The Handmaiden
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 steal her fortune.
Critics Sentiment
Flashbacks reveal Kouzuki's sexual abuse of young Hideko
Hideko slaps Sook-hee and throws her from the room
The film's sentiment dramatically rises from Hideko's violent rejection of Sook-hee to the revelation of the double cross, as the narrative complexity becomes clear.
The Handmaiden maintains consistently high sentiment throughout, with critics praising Park Chan-wook's masterful direction, stunning visuals, and complex narrative structure. The film peaks during its psychological horror revelations while never losing its emotional core, with particular acclaim for the performances and cinematography. Despite some minor criticisms about pacing in the final act, reviewers celebrated the film as a triumph of storytelling and visual artistry.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 56
Kim Min-hee
Lady Hideko
Kim Tae-ri
Sook-hee
Ha Jung-woo
Count Fujiwara
Cho Jin-woong
Uncle Kouzuki
Kim Hae-sook
Ms. Sasaki
Moon So-ri
Hideko's Aunt
Lee Yong-nyeo
Bok-soon
Kwak Eun-jin
Kkeut-dan
Lee Dong-hwi
Goo-gai
Jo Eun-hyung
Young Hideko
Rina Takagi
Hideko's Mother
Han Ha-na
Junko
Lee Kyu-jung
Maid 1
Kim See-eun
Maid 2
Ha Si-yeon
Maid 3
Kim Eun-yeong
Maid 4
Jeong Ha-dam
Maid 5
Yoo Min-chae
Ggeut-dan
Won Geun-hee
Butler
Kim Jong-dae
Mansion Driver
Crew
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