This review may contain spoilers
I Get why y'all Like this Film so Much
[Watched/Written 1/5/2021 for Letterboxd. Expanded 1/23/2021]There was a moment, at the end of Act I of "The Handmaiden" where I was seriously considering turning this film off. The expectation of a lesbian love story (within repressed boundaries) seemed entirely out of the question as the film followed the newly christened Tamako (Sookee, a name that unfortunately invokes True Blood's Sookie) as she and her partner-in-crime (Lord Fujiwara) prepared to swindle a absent-minded heiress out of her money.
I was like, "Oh, a heist film?" Poor folks robbing the rich and leaving 'em high and dry is my jam, and I was entirely convinced that Sookee was going to ride off into the sunset with Lady Hideko's money. So, imagine my surprise when I watched (gobsmacked) as Lord Fujiwara betrayed her.
The injustice of it all, I thought. I rated it, turned the television off and went to bed I was so salty.
Revisiting it in the morning, those thoughts quickly vanished as I watched film roll back the intentions under everything that happened in the first act, and do it so deftly, that I was left with only a sense of catharsis as Hideko and Sookee twisted their way out of the abusive dynamics they fell victim to, and secure a happy life for themselves.
I tend to avoid films like "The Handmaiden". The very name invokes so many ideas established around "erotic adultery" films (particularly their tendency to wander into the realm of rape-as-romance).
I was prepared to write it off as another exploitative smut-fest hiding behind a same sex relationship (ah-la "Blue is the Warmest Color"), a film without positive returns (i.e., a worthwhile story, with performances and directing to back it up, like "3-Iron"). But, like, yeah, I get why y'all like this film so much.
I hope Sookee and Hideko lived long and happy lives.
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Hands down my favorite movie
The first time I watched this movie, I loved it right away. The only thing I knew then about the movie is the genre and the kind of movie I was used to with Park Chan Wook (which is, to be fair, one of my all time favorite director). I knew only of 1 of the actors because I saw him in Signal, but didn't even recognize him right away. Am I biaised? Maybe slightly, but I've watch Park Chan Wook's movies that I didn't like at all, so that's that.If you've seen Oldboy, which is one of Park's most known/popular movie, you know how this director plays with his scene composition. To me, his movies usually have a very thoughtful way of painting picture that moves. If Oldboy is like a series of heavy saturated paintings, akin to the fauvism movement, The Handmaiden is more associated to impressionism. Some scenes look like what could be a modern take on Monet's style. The movie is just visually breathtaking.
Apart from that, the story is just... I don't even know if I have word to describe it. It intrigued me enough that I seek out the book it was based on. And even though books are usually better than movie adaptation, that's not the case here. The script was made so the boring part of the book were replace or just not used, and the result is close to perfection in my opinion.
As for most Park's movie, the soundtrack not only add to the movie as a whole, but is also deeply moving. The lullaby sung by Kim Tae Ri is simple yet so beautiful I had to memorize it and sang it myself a whole lot. The theme song is also quite lovely, but some of the piano pieces are just close to being masterpieces. And yes, I definitely bought the whole soundtrack right away after watching the movie.
This movie gave a big boost to Kim Tae Ri career as an actress and I can understand why. But through and through, every actor in this movie is playing there part perfectly. And they even fooled me (you'll know what I mean if you watch it). The layers of acting required from some of them, and to pull it off on top of it, is not a small feat.
Park's movie all have sexual parts in it, so be warned. However, I feel like in this one, it really tells something and help further character developpment.
All in all, if you haven't seen it yet, please watch it. I rewatch it at least once a year and it still is a move I love dearly.
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The presentation of this story was brilliant. The props and wardrobe were outstanding; the cinematography was simply everything it could have been and needed to be; the set/locations were wonderful. Although sometimes the Korean accents were a bit strong, the script was thoughtfully divided between Japanese and Korean, truly recreating the sense of Japan-occupied Korea. Everything was 100% believable, and due to this the film had an integrity that allowed me to fall straight into this shadowy world of lies and desire.
MUSIC
The music absolutely blew me away too, the icing on the cake, it was a vital and definitive part to creating a solid atmosphere throughout, and I searched for the OST pretty much as soon as the credits started. Especially towards the second half there were several scenes where the music captured perfectly the characters - in terms of style I'm strongly reminded of the OST from The Imitation Game, or perhaps Black Beauty.
ACTING
Down to the youngest child and the briefest role nothing was lost here. The Handmaiden is blessed with astounding performances from both Kim Min Hee and Kim Tae Ri - with the way it was filmed there was no room for error to go unnoticed, as the vitality of each character seems to scratch the screen, itching for their very breaths to be felt. I was shocked to discover this to be Kim Tae Ri's first ever full length film, and was nominated for and won 8 awards for her perfomance - I will definitely be watching her future works after the sincerity with which Sook Hee was given.
PLOT & CHARACTERS
Although I can't say too much without revealing it's contents, the plot was enigmatic, cunningly told, and built up in unexpected ways. The main characters are well structured and dynamic, and although I'd say this film is a kind of romance there's nothing sappy about it. In a word I think one could describe this story as being ironic, but I'll leave you to find out for yourself. And you really should go and find out.
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This review may contain spoilers
Way too good
Wasnt expecting much when i first caught this but my mind was totally blown. A korean film with, and i'll be totally honest, a filthy undertone actually showed these kind of scenes but made them beautifully artistic (sensual and pasionate scenes with the two physically perfect females had my jaw on the floor!! Im a self admitted perv but it wasnt smutty it was just beautiful) . I can honestly say, after my 3rd viewing, that this is the only film with these kind of scenes that ive actually watched from start to finish each time! It thouroughly deserves all it awards and acclaim, a "must see" film that now sits in 2nd just behind my ultimate no1 (and my shameful secret) Mary poppins.Was this review helpful to you?
Were they met?
Yes and no.
I don't know what I exactly expected to see. Maybe I was looking for something ala-Oldboy (2003), his best work to date and something better than Stoker (I didn't quite like it). But instead, I got something different. I just don't know if it's better or worst (than Oldboy but better than Stoker).
I find myself very enthralled with the production the most.
Park proves his mastery when it comes to making feels look beautiful and meaningful, and to me, his handling of build-up and then exploding them all at once is done so gracefully, so smoothly, so satisfying.
The Handmaiden is visually beautiful on all levels. Based (or inspired) by Sarah Waters' The Fingersmith, Park shifts the setting to 1930s colonial Korea. Just like Stoker, The Handmaiden is eerie, full of suspense and has a sexual, erotic tone—which clearly represents his film.
Broken into three parts, Park knows what cards to keep and when to reveal them—leaving room for a grand voila. The Handmaiden, itself, it not complicated nor does the plot try to be mysterious but its Park's touches that makes it sexually mysterious and ultimately full of taunting and teasing.
Colors emit a gothic vibe, the cinematography is superb, the score embraces the atmosphere and the characters are showered with undeniable tension from start to finish.
Ultimately, Park triumphs at showing female sexual satisfaction without the need of men. It's liberating as much as it's satisfying—an exploration, or explosion rather, of the female characters' undiscovered desires.
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Now that I’m thoroughly disturbed…
I went into this movie knowing full well that it was explicit as hell, but nobody warned me that it would be REALLY REALLY explicit. I haven’t seen a proper non-asian production in quite a while and was therefore very unaccustomed to seeing sex scenes left and right. While I knew that Korean movies weren’t subject to nearly as many restrictions as dramas, I am left feeling like I spent the past two and a half hours surfing a porn website instead of having just watched a mature movie. Setting all that aside, the storyline was quite enjoyable and I really liked the little plot twist at the end as I actually didn’t see it coming at all. Even though the storyline was very slow, the nostalgia I felt towards early 20th century Korea from watching Mr Sunshine a little while back kept me entertained and the movie was therefore not too dull. Overall, The Handmaiden was a decent watch, albeit extremely racy and at times rather disturbing.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Lust & Love
Buckle up for this movie, because for two hours, The Handmaiden will pull you in, disgust, and captivate you.I went into this honestly not expecting too much, but the cinematography really captured me immediately. It is shot beautifully, albeit bluntly, and is very vibrant. I got some The Illusionist vibes from this movie with they way they approached the mystery and trickery. A forewarning though, this is by no means a light watch. There is sexual abuse, torture, serious themes, a suicide flashback (not the main characters, so no worries), and some pretty explicit sex scenes in this. If you're not comfortable with those, this might not be for you. Kay, on to the rest.
The acting was on point for TH. Everything and everybody pulled this together, and it is a very intense watch. I was thoroughly disgusted, happy, and thrilled throughout. There really was no disappointment for this. There was a scene where Sook Hee destroys erotic books, and that scene especially stood out. It was truly heartbreaking and freeing to watch. The acting shone and the chemistry between the two FL's is off the charts.
The story is a deep one. It follows a woman who is being used for her beauty and her uncle who is sexually obsessed with her, and plans to marry her for her fortune and to own her. It's some pretty raunchy stuff. There is some near full on nudity as well as genitals depicted in this so prepare yourself. This deals with mature elements such as sexual abuse (I'm reiterating because it is HEAVY) and mental abuse. Escaping her torturer was her only goal, but Hideko finds love in Sook Hee instead. There are some twists to this story, which I really enjoyed. TH was ultimately about escaping your abuser and the happiness you can find in the right person. The ending was wonderful as I only wanted happiness for the two.
Music wasn't such a heavy element in this, but the ending song was quite pretty.
All in all, I would recommend if you're looking for a short watch with depth to it. It is dark, but rewarding.
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The male lead was acting like a barrier in between two ladies, he was brilliant at portraying a conman who acts like a noble, the ending was quite surprising..
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Riveting thriller movie, quite disturbing: a "must-see" but an unlikely "rewatch"
I enjoyed the film, it was a riveting thriller to follow and I was surprised by some of its twists. The movie is set up in Japanese-occupied Korea, which provides an interesting background to the story but is unfortunately not that exploited. I must say that I preferred the first part of the movie to the rest which required quite a bit of suspension of disbelief given the overall context of the plot.The cast did a good job playing multiple-layered roles from various perspectives. Some of the characters were truly repulsive and I felt physically ill watching some of the scenes featuring the craziest sides of the antagonists. I would have appreciated a bit more nuances from some of the characters, but I'm convinced that the actors did exactly what was expected from them (especially in some of the over-the-top, oversexualized and violent scenes).
The soundtrack was enjoyable but it is foremost the overall production value which is praise-worthy. The majority of the story is set in an enclosed space: a very remote manor mixing strangely UK and Japanese building styles. The decors, costumes, accessories and directing choices worked great all-together in conferring to the movie an oppressing, dark and creepy atmosphere.
I would recommend this to people that love movies directed by acclaimed director Park Chan Wook or even enjoy thrillers in Victorian-era Britain (as the film is an adaptation of a novel set up in that time). If you have watch any works from Park Chan Wook, you know that there might be some triggering aspects...It is for sure the case here, so be mindful of that if you have any trigger.
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A good thriller but doesn't bring anything new to the table
I watched this one last year I think, and I still remember it to this day. The main characters of this film are interesting enough. As Tamako befriends Lady Hideko over the span of the film, you feel this deep connection between the two. It is clear that Hideko had a one sided love with her servant, only to realize later on Tamako was only being her maid to survive.The Uncle being the way he was was not really a shocker. I don't really know how to review this one further without spoiling it. Just know that it's a pretty good watch, some gory scenes, and justice is eventually served for the villain. The acting was not bad. Overall a good thriller, but I doubt anything will surprise veteran viewers of genre like this.
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this film does have dark themes , nsfw scenes and nudity
AMAZING, this movie absolutely exceeded my expectations ! if you are someone that is look for a well written story that is also a cinematographic masterpiece this is for you. the actors did a near perfect job of executing each role and the movie starts of well but the plot thickens more and more as time goes by. it is a movie that will definitely leave you dazed after youre done watching it.i would give it extra points since it depicts a very fascinating story behind both the female leads that end up falling for each other. its also rare to find an lgbt+ movie that is a period movie and also has a happy ending. the characters are very well written and developed. kudos to the writers, directors, crew and the cast. this truly is a masterpiece
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Story:
The story is different from anything I'd ever watched. Usually, I'm not a fan of films or dramas set in a historical-like time period, because I tend to find them boring (and yet despite this I have like 3+ dramas of this kind on my 'To Watch' list lol), but the twist in this film made it so much more interesting. A girl agreeing to go work for an heiress under the pretence of helping her, but only to accomplish a plan set by a swindler to take the heiress' money. I mean, that alone got me hooked, but the layers in the story that will be revealed are fantastic.
Cast:
Honestly, a huge kudos to all the actors in this film because they were brilliant at all of their roles. Ha Jeong Woo was a convincing swindler, and honestly the comedic element at times for me. Kim Tae Ri played out her mental battle of acting the part of an honest handmaid and plotting to betray the heiress really well. Jo Jin Woong creeped the fuck out of me. Kim Min Hee made me question my sexuality. I mean, they were all fabulous.
Music:
If you've read my other reviews you might sense a pattern here.... I do not remember the music well lol. Actually, I watched this recently so I do remember bits, but nothing particular. I remember not hating it, so a 7 it is lol.
Overall:
Doesn't start off slow. You will genuinely want to skip parts because of the creep factor (I mean you won't, but the fact that you MIGHT means it's just that great). Kim Min Hee. A def must watch.
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