The Handmaiden

Parental Rating: NC-17

Contains: Language    Nudity    Violence    Sex    Drug Use    Adult Content    

Jill's Review

Opens October 28, 2016

Runs 144 minutes

A young woman named Sookee (Kim Tae-Ri) is hired as a handmaiden for a rich heiress, Lady Hideko (Min-Hee Kim), who lives in virtual seclusion with her controlling Uncle Kouzuki (Jin-Woong Jo).  Unbeknownst to Lady Hideko, Sookee is a con-woman hired by the itinerant Count Fujiwara (Jung-Woo Ha) to help him seduce Lady Hideko to marry him and then rob her of her fortune and lock her up in a madhouse. Things seem to be proceeding according to plan until Sookee and Lady Hideko begin to form a bond betewen them. Can Sookee still carry out the diabolical plan that will gain her freedom and financial security?

This film is so good. It is told in three parts, slowly revealing the layers of backgound, deception and betrayal. It is relatively long but it never feels it. Each section is told from a new perspective and lets the viewer in on more and more information but ultimately keeps them guessing until the end. I don't want to say anything else that might spoil the story. A very well-crafted movie. NOTE:  This movie is very explicit and is not meant for anyone under 18. There is nudity and explicit sexual content. It is crucial to the story so it doesn't feel exploitative but it is very explicit. This is directed by Chan-Wook Park, who also directed the fabulous Oldboy. If you liked that, then this is a must see. Otherwise, anyone who likes foreign films that are well-made and keep you guessing until the end should see this! Just don't take your Mom.

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