The Handmaiden

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Aluna U The Handmaiden, adapted from Sarah Waters' Fingersmith, masterfully transposes the 19th-century London setting to 1930s Japanese-occupied Korea, creating a rich and visually stunning historical backdrop. Told in three intricately woven chapters, the film unfolds with gripping suspense, emotional depth, and narrative twists that keep viewers fully engaged. With award-winning cinematography, meticulous artistic direction, and powerful performances—especially from debut actress Kim Tae Ri—The Handmaiden stands out as a bold, sensual, and unforgettable cinematic achievement that expertly blends mystery, romance, and rebellion. Read the full review here: (Indonesian version : alunauwie.com) Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 09/23/25 Full Review Peter G It’s a really good film but maybe a little overhyped. The actors are what bring it to life more so than the directors vision imo Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 07/28/25 Full Review Johann D. M 🏳️‍🌈🇰🇷 An erotic historical psychological thriller directed, co-written and co-produced by Park Chan-Wook, inspired by the 2002 novel Fingersmith by Welsh writer Sarah Waters. The story transposes the Victorian-era setting to Korea under Japanese colonial rule, where a young Korean woman is hired as a handmaiden to a reclusive Japanese heiress living on a countryside estate. But the maid harbors a secret: she is a pickpocket enlisted by a conman to help seduce the Lady and steal her fortune. It is a masterfully crafted piece of cinema — perhaps longer than necessary, but executed with exceptional precision. The narrative is divided into three intricately structured parts, each unfolding with elegance and surprise, anchored by stunning performances. The musical score is hauntingly beautiful, perfectly timed with each twist and emotional shift. Visually, it is nothing short of breathtaking: rich with evocative landscapes, meticulous lighting and colour, and sumptuous production design. With its layers of dark humor, sensuality, betrayal, and revenge, it is a daring and unforgettable film — romantic, provocative, and quite refined. Rated 4.5/5 Stars •  Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 08/12/25 Full Review Stephen C Romantic in 2 hours and 24 minutes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! All ages admitted, allowed and approved!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/08/25 Full Review 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 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/26/25 Full Review Dalila C WHAT A MASTERPIECE IS THIS I AM VERY ADDICTED OMG ILV THIS DEEPLY Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 05/25/25 Full Review Read all reviews

The Handmaiden

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