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The Handmaiden

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The Handmaiden

Released Oct 21, 2016

2h 24m

Mystery & Thriller

Drama

Romance

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Popcornmeter

96%

Tomatometer

227 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

Full Review

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

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Stephen A. Russell

sbs.com.au

This deliberately mischievous mix and each act’s limberly acrobatic flip ensures The Handmaiden keeps a tight grip on our attentions. Magnificent performances all round ensure our eye is pulled not just by their flesh, but also by their knotty intentions.

Dec 20, 2024

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JD Duran

InSession Film

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

Aug 8, 2024

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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

Full Review

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Kyle C

So good. There’s a lot to give away so I’ll keep it brief. This movie utilizes twists and reframings incredibly effectively, using them to explore every emotional avenue of every character in really unique ways. Park Chan-Wook does an excellent job of conveying information without being heavy handed, opting to show rather than tell, which is becoming quite rare in mystery films like this one. The plot is just complex enough to be interesting without feeling convoluted. The connections of the characters will satisfy. Plus, this is a great one for Pride Month. Enjoy.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/26/25

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Dalila C

WHAT A MASTERPIECE IS THIS I AM VERY ADDICTED OMG ILV THIS DEEPLY

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/25/25

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Audience Member

absolute mind twisting movie...

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/07/25

Full Review

ruby j

Absolute cinema, best story GL ever

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/20/25

Full Review

K Y

Masterfully done by Park Chan Wook.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/06/25

Full Review

Jerod S

The story is excellent albeit wretched. Double-crossing at its finest when Korean thieves go to Japan to trap a girl for her money.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

03/01/25

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: CJ Entertainment, Yong Film, Moho 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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