The Handmaiden

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The Handmaiden

Released Oct 21, 2016

2h 24m

Mystery & Thriller

Drama

Romance

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

96%

Tomatometer

226 Reviews

91%

Popcornmeter

10,000+ Ratings

With help from an orphaned pickpocket (Kim Tae-ri), a Korean con man (Ha Jung-woo) devises an elaborate plot to seduce and bilk a Japanese woman (Kim Min-hee) out of her inheritance.

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Critics Consensus

The Handmaiden uses a Victorian crime novel as the loose inspiration for another visually sumptuous and absorbingly idiosyncratic outing from director Park Chan-wook.

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Li Sian Goh

Bitch Media

The drama combines the sumptuous art direction and black humor of Park's past work with a warmth and compassion that feeds the soul.

Feb 11, 2021

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Alexandra Heller-Nicholas

The Blue Lenses

Once again Park finds himself immersed in a world of woman-driven intrigue, and like Stoker before it The Handmaiden is concerned with the power dynamics between women in what are contextually configured as sexually transgressive scenarios.

Aug 25, 2018

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K. Austin Collins

The Ringer

The Handmaiden is exemplary proof of Park's mastery, a high point from a director known for his purposeful aesthetic care, even in matters of overwrought sexual melodrama.

Aug 10, 2017

Full Review

JD Duran

InSession Film

The performances, the score, the craftsmanship, it’s all impeccable...

Aug 8, 2024

Full Review

Diana Tuova

Spotlight on Film

Fiercely intelligent, unapologetically erotic and endlessly stylish, The Handmaiden is a perfect film that toys with the audience’s expectations and formed beliefs.

Rated: 5/5

Jul 30, 2024

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Brendan Cassidy

InSession Film

Park Chan-wook’s neurotic period piece is a beyond tricky weaving of conflicting identity, the desire for intimacy, masculinity vs. femininity, and historical and cultural oppression.

Jun 18, 2024

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Cem Y

One of the greatest movies out there! Must watch from Park Chan-Wook and much better than his most famous work (aka Oldboy) in my opinion.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/17/24

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Aaron C

Well acted and directed film, story just got better and better.. Split in to 3 parts, I didn't understand the hype during Part 1 but film just kept getting better. A must see for Asian film fans

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

11/03/24

Full Review

Kyle M

It favors certain palate heated by societal vulgarness, there’s doubtlessly underlying mastery at play if all attributions are pleasantly accepted over familiar directorial handiwork. Otherwise, its art gets distastefully threatened when the welcomed half, being the humane beauty and performative passion amid a thickening structure with unsettling imagery, only underrates this as fairly average. (B)

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

09/23/24

Full Review

julie b

Twisty, dark, playful, and funny, while being visually beautiful - I can’t get over that scenery and the vibrant green colours!!! Suspenseful, well written, well structured, great performances - I was locked in the whole time. I have very little to say but this was v good and you should watch it.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

09/19/24

Full Review

Trent K

Another one of my top 10. The Handmaiden holds no punches and will take you by surprise because of how well written and well performed it is. I'd go as far as saying The Handmaiden is one of the greatest screenplay of all time, it could even rival Chimatown.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/15/24

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Zoe R

Incredible movie! I really liked to duality of Sook-Hee's character shown in different segments of the film.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

07/25/24

Full Review

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Park Chan-wook

Director

Kim Min-hee

Lady Hideko

Kim Tae-ri

Sook-Hee

Ha Jung-woo

Count Fujiwara

Cho Jin-woong

Uncle Kouzuki

Kim Hae-sook

Butler

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The Handmaiden: Trailer 1

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Synopsis

With help from an orphaned pickpocket (Kim Tae-ri), a Korean con man (Ha Jung-woo) devises an elaborate plot to seduce and bilk a Japanese woman (Kim Min-hee) out of her inheritance.

Director: Park Chan-wook
Producer: Park Chan-wook, Syd Lim
Screenwriter: Jeong Seo-kyeong
Distributor: Magnolia Pictures, Amazon Studios
Production Co: Moho Film, CJ Entertainment, Yong Film
Genre: Mystery & Thriller, Drama, Romance
Original Language: Korean
Release Date (Theaters): Oct 21, 2016, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 30, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA): $2.0M
Runtime: 2h 24m
Sound Mix: Dolby Digital

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