The Handmaiden (2016)
1930s Korea, in the period of Japanese occupation, a new girl, Sookee, is hired as a handmaiden to a Japanese heiress, Hideko, who lives a secluded life on a large countryside estate with her domineering Uncle Kouzuki. But the maid has a secret. She is a pickpocket recruited by a swindler posing as a Japanese Count to help him seduce the Lady to elope with him, rob her of her fortune, and lock her up in a madhouse. The plan seems to proceed according to plan until Sookee and Hideko discover some unexpected emotions.
Details
Budget
$8,575,000
Rating
8/10 (3857 votes)
Status
Released
Production Companies
Moho Film, Yong Film, CJ Entertainment
About The Handmaiden
Set in 1930s Korea during the Japanese occupation, "The Handmaiden" is a thriller, drama, and romance film centered on a complex scheme. Sook-Hee, a pickpocket, is hired as a handmaiden to the reclusive heiress Hideko. Sook-Hee's role is part of a larger plan orchestrated by a con man posing as a Japanese Count, who intends to marry Hideko, steal her fortune, and institutionalize her.
The narrative, an adaptation of the novel "Fingersmith," explores themes of deception, power dynamics, and unexpected emotional connections. As the plot unfolds, the initial motivations of the characters become intertwined with their developing relationships, leading to complications that challenge the original plan. The story uses its historical setting to frame these intricate character interactions and the unfolding criminal conspiracy.
The film's critical reception includes an 85/100 score on Metacritic and a 96% approval on Rotten Tomatoes, alongside an 8.1 IMDb rating from nearly 200,000 votes. Its runtime is 145 minutes.
Why you might be searching for The Handmaiden
Many people search for "The Handmaiden" due to its reputation as an erotic thriller with a lesbian relationship at its core. The film's intricate plot, involving con artists, a grand mansion setting, and unexpected romantic developments, also makes it a memorable title. Its setting in 1930s Japanese-occupied Korea and its basis on the novel "Fingersmith" are also distinguishing elements.
What reviewers are saying
A reviewer praises Park Chan-wook's ability to adapt a novel into a compelling film, specifically highlighting how "The Handmaiden" continues his track record of turning books into cinematic works.
Read the full reviewA review notes the film's effective storytelling, praising the cast and the intriguing plot that combines Machiavellian schemes with unexpected romantic developments between the two main women.
Read the full reviewOne reviewer describes "The Handmaiden" as a masterful adaptation that successfully moves the setting from 19th-century London to 1930s Japanese-occupied Korea, creating a visually rich backdrop for its suspenseful and emotionally deep story.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
As of July 2024, *The Handmaiden* is not available to watch on Netflix in all countries. The film had a limited theatrical release on October 21, 2016, and began streaming on January 30, 2017.
No, *The Handmaiden* is not based on a true story. It is inspired by Sarah Waters' 2002 novel *Fingersmith*, but the film changes the setting from Victorian-era Britain to Korea under Japanese rule.
After Sook-hee is rescued from the asylum, she reunites with Hideko. Hideko had previously drugged Count Fujiwara with opium, allowing her to escape with her inheritance. The final scene shows Sook-hee and Hideko together on a ferry to Shanghai, celebrating their freedom.
*The Handmaiden* received widespread critical acclaim, with a 96% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 226 reviews, and an average score of 8.5/10. Critics praised its direction, writing, twists, cinematography, musical score, and performances, with *The Economist* calling it a masterpiece.