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
Park Chan-wook's 2016 film, "The Handmaiden," reimagines Sarah Waters' novel "Fingersmith," moving its Victorian setting to 1930s Korea during Japanese occupation. This historical backdrop adds layers of tension and cultural nuance to a story already rich with deception and desire. The narrative centers on Sookee, a pickpocket hired to assist a con man in swindling a Japanese heiress, Hideko. However, as the intricate plot unfolds, the emotional landscape between Sookee and Hideko develops in unexpected ways.
Rated 8.0 by viewers, the film weaves together elements of thriller, drama, and romance, exploring themes of jealousy, lust, and betrayal. Its exploration of a lesbian relationship within a period setting contributes to its distinct character. The opulent mansion setting and the careful attention to period detail create a visually compelling world where alliances shift and motives are rarely what they seem, making it a notable entry in its genre.
Why you might be searching for The Handmaiden
People are often searching for "The Handmaiden" due to its reputation for intricate plot twists, strong lesbian romance, and stylish, explicit eroticism, particularly scenes set in a library or involving explicit interactions between the two female leads.
What reviewers are saying
One reviewer, a fan of director Park Chan-wook, praised his ability to adapt a novel into a compelling film, specifically noting how this movie, based on "Fingersmith," lives up to his earlier work like "Oldboy," despite initial skepticism about the high ratings.
Read the full reviewA review highlighted the film as a captivating, sexy thriller set in 1930s Korea, appreciating its tight cast and intriguing story that balances Machiavellian schemes with mischievous and emotional elements, focusing on the unexpected bond between Sook-Hee and Lady Hideko.
Read the full reviewA reviewer found "The Handmaiden" to be a masterful adaptation of "Fingersmith," praising its shift to 1930s Japanese-occupied Korea, its three-chapter structure, award-winning cinematography, and powerful performances, particularly from Kim Tae Ri, for creating an unforgettable blend of mystery, romance, and rebellion.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream *The Handmaiden* on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. It's also available for purchase or rent on Google Play and Apple TV.
*The Handmaiden* is not based on a true story but is loosely adapted from Sarah Waters' 2002 novel *Fingersmith*. The film changes the setting from Victorian-era Britain to Korea under Japanese rule.
In the end of *The Handmaiden*, Sook-hee and Hideko escape to Shanghai, China, where they celebrate their freedom. Meanwhile, Hideko's uncle, Kouzuki, tortures Count Fujiwara, who then tricks Kouzuki into inhaling mercury-laced smoke, killing them both.
*The Handmaiden* received critical acclaim, with a 96% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an 85 out of 100 on Metacritic. Critics described it as a "masterpiece" and a "hugely entertaining thriller" with a compelling story and visually stunning cinematography.