normally, you wouldn't care where I am.

You smell nice...

look nice, too.

You haven't touched me in ages.

Thirsty?

I'll get you some water.

It's so hot in the street.

And we must go to Mongkok next.

Darn, I forgot about that.

Two more trunks to move.

-Oh, no.
-Big trunks, too.

What's wrong?

-What is it?
-What's this?

-It's blood!
-You kidding me!

-Here's a tissue.
-Whose blood is this?

Kate? Are you all right?

Kate...What's going on?

Answer me, Kate!

Kate? What's going on with you?

I don't want to die.

Don't leave me, Kate. Please don't die.

It's all my fault!

Hello?

I think the price is reasonable.

I've been busy lately. My secretary
Emily will follow up.

You can rest assured. Bye!

Could be sheep placentas,

or Reishi mushrooms,
or perhaps Snow Lotus.

Nah, I say it's a major facelift.

She's done something.

Or eaten something.

Mrs. Li.

You look fabulous! Absolutely radiant!

Talking behind my back?

No! Just praising your look.

I'll catch up later.

You're so late...

Perhaps she found herself a guru,
or better, "voodoo."

What evil thoughts!

That's scary...

Mrs. Li, take it easy, join us!

-Bon appetit!
-Thanks.

The food smells kind of fishy.

-Is it the beef?
-The beef?

It's the fish, I think.

Really?

I don't think so.

There is a strange smell here.

Something wrong with the food?

The fish is fine, though.

But it really stinks here...

What can it be?

It's coming from that side.

I've forgot something! Excuse me.

She's off again.

Where is she going?

The smell is gone. It's so strange.

Aunt Mei?

What's in that "potent stuff"?

What did you feed me?

The fetus was sick, wasn't it?

Now I smell bad all over!

Nonsense!

I've been eating them
for 20 years and I'm fine.

If anything happens to me,
I'll hold you responsible!

I'll sue you!

Go ahead then and tell people
what you've been eating.

Don't be silly, Mrs. Li.

It smells because it works.
Stop over-reacting.

Look in the mirror tomorrow
and you'll be grateful.

What do I do now?

Late abortion is hard to come by.

It was a child of incest.
One in a million, you know.

You mean a child of incest
turns me into this?

Incest makes it extra potent, I tell you.

Hey! Mrs. Li, hurry!

Turn on the TV! Channel 2
is rerunning your series!

Heard you have a crush on that baby face?

-No...
-You sure?

You've said he looks like Alan Tam.

I never said so.

-At least he's a prom king.
-So?

Even a deck of cards has four kings.

Just admit it, you like him!

-No!
-Really?

Mrs. Li, are you crying?

Don't be sad, be strong.

Take a hot bath, sip some whiskey,

get a good sleep and you'll be fine.

Good night, Mrs. Li.

Coming...

Aunt Mei?

Yes.

Hi, Mr. Li.

You're running an illegal business here.

No, this is just a dumpling shop.

But you advocate cannibalism.

Does it really work?

Please take a seat.

I'll prove it to you.

Sit here, please.

You should never consider
cannibalism immoral in China.

It's existed since the beginning of time.

Li's Herbalist Handbook
clearly stated that

human flesh and organs are admissible
ingredients for medical recipes.

During famines, what did
people do for survival?

They traded and cooked
each other's children!

Know the chef named Yi Ya?

When his Emperor became tired of gourmet
food and fancied human flesh,

Yi Ya butchered and served his son
as a meal to the monarch.

Tales abound of caring sons and daughters

cutting off flesh for their
parents' medicines.

The novel classic,

Water Margin depicted heroes
who savored their enemies.

One even served buns
with human flesh filling.

Japanese have definitely
eaten many Chinese.

You think our country could have
survived all these wars and famines

without consuming human flesh?

What about out of pure hatred,
sometimes we'd say

"I'll skin you and eat you alive"?

Our national hero Yue Fei once wrote,

"Pep up with a meal of
the invaders' flesh,

"celebrate with a drink
of the invaders' blood."

When two people are deeply in love,

all they desire is to be
inside each other.

Inside each other's skin,
inside each other's guts.

You were 20 in 1960?

That makes you 64 now!

Age is just a number.

But you're an old lady!

It's my body that counts.

Feel it, harder.

Is my body young enough?

You can be the same,
staying young forever.

Staying young by eating my dumplings.

-Hello.
-This is Mrs. Li.

Do you have any supply?

Money is not a problem, I need supplies.
Hello?

Mr. Li, will you come back?

Yes, to eat your flesh.

-That's a promise.
-See you.

See you soon.

I shall wait for you

I shall wait for you

Aunt Mei!

Aunt Mei, it's me.

Dizzy? And rashes?

It's just stress.

You'll be fine after you move
back to your renovated home.

I'll prescribe you something
to ease the itch, okay?

Hotel living is not for you.

Nurse.

Yes, Dr. Wong.

Mrs. Li's chauffeur will come
pick up her medication.

For how long should
I write a prescription?

-Give her a week's worth.
-Okay.

Miss Zhao.

Mr. Li's secretary called and asked

why you skipped your ultrasound yesterday.

So? I'm here now.

Here's your report.

Call us
if your morning sickness continues.

Thanks.

-Goodbye.
-Bye.

DR. SIU TUNG MAN, JOSEPH
Specialist in Obstetrics & Gynecology

Excuse me?

Aunt Mei.

You scared me.

I was rude.

But as a woman, you know
what I was going through.

I really need your help.

I've retired.

Money is not a problem.

Forget it, Mrs. Li!
What happened was a dream.

Stop. Mrs. Li, cut the crap.

I beg you, I really need your help!

I really do!

Hello? Hey.

Mr. Li, I'm fixing my hair now.
I've been waiting for your call.

I want to see you soon, too!

Okay, bye!

Don't move!

Dispatch, we've arrived at 2103.

Victim is male, badly stabbed.
We need an ambulance.

We have his wife under control.

Tell them to hurry.

Please tell the ambulance to hurry,
the victim is still breathing. Over.

Hello? Hello?

What's this?

-Must you scream?
-So much stuff left.

My husband is back with me.

I won't let go again.

Give up.

I've expected it all along.

But you're pregnant.

He wanted me to keep the baby,
he wanted a son.

And if it's a girl?

Then I'll charge less. A boy costs more.

You plan to give birth?

I'm five months along.

Only four more months to go.

I'm young, I can spare the time.

The pay would be enough for me
to live well for a while.

I want your baby.

Why? Inheritance issues?

I want your baby now.

Now?

Abort it.

You can be free again,
and I can rest assured.

I'll double whatever he pays you,
how about that?

Doctor, she's in her second trimester.
Do not induce a miscarriage.

Do not use any drugs either.

I don't want the fetus dead
before it comes out.

Use only a catheter and prostaglandin

to stimulate the contraction.

I want the fetus to be pure and wholesome.

This method will take a long time.

It will cause the mother a lot of pain.

What's the big deal? The pain will end.

You want to...

keep the fetus?

Yes, in its pure form.

What for?

To make a specimen, a trophy.

The world's most expensive trophy.

Hurry, then.

Leave the blinds open, I want to watch.

HUNG TAT MOTEL

Your first wish?

A man to love me all my life.

And the second?

Happiness always.

-The third?
-Hurry.

Youth and beauty.

-Of course, beauty.
-Hurry, we should move!

Your wish of marriage is granted.

Go greet my guests first.

-I left something.
-Hurry, then.