Overview
A tale of deception and unexpected passion unfolds in a secluded estate during a tumultuous era.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Brisk
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Dense
- Violence
- Moderate
- sensual
- suspenseful
- baroque
- late night viewing
- arthouse movie night
What critics said
Critics broadly praised the film as a visually sumptuous, idiosyncratic, absorbing erotic thriller with intricate reversals and commanding performances.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
The three-part structure revisits key events from different viewpoints, transforming the meaning of Sookhee's and Hideko's actions.
The countryside estate, Japanese aristocratic identity, Korean servants, and Japanese occupation create a deliberately hybrid social world.
Sookhee and Hideko's developing relationship challenges the Count's fraudulent scheme and Kouzuki's coercive authority.
The mansion, library, bedrooms, and hidden rooms organize characters' observation, confinement, and performances for one another.
Films like The Handmaiden, and why
Decision to Leave
sensual neo-noir intrigue, shifting loyalties, and morally entangled desire
The Last Seduction
stylized erotic thriller filmmaking, obsessive romance, and elaborate deception
Carol
period lesbian romance shaped by class deception and carefully controlled social worlds
Stoker
baroque visual design, psychological manipulation, and revenge-driven romantic tension
Movie Details
- Director
- Park Chan-wook
- Release Date
- 2016-06-01
- Runtime
- 145 min
- Rating
- 8.2 / 10 (4509)
Cast
- Kim Min-hee
- Kim Tae-ri
- Ha Jung-woo
- Cho Jin-woong
- Kim Hae-sook
- Moon So-ri
- Lee Yong-nyeo
- Kwak Eun-jin
- Lee Dong-hwi
- Jo Eun-hyung
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- Amazon Prime Video
- Rent
- Fandango At Home
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is The Handmaiden about?
- A pickpocket and a secluded heiress turn an elaborate colonial-era con into a dangerous, sensual struggle for freedom and desire.
- What is The Handmaiden like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Handmaiden as brisk, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as dense.
- Is The Handmaiden violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in The Handmaiden as moderate.
- What did critics think of The Handmaiden?
- Critics broadly praised the film as a visually sumptuous, idiosyncratic, absorbing erotic thriller with intricate reversals and commanding performances.
- Which films are like The Handmaiden?
- Films with a similar feel include Decision to Leave, The Last Seduction, Carol, and Stoker.
- How long is The Handmaiden?
- The Handmaiden runs 145 minutes.
- Where can I watch The Handmaiden?
- In United States, The Handmaiden streams on Amazon Prime Video.
