Review of Meat Grinder

Meat Grinder (2009)
7/10
When a film which relies on editing ends up being cut more than 20% by censors and still works
18 August 2022
"Meat Grinder" (2019, Tailand, "Chueat Kon Chim"), intended to be released as "Human Flesh Noodles" ("Kuai-tiao Nuea Khon"), is written and directed by Tiwa Moeithaisong, who best known for his work as a cinematographer. As such, Moeithaisong was also responsible for the cinematography and editing. The editing is crucial to telling the non-linear story of mental illness stemming from various abuses suffered by the main character, i.e. But (competently portrayed by Mai Siriwimol). That said, the fact that all references to the "noodle" industry had to be cut in Thailand and South-Korea (as well as some of the gore and violence), diminished the full effect sought to be achieved through clever editing. This as can be seen by comparing the film to the UK (so-called 'uncut') version and the later directors cut (also called "the uncut version") which are both much "cleaner" (e.g. Less censor blurring and speeding up / slowing down) and closer demonstrates Moeithaisong's abilities in the cutting room. The premise, i.e., folks who wronged / annoyed But ending up as protein in ramen, is not new nor complex. Where the film succeeds is in telling this story in an arty way, which almost puts the viewer in the unbalanced mind of But. As always, non-linear storytelling will mostly not find favour with most audiences and there is some gore (done well) which could upset sensitive viewers. 7/10.
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