Plot:
A maid named Sook Hee is hired as handmaiden in an isolated estate for a Japanese heiress called Hideko. The Lady lives secluded in the estate away from the society since she was a child in company of her autocratic uncle Kouzuki.
Under the maid's veiling Sook Hee keeps inside a dark secret: she's a young crook who's been enrolled by a conman posing as a Japanese count, Fujiwara.
His plan is to steal away the heart of the young Lady, and, after robbing her of her property, lock her up in a mental hospital.
One night, curious about the charismatic Count Fujiwara, Hideko decides to ask to her maid what is it the men do search in women after marriage.
Sook Hee is reluctant but after more insistence decides to show her what passion is about, given her Lady is practically a child who didn't have the occasion to learn about said things.
Personal thoughts:
The story is really well written and combines dark setting with erotic romance with some luminous scenes framing lots of greenery and vivid panoramas.
The ambience is mostly gloomy and presents some outright scenes such as violence, torture, nudity and BDSM. (Not recommended for family watching nor for minors!)
All the main leads are interesting and well-described, in fact, the first part of the movie is dedicated to Sook Hee's point of view, second part is about Hideko's past and outlooks and the third part is an epilogue for everyone.
The three parts are made in a way to complement each other bit by bit, replenishing the empty spaces in the story.
Presents some interesting plot twists and I recommend it to psychological & mature drama enthusiasts.
Was this review helpful to you?
This film will not disappoint you
Inspired by the novel Fingersmith by Welsh writer Sarah Waters, The Handmaiden tells the story of a young woman entangled in a grand conspiracy after being hired as a handmaiden for an heiress. The plot was beautifully written with surprising twists. As the sneaky plan of conning an old man is being executed, two women from the opposite sides of society fell in love, causing another twist in the story.Kim Min-Hee and Kim Tae-Ri did not disappoint either. Given that the film has erotic scenes, their chemistry and skills have made their characters instantly likable. Ha Jung-Woo, delivered an astounding performance as a con man trying to swindle a Japanese old man. Props to these stars for pulling off such wonderful acting.
I am not really someone who admires cinematography a lot, but I can say that the Handmaiden is one of the few films that made me say wow within the first few minutes of watching.
I've seen a few of Park Chan-Wook's films before (Thirst, Vengeance Trilogy, Joint Security Area), but this is probably one of his best works and the best one I've watched.
Was this review helpful to you?
Erotic thriller with high quality plot, acting and cinematography
Beautiful, exciting and perverse, The Handmaiden (by same director as "Old Boy" - which tells you something) is not for the faint of heart. There are a few scenes that border on X-rated. It's well written, well-acted, and beautifully shot. The story keeps you on the edge of your seat. I was captivated and repulsed and thrilled by this movie all at once. But what made this movie stand out to me is the glimmer of companionship and heart that pulls the movie together. Without that it would have been just another thriller that excites and titillates.Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Last 2017 I am searching for a Korean Lesbian movie but I always overlooked this movie due to the movie poster. It was like a wife vs mistress Joseon Korean movie at the first look so I tried to watch the trailer but still I ignore because, it was too focus on the Count and Izumi. So I skipped the movie and watched some lesbian (Thai Lakorns) instead. It was 2019 and I search again for a Korean lesbian movie but The Handmaiden always popped up, so I give this movie a try and I was amazed because, of what I've expected it is giving me some vibes of Painter of the Wind (sad ending) but this one is a happy ending. While watching I observed that Sook hee has some mannerisms and personality as mine. We also have almost the same voice pitch although hers is a little bit deeper. Hideko shows the attitude of my ideal woman to be with tbh, I like women who are smart, "woman of few words" , mysterious, sexy, "rich" and a little bit older than me (Note: Is this kind of woman in real life exist?) Everything on my mind seems already on this movie because, I connect myself to the movie. So my regret is I didn't watched it on 2017 and I just watched it on April 2019. Was this review helpful to you?
I thought I liked it, and I don't hate it, but like what did I just witness?
First of all, this movie had me experiencing whiplash at least 2 to 3 different times. It strangely feels like I went through some type of trauma even watching the movie in its entirety. And yet it really was nearly perfect.I think the only thing I would have to reprimand it for is the fact it probably did not need to be almost 2 and a half hours. Just when you thought everything was over and wrapped up, they really said but wait there's more.
I would say if you're curious about this movie, know that it is dark (trigger warnings for attempted rape and extreme violence), it is gritty, and you might be confused for at least part of it. However, everything slowly starts making sense and you'll be able to get a better grasp on what's happening from there.
As for the ending, regarding the grandfather, uncle.. whoever the fuck he was...I did not expect him to be that much of a psychopath. It really took me aback. And as for what's his name, even with him being an attempted rapist, a liar, a con artist, and a weirdo, I still thought his ending was a bit extreme. But to each his or her own.
Was this review helpful to you?
Not for Square People
First of all, the plot twist was crazy. I really loved it. The acting was great, and the cast performed very well. Kim Tae Ri looked so pretty, and the film looked pretty realistic and raw, and that's something I absolutely loved. Everything was good except the erotica. I just jumped out of my seat when I first watched it, plus it weirded me out. I don't know why they added so much intensity to this film; it just looked extra. Not even needed.Probably added more scenes of Count about how good of a conman he is, Kim Tae Ri's past, or the Uncle's past, but nah, Lesbian Love was added. I am just not comfortable watching that kind of thing on screen.
The Handmaiden is a cinematic movie, probably a blockbuster movie if launched today, but not my cup of tea. The fetish and erotica are probably for coomers, not for normal people who watch movies for plot, characters, story, and acting.
Was this review helpful to you?
I'd only say that it is a con-story set in Korean during the Japanese occupation and that you should be prepared for adult content, but that this film is much more than that. Indeed, it has the right mix of mistery, humor, erotism and romance, all with a gallery of weird characters and breath-taking sets, costumes and photography.
My only criticism would go to the explicit sex scenes, beautifully staged and filmed, but that feel a bit exploitative toward the actresses, especially because one of the characters is precisely trying to escape an exploitation situation... In my opinion, the film would be equally interesting without such explicity.
But all in all, it's an outstanding film!
Was this review helpful to you?
An art masterpiece
This film blew me away. It is very rare to find movies, and even novels for that matter, where the sex scenes were accurate, realistic, and is part of the story. Most of the time when sex is incorporated into movies, it was dead and porn and won't make a difference if removed--in other words, just there as a filler. In "The Handmaiden" it's the total opposite. It was an art. It was about building relationships and how it should be valued and respected by the couple.The two lead females--Kim Tae Ri and Kim Min Hee--showed how they mastered their craft in acting in this film. From their facial expressions to their emotions and to their actions. I would not be surprised at all if the spark they showed in this movie was actually real. While there were a few scenes Kim Tae Ri felt uncomfortable … which was showing on her face and movements … she quickly relaxed. It was evident that Kim Min Hee helped Tae Ri overcome her uneasiness, they did prepare for this.
From what I understand, this was an adaptation of an English/British novel. That said, I am praising the director and writer, Park Chan Wook, in picking the perfect era in Korea for the adaptation. It could have been set in the modern era or in an even distant past but the impact would have been far less because of the distraction the other eras would bring into the scenes. It also flawlessly opened up a lot of their settings which made the plot deeper and resonate with the audience.
I also liked how they naturally switched between Korean and Japanese. In most movies where there are other nationalities involved, shortcuts are always made by making everyone speak the same language after establishing a character's "foreign"-ness. I frown on such shortcuts and I am glad I did not see it in "The Handmaiden". I was also amazed how the characters mixed the two languages to form one sentence, the way bilinguals actually speak in real life. Great addition to this little detail but equally important in building up the film.
I hope everyone who will watch (and watched) this film will see the deeper message of this film instead of focusing only on the obvious ones. Look beyond the surface and you'll see the important reminder and lesson behind "The Handmaiden". What is it? Better watch it. If you've seen the movie, watch it again and look for it.
10 over 10 in all categories for me. Congratulations!
Was this review helpful to you?
The erotic vibes are heavy. Perhaps a bit cliche but served their purpose. One thing I found fasinating is how the the story was able to be protrected through these acts. Anything more will be spoilers.
Kim Tae-ri continues to impress with every performance. Hopefully that leads to stardom. Cho Jin-woong was wonderfully eccentric, making the perverted Uncle role his own. The subtle movements, the eyes,. The acting all round is up to par.
I'm intriuged by the rewatch value this has. I may need to watch the directors cut. That's a first.
Was this review helpful to you?
Summing it up in two words: brilliantly crafted.
To be honest, I didn't expect this to be that explicit. I wouldn't normally watch films like this so I was really uneasy at first but I gotta admit, that was one astounding cinema. Every little thing from the plot, the score, the shots, the characters and all other elements this was comprised of was just topnotch. You'd know there were some genius and creative brains who worked behind this because this was an actual masterpiece. Phenomenal. I am especially blown away by how this film was divided into parts and in each part, the whole story shifts. You think you know what's happening, but really, you don't.I watched this because of Kim Tae Ri and yes, I wasn't prepared for what I have seen. I didn't expect that she'd actually have scenes with nudity. I first saw her in Twenty Five, Twenty One so seeing her in scenes like that made me a bit uncomfortable. That doesn't change the fact that she has proven her range and prowess in acting and she is exceptional. Kim Min Hee was also amazing in this. They were both sensational.
Sex and eroticism are major themes of this film. That may seem off-putting but when you get a grasp of the whole picture and what's it's trying to tell you, you'd realize that this film is sending a strong message. Females are often regarded as objects of sex and desire and no matter how disgusting that may seem, that's the reality of this world which prevailed even during the modern times. This film has strongly and bravely presented women rejecting this sickening belief that they are obliged to serve men and satisfy their pleasures all the while discovering their own desires and allowing themselves to actually enjoy their bodies and sexualities.
Well, okay, I don't think I would rewatch it simply because as I've mentioned, I am not a fan of watching heavily sexual films especially in Korean media in which I am used to watching wholesome Korean series and dramas. However, I won't deduct a point because that wouldn't really be fair to this work of art. This was perfect in every sense of that word.
Was this review helpful to you?
Yejibros we love this erotic thriller
Yejibros we love the romance between the main characters. The romance between the protagonists is very believable and also the portrayal is not too bad. We think that this is one of the best romance movie in Korea too. Everything is well done and the story just connects and does not leave any plot holes for everyone. We also think that the actors and actresses are good in their portrayal of the period. We are quite surprised that it is a period drama. This is why we love it yejibros since there is thrilling and romance between the characters.Was this review helpful to you?
The Handmaiden: The Plot Twist Of The Fucking Plot Twist
1st impression: "Aww, I hope they stay together..."2nd impression: "I don't believe you're doing this..."
3rd impression: "Wait, so you too?"
912498148th impression: "I give up........... Just show me the truth already.... Please..."
Story 10/10
The story is amazing, you'll be shivered and entertained from start to finish.
Acting/Cast 10/10
The acting is well done, you'll go from love to hate and hate to love with the movie characters in each twist of the plot.
Music 10/10
The soundtrack is well chosen, just adding thrill to the thriller.
Rewatch Value 7/10
Well, the magic of the movie is in the plot twists, so once you know what will happen it kinda loses a bit of its entertaining value, but I'm not one to rewatch any movies at all so maybe I'm not suitable to give my opinion at this. I'm giving 7 out of 10 because this movie is almost perfect and I really can't give a score below 7 for this masterpiece, but in reality I'm not watching this again.
Watch the movie yourselves, you'll not regret it I promise. The plot is so well done that you'll be shivered and entertained from start to finish.
Was this review helpful to you?
