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 that combines romance and drama. The story follows Sookee, a pickpocket hired to be a handmaiden for the Japanese heiress Hideko. Sookee is part of a larger scheme orchestrated by a con man posing as a Count, who plans to marry Hideko, steal her fortune, and then commit her to an asylum. However, as Sookee and Hideko spend more time together, their initial intentions become complicated by developing feelings.
The film explores themes of deception and manipulation within a complex period setting. It features a narrative structure that reveals events from multiple perspectives, gradually uncovering the true nature of the characters and their motivations. The story, based on Sarah Waters' novel "Fingersmith," uses its historical backdrop to enhance the intricate plot involving class, power, and unexpected alliances.
Why you might be searching for The Handmaiden
Many people search for "The Handmaiden" because of its intricate plot involving a con artist and a wealthy heiress, often remembering the unexpected romantic developments between the two women. The film's setting in 1930s Japanese-occupied Korea, its erotic thriller elements, and the numerous plot twists also make it memorable, leading to searches related to its specific storyline or the historical context.
What reviewers are saying
One reviewer, familiar with Korean cinema, noted that this film was another excellent work from Park Chan-wook, comparing its quality to his earlier acclaimed movies like 'Oldboy'.
Read the full reviewA reviewer described the film as a captivating, sensual thriller set during the Japanese occupation of Korea, highlighting how the characters' schemes take an unexpected turn when human nature and a bond between the two women intervene.
Read the full reviewThe adaptation of Sarah Waters' 'Fingersmith' to 1930s Japanese-occupied Korea was praised for its visually stunning historical backdrop and narrative complexity, unfolding in three detailed chapters with strong performances, particularly from Kim Tae Ri.
Read the full reviewFrequently Asked Questions
Common questions about finding and identifying movies
You can stream "The Handmaiden" on [Amazon Prime Video](https://www.plotexplained.com/movie/the-handmaiden) or rent it on [Fandango at Home](https://www.plotexplained.com/movie/the-handmaiden) for $3.99.
No, "The Handmaiden" is not based on a true story. It is loosely based on the 2002 novel *Fingersmith* by Welsh author Sarah Waters, with the setting changed from Victorian-era Britain to Korea under Japanese rule.
At the end of "The Handmaiden," Hideko double-crosses Fujiwara by dosing his wine with opium, allowing her to escape with her inheritance. Sook-hee, after being committed to an asylum in Hideko's place, is rescued by her friend Bok-soon. Hideko and Sook-hee reunite and flee together to Shanghai, where they celebrate their freedom. Meanwhile, Kouzuki captures Fujiwara and tortures him, but Fujiwara ensures both their deaths by offering Kouzuki mercury-laced cigarettes.
"The Handmaiden" has received critical acclaim, with an approval rating of 96% on [Rotten Tomatoes](https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/the_handmaiden) and a score of 85 out of 100 on Metacritic, indicating "universal acclaim." Many critics have praised its unpredictable plot, cinematography, and intricate character development.