The Handmaiden (2016)

If, like myself, one reason you enjoy kdramas over western is the more innocent relationship portrayal, then yeah this won't be for you. It's a fairly good plot made better by the somewhat unique dual portrayal, but this is far more sexual than anything I have ever watched in western film (granted I try to stay away from that so)... Definitely 18+.
It felt really weird after watching Kim Tae Ri in Mr. Sunshine and then seeing this a few months later; actually, it was almost a little disturbing. I think it could have been one of the better Korean movies I've seen if it did not have the sexual content, though they probably couldn't have kept the plot in that case. I understand the differences in Korean movie vs TV but I have grown used to other very good Korean Movies that were very mature in gore and barely touched on anything sensual; I much prefer that. Otherwise, I'll stick the 15+ dramas.

Story (6.5):
The story is problematic to me mostly because it all revolves around sensuality and it cast a tone to the movie I couldn't truly enjoy. If that is more your thing, then it does have a fairly intricate and exciting plot.
That said, I believe most of my enjoyment in the story came from the way it was portrayed, as I mentioned earlier. I don't want to give any spoilers, but I'll just say that there are 3 parts to the movie and they don't reveal everything that happens in part 1.
Without this method of storytelling I think the plot could have been just a jumble, so it's a good thing it was done this way; props to the screenwriter, who coincidentally also worked on the Korean adaptation of Mother which is one of my all time favorite dramas.
We all also know the director but I'm not the greatest fan of his works though Oldboy is irrefutably a well done movie. If I could enjoy the theme, then I believe the story portion would get a higher rating, but I can't handle it. Sue me, to each their own.

Acting/Cast (10.0):
Of course, this is a phenomenal cast. I don't think I can say much beyond it was very well acted. Kim Tae Ri is one of my favorite actresses after seeing Mr. Sunshine, and to be honest, after seeing the story prior to watching, the only reason I still went forward with my viewing was because of her. Everyone else in the cast was very well done, especially the Count and the Uncle. I've not seen much of Kim Min Hee, but nothing to complain about from there; obviously a very seasoned actress. I think one of the most impressive parts is that everyone seems so fluent in Korean and Japanese!

Music (5.0):
Often I'll give the music portion a high rating if I felt it wasn't unique or especially good but fit with the drama and didn't detract at all. I have to say this did a fairly good job, but there were 1 or 2 instances where I frowned at what I was hearing. It was still pretty tasteful and there was a fair amount without music, but I heard nothing especially interesting.

Rewatch value (1.0):
So yeah, I'm never going to watch this again.

Overall (5.5):
Is anyone still with me? At the end of the movie, I was fairly pleased with the progression and then woah here we go again... you'll know what I mean. Like seriously did you have to do that... I'm scarred for life.
If you think I'm harsh because blah blah I can't handle it, okay fine, I was home-schooled and grew up on Winnie the Pooh and Mr. Rogers so sue me. I remember the first time I realized Korean entertainment wasn't all prudish and fade to black was when I watched Little Girl K and there was suddenly a bared breast. It literally shocked me; the reason I'd grown so attached at that point to Kdramas was because, after just moving out of my parent's house, I had marathoned and quickly grown disillusioned with a ton of western TV shows and movies with only a handful of ones I actually enjoyed. Compare to what I found when stumbling upon Kdramas; it was like a whole new pasture of green grass without a thistle in sight. There were plenty of Kdramas I didn't find very interesting, but I didn't drop them because the content was literally abhorrent and stupid (except Boys over Flowers).
In the end I actually did enjoy Little Girl K because the nudity was far from the main content and wasn't really dwelt on either. Some of my favorite western movies are ones rated R with no sexual content in them and I found that almost everything I came upon in the Korean world had enough maturity and gore to not be a stupid teen show (gag at almost every single western teen show, not just the bad acting...) but was almost without exception less sexual than any of the aforementioned western teen shows.
I can still remember patiently watching 21 episodes of Shining Inheritance to be rewarded with a kiss! Now that's what I'm talking about!

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Forceful and Forgettable

The recipe for this film: random conflict for the sole purpose to set up and induce meaningless plot twist after twist; a sprinkle of symbolism here and there; various graphic acts with a touch of unusual characters in equally bizarre costumes; all neatly packaged with a comical, voyeuristic homoerotic act.
With some reflection, it is clear to us that each ingredient was tactfully manufactured to artificially arouse the audience. Yet, keener and more experienced eyes will not succumb to such parlor tricks. They will notice despite how engaging and provocative some moments were, how contrived, unnatural, and ungratifying the screenplay was to induce viewers to the various twists, detracting from the overall storytelling experience. The movie was a boisterous performance to posturize Park's chops as an experienced director and a film enthusiast, but not as a storyteller. All in all, The Handmaiden is a far cry from Park Chan Wook's earlier notable works, which seamlessly showed originality and a honest exploration of life's gravitas.

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When I say this movie is a masterpiece, I'm not exaggerating. It's exactly the type of movie I was looking for. With twists and turns, a steamy romance and an ending that provided closure. There are plot twists and I didn't find myself bored through any of it. Definitely on my top favorite list.

While watching it, I felt so intrigued by the acting. It's done flawlessly and I can truthfully say that it's gripping and beautifully shot. It also does very well in terms of representing the lesbian relationship between the two characters, showing how they built up the dynamic of their relationship.

Odd little side note, but I also loved the trailer. It's the first thing that drew me in.

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I have been eyeing this movie for a long time and finally decided to watch it today and it was the best decision I could have made. I gave this movie 10/10 but if I could I would give it an even higher rating and it would absolutely be worth it.
The story was phenomenal! There were so many plot twists which I wasn't expecting at all and also many flashbacks to the past but it wasn't confusing at all. Everything was honestly explained so well. The cinematography was also very beautiful.
The acting was soooo good, especially the two lead actresses did such a great job. Their chemistry was outstanding in both the normal and sexual scenes. There are like three of them and one is nearly five minutes long and uncensored so be at least 18 before you watch this movie.
I highly recommend this movie!

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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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I came across this film randomly browsing MDL and I was NOT prepared for this masterpiece. I cannot recommend this film enough, truly. It's got to be one of my favourite films, from anywhere, about anything, in any genre, and I've already watched it three times in less than 24 hours. I'll start from the ground up.

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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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.

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I was itching to see Park Chan-wook's return to South Korean films after Thirst (2009) and his English-debut, Stoker (2013). Because of that, my expectations for The Handmaiden were definitely high.

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.

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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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I've started & dropped this movie a couple of times, and after reading The Handmaiden becomes first Korean movie to receive Bafta nomination , in January I have finally completed ?. I got to say although I like the movie, I also find it very disturbing, this movie can be classified as +18, there were 5 mints + unscencored lesbian sex scenes. I am amazed how the main & supporting actors can speak Japanese fluently. It was a brilliant movie but it was also quite dark

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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