The Handmaiden (2016)

Director: Park Chan-wook

Genre: Period/Drama

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A sapphic revenge film filled with impressive multi-layered storyline and twisted betrayal.

The Handmaiden is a film directed by the caliber director Park Chan-Wook. It serves as a profound exploration of Korean history, unfolding against the tumultuous backdrop of Korea during the Japanese occupation (1910-1945). It was inspired by the novel Fingersmith written by Sarah Waters and received a critical acclaim response.

Synopsis: Set in Korea under the Japanese rule, Count Fujiwara, a Korean con man hired an orphaned pickpocket named Seok-Hee to serve as a maid of Lady Hideko, the Japanese heiress. Seok-Hee has to elaborate scheme to lure Hideko and encourage her to marry the Count.

Beyond its explicit scenes, The Handmaiden encapsulates the societal upheavals of the time. It delves into the multifaceted struggles faced by women, highlighting their confinement, the nuances of erotism, and the exploration of sapphic relationships against the backdrop of a society undergoing profound transformation.

Divided into three meticulously executed parts, the narrative unfolds with perspectives shifting from Seok-Hee to Hideko. This narrative structure not only adds layers to the storytelling but also mirrors the multifaceted reality of a nation grappling with its identity under foreign rule. Lady Hideko’s portrayal as a sexual object becomes a powerful lens through which the film scrutinizes the impact of the male gaze on women during this era. It serves as a commentary on the broader societal norms and expectations that constrained women’s agency and autonomy.

Park Chan-Wook’s directorial prowess, known from Oldboy, is evident in The Handmaiden. The cinematography captures the essence of the time, while the carefully selected cast impeccably embodies their roles, contributing to the film’s immersive historical narrative.

Within the broader historical context, The Handmaiden not only portrays individual stories of deceit and revenge but also provides a window into the resistance and resilience of a people striving for identity and independence. The film seamlessly weaves historical elements, making it not just a cinematic gem but a historical reflection on Korea’s complex past.

Overall, The Handmaiden stands not only as a cinematic triumph but also as a compelling exploration of history, culture, and human relationships. Its nomination-worthy storytelling, aesthetic brilliance, and historical depth secure its place among the most significant contributions to Korean Cinema.

Watch the trailer of The Handmaiden here:

“Making this film without sex scenes would be like making a war movie without battle scenes.”

PARK CHAN-WOOK