The Handmaiden

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Movie: The Handmaid (English tilte) / Lady (literal title)
Revised romanization: Agasshi
Hangul: 아가씨
Director: Park Chan-Wook
Writer: Sarah Waters (novel), Park Chan-Wook, Jung Seo-Kyoung
Producer: Yoon Suk-Chan, Jung Won-Jo
Cinematographer: Jung Jung-Hoon
World Premiere: May, 2016 (Cannes Film Festival)
Release Date: June 1, 2016
Runtime: 144 min.
Genre: Thriller / Period-1930 / Erotic / Award Winning
Distributor: CJ Entertainment
Language: Korean
Country: South Korea

Plot Synopsis by AsianWiki Staff ©

Set in the 1930's in South Korea and Japan. Story revolves around 4 people: a noble lady (Kim Min-Hee) who has inherited a fortune, a swindler count (Ha Jung-Woo) who is after the noble lady’s fortune, a young female pickpocket (Kim Tae-Ri) hired by the swindler count and the noble lady’s uncle (Cho Jin-Woong) who is her guardian.

Notes

Based on novel "Fingersmith" by Sarah Waters (published February 4, 2002 by Virago Press). Novel is set in London during the 19th century, but movie "Fingersmith" is set in South Korea and Japan during the 1930's.
Filming began June 15, 2015 in Kuwana, Mie Prefecture, Japan.
Filming finished October 31, 2015. Shooting took place in various locations in Japan and South Korea.
Actress Kim Tae-Ri was selected for her role through auditions which had approximately 1,500 applicants.

Cast



Kim Min-Hee	Kim Tae-Ri	Ha Jung-Woo
Lady Hideko	Sook-Hee	Count Fujiwara



Cho Jin-Woong	Moon So-Ri	Kim Hae-Sook	Lee Dong-Hwi
Uncle Kouzuki	Aunt	Sasaki	Goo-Gai

Additional Cast Members:

Lee Yong-Nyeo - Bok-Soon
Kwak Eun-Jin - Ggeut-Dan
Rina Takagi - Hideko's mother
Jo Eun-Hyung - Hideko (young)
Han Ha-Na - Junko
Lee Kyu-Jung - maid 1
Kim Si-Eun - maid 2
Ha Si-Yeon - maid 3
Jeong Ha-Dam - maid 5
Won Geun-Hee - butler
Kim Lee-Woo - ferry ship Japanese officer 1
Park Ki-Ryoong - audience member during reading 1
Choi Byung-Mo - audience member during reading 2
Han Chang-Hyun - audience member during reading 3
Kim In-Woo - audience member during reading 4
Kwon Hyuk - audience member during reading 5
Sun Wook-Hyun - ticket office for port
Lee Ji-Ha - female owner of ryokan
Kim Hae-Won - Pyeonghwa Hotel western restaurant customer 1
Lim Han-Bin - boy in picture
Lee Yoon-Jae - audience member during Geumbyeongmae reading 2
Ahn Seong-Bong
Park Seung-Joon

Trailers

Image Gallery

Film Festivals

2016 (69th) Cannes Film Festival - May 11-22, 2016 - Competition

Awards

2016 (69th) Cannes Film Festival - May 11-22, 2016
- Vulcain Prize for an artist technician, awarded by the C.S.T. (Ryu Seong-Hie)
2016 (37th) Blue Dragon Film Awards - November 25, 2016
- Best Actress (Kim Min-Hee)
- Best New Actress (Kim Tae-Ri)
- Best Art Design (Ryu Sung-Hee)
2017 (53rd) BaekSang Arts Awards - May 3, 2017
- Grand Prize (Daesang) (Park Chan-Wook)

Comments

queen May 26 2022 6:32 pm sapphic women getting brutal revenge 100/10 love it

K-drama lover Feb 13 2022 9:33 am Ugh!! This movie is a masterpiece beyond explanation! The plot twists are beautiful and every scene was displayed perfectly. The explicit scenes were well executed if you ask me. It looked so real and there wasn't any hint of awkwardness. The actresses really played their roles well and their chemistry was amazing. Definitely a 10/10 for me.

Fe Rorie Dec 05 2021 10:51 am Park Chan-Wook did an outstanding job executing this film. The plot was superb, flawless and spell bounding. I was mesmerized by the intricate plot and how it was executed marvelously. Each actors and actresses were well appreciated by their excellent performances. One of the best so far not to missed seeing it. It had a lot of substance and a nice twist towards the end. Looking forward to see other films directed by Park Chan-Wook!

Amy T Apr 13 2021 6:30 am I watched Kim Tae ri in Mr Sunshine and I was impressed by her acting ability. You can feel her emotions and you'll be lost for a second and be carried away. Since then I got curious about her, who this girl is. So I googled and stumbled The Handmaiden. I watched this film bcoz of her and she really was impressive and to think she was a rookie when she starred on this film. Nothing to say but pure praise and admiration. I hope she continue to do good great films. Films that are masterpieces that can be remembered for a long and rank as one of the best.

G. deGero Mar 06 2021 2:39 am Fabulous film! I loved it

aeshin Sep 06 2020 9:41 am A masterpiece! It’s one of those films which we don’t just see it, but we experience it. It’s dark, disturbing, erotic, and thriller, basically all genre are in the movie. There are some brilliant plot twists and the cinematography are just Spellbindingly Beautiful! Also the soundtracks are so freaking gooddd!! Each scenes are much more meaningful with those background musics and it’s executed perfectly! Kudos to all the actors, staffs and ofc to the g.o.a.t himself, Park Chan Wook! Amazing performances by the actors especially Kim Tae-Ri and Kim Min Hee. Btw, the fact that this is Kim Tae-Ri’s debut to the acting industry is really surprised me. She did an absolute amazing job! She look so young here, i thought she was 18 lol. Anyways, this is my all time favourite Korean film! I watched it so many times and I wanna watch it again!!! You should really watch it too, i bet you will not see what’s coming:) damn I really wish I see it on the big screen back then:(

Alexander Mathieson Oct 21 2019 7:28 am I understand this film is set in the mid to late 1930's. Now, I am no expert on these things but SURELY it seems that one of the cast is clearly wearing a Seiko Solar powered watch, which is very clearly depicted. Wouldn't a watch that goes tick-tock be more realistic to the plot? Hmmm......

Shen Ya-Fen Aug 06 2019 3:00 pm I really adored this move but must confess to having been somewhat disappointed that the role of Hideko wasn't awarded to an actress of Japanese decent. Nonetheless, out of the limited number of movies I've seen that would be defined as erotic, it is, IMO, by many miles the "hottest".

Calliope Apr 27 2019 1:58 am Great directing, acting was good ,remains a refined (?) porn movie.

Fra Dec 20 2018 3:46 am Can I forget all my memories about this movie and rewatch it again??? This movie is a bomb.

kim tae ri Jan 20 2018 7:57 am Best. Movie. Ever.

Dysphoria Dec 11 2017 7:50 pm Holy crap this movie was not what I expected!!! This was seriously really good. I wasn't expecting much when I decided to watch it. I watched a different movie based on the same time as this one and I loved it so I thought I would watch this one as well. Besides all the gross sex scenes this movie was perfect! I honestly didn't see a lot of things coming, that plot twist made my jaw drop, it was glorious. When I finally got to the ending of part one I thought the movie was over, and then BOOM, no there is another hour and a half left. I loved the ending so much but also hated it. I understood the chooses they made, and why they made them, but I just didn't understand why Count Fujiwara got what happened to him. If I think about it he wasn't really the antagonist. I mean yes, I didn't like him very much but her uncle was the true antagonist. I guess Count Fujiwara had to have that happen in order for him to kill the gross uncle. While on the subject of the uncle I was so shocked at his little hobby. I thought he was a well-educated man that loved knowledge but nope, just some sick perverted gross man, glad he died, but he needed to be the one with his fingers cut off. Anyway, this was perfection. So happy the two girls were together in the end. I was rooting for them since part one.

dietmntndew Apr 04 2017 6:57 am Cant believe Im only seeing this now! The plot twists were beyond me! This was spectacular! You think you're already spoiled with all those mature content, lesbi conten, etc? Wait til you actually see it. I love watching movies where I dont know whats gonna happen next. Element of surprise gets me evry single time.. and with this film I thought i knew where everything was going - gurl was I so wrong. I still did get to predict somehow but it didnt take the cherry on top away. The execution was amazing.

Now, here's what I can't watch with films of this genre: rape. Or anything that has someone so helpless being forced into something, i just loathe the idea. Anyway, it's my heaviest factor among slavery, torture, gore, heavy drama where main is dying, helpless captives, and etc. And not to spoil and such... there was a hint of it but not explicit and not heavy. And that's what i liked about this film! The content was there but i guess the director didnt need to explore those further to capture viewers. Because really, its already captivating. (Which was super nice bc i didnt become anxious watching) So if you get scared along the way and think of stopping, or maybe having second thoughts, dont worry - its safe.. keep going. Just might wanna watch discreetly idk bc (its not much) but the R18 scenes were heavy (heard of blue is warmest color? YUP)

Plot twists beyond plot twists. I think some also saw it coming but its still surprising :)

Watch out for that KIM TAE-RI! Someones going to make it big in SoKor film industry! Well you know, if this doesnt ruin her and all (we all know how conservative SoKor entertainment industry is) What a brave girl! Looking forward to seeing more of her! (pun unintended)

Aditi Mar 30 2017 5:47 pm Beautifully done film, in every aspect! Kim Tae Ri is absolutely amazing, and to think she's only just begun. What a way to start your career! I love that he did it in three parts and the structure of those three parts, kept me entertained and interested throughout. The humour was well placed and subtle, and added to the unique vibe of the film.Park Chan-Wook is honestly one of the most magnificent directors I've seen in a while, and this isn't just with regards to Asian cinema, I mean it in general. Definitely must watch!

CKW Feb 28 2017 3:14 pm

I meant for the Oscars. SK decided to not send this for the Academy award and instead sent the mediocre Age of Shadows. A truly bad move by them because AMPAS surely would've shortlisted this. Also I forgot to point out how amazing the cinematography by Chung-hoon was. Truly incredible.

CKW Feb 28 2017 3:11 pm Best movie by Park Chan-wook and the best Korean movie of 2016. It was shocking that SK decided to send the mediocre Age of Shadows over this masterpiece. The idiosyncrasy and Chan-wook's eclectic style of direction is highlighted here in the most brilliant manner. The performances, art direction and score are just amazing. The screenplay is one of the best I've seen in 2016. 10/10

Clooz Jan 23 2017 7:50 pm Pretty great movie. The explicit scenes were realistic and I really felt for the characters. They were very genuine, even with the language barrier.

You have to understand though, in Korea, Japan, China, and other countries idols arent even allowed to date to keep an "innocent" image. It is a big scandal if one is caught in a relationship and they are usually fired, are publically shamed, and forced to make a public apology. It is quite sick honestly. Grown women and teens without control of their lives. This ends their careers.

I hear the Hideko actress is an ex model and an up and coming star in korea, so such a role probably earned the scorn of many, and created "anti'fans"

It is quite an insane climate. I find the creepy middle aged fans that stand in line for hours to shake a teen girl's hand much more inappropriate than the loving intimacy exprrssed between the leads in this film. I hope it helps not only the Lgbtq community, but the feminist cause as well.

Politics aside it was a beautiful film, with just enough grit. Great cinematography and amazing acting. Id have liked to have seen both Korean and Japanese actors, but the film wasn't negatively impacted by the choice.

I hope to see more films like this come out of Korea. Tired of melodramas with Chaebols and Kings. I would like to see more modern and historical stories of the average citizens and the adversity they face. 9.5/10 Probably my top film of 2016. Will be rewatching soon.

jerry Dec 11 2016 12:06 am unexpected plot twist!! superb acting superb directing nothing to say !! but can't stand the homo s3x scenes

Amyus Nov 12 2016 7:32 am An astonishing film in many regards and a true masterpiece from Park Chan-wook. Admittedly I haven't seen 'The Fingersmith' nor have I read the book (but both are now on my 'to do' list) so I cannot compare this version to the original, but 'The Handmaiden' seduces the viewer with every gloriously filmed scene. Stunning cinematography, beautiful sets and costumes and superb lighting with a masterly written script that draws us ever deeper into the depraved world of the ultra-rich, never judging but simply allowing us to make up our own minds. The developing love story between the two female leads is spellbinding and visually provocative but ultimately one that portrays an honest and very open sexual awakening that is both sweetly tender and highly charged. A truly beautiful film.

Peanuts Nov 01 2016 11:07 pm A movie with an exceptional amount of layers. Every scene is detailed to make a point, to convey some sort of symbolic significance related to every other theme the director reveals to us. Some might say the violence and sex scenes are gratuitous, but they are simply not looking beyond the surface. Its only a few hours after contemplating the movie do I fully realize that I've watched a masterpiece that demands a second or third viewing.

Archimedez Oct 19 2016 11:05 pm It's a great movie as I expected from Director of Old Boy great cinematography. directing and execution. korean and japanese version fingersmith really nice. the ending although it change but overall great.

Jungle_fish Sep 25 2016 10:48 am Like the movie... though it's kind of drama but sometimes and unexpectedly it showed humour, owh I love the scene when sook hee was doing something with hideko's tooth in the bathtub, the scene like showing the first intimacy between them, I hold my breath when I saw the scene. But such a waste from a great movie, kim min hee and the director got a scandal

Francisco DeCastro Aug 26 2016 8:33 pm Aggae, you are entitled to your opinion, but I have to completely disagree with you. Movies are not made just to make a point. Movies are made to show what is happening. Just like books are meant to describe what is happening.

Yes, of course the director could have NOT made that scene explicitly detailed and still get the point across on the scene. But some directors want to show the exact true feeling and insight of what exactly is happening. The audience watching will be a part of that scene and feel like they are there. The director did that for exactly that reason

I do not know where you got this idea that famous and beautiful actresses should not do such explicit scenes. That statement doesn't even make sense if you ask me.

nine Jul 05 2016 7:07 am No, aggae, it can't. The film tells you as much during the explicit scenes about the cast's true feelings toward each other and their state of mind, as it does during the spoken sequences. Seeing each sequence with a new perspective in each Act only strengthens those messages, and increases my admiration for two women who can act as well without words as they can with.

Both actresses do amazingly well, and if you actually engage with what you're being told, rather than looking away because there are naked people on the screen, you'll understand and appreciate the film a whole lot more.

Masterful performances.

aggae Jun 13 2016 12:22 am i dont understand why such famous korean actress have to have such explicit scenes in the movie..the beautiful movie can be potrayed with exactly same effects without being so explicit..guess it adds to the audience

Sara Jun 12 2016 3:40 am Really can't wait for more of Park Chan Wook's art.

Flame gal Apr 29 2016 9:54 pm It's my favourite all time book too! The love between the female thief and the heiress is the primary plot device of Sarah Waters' book and the BBC adaptation. Without it, it's basically a bloodless and nonsensical story. I hope the Korean remake doesn't screw it up by removing that.

catya Feb 26 2016 7:10 am I loved the BBC adaption and the novel <3 This korean version looks promising, I can hardly wait!!

sdfgdfh Feb 13 2016 10:27 am the director is park chan wook.. the one who directing old boy and sympathy for lady vengeance. no doubt its gonna be a great movie

Yana Nov 13 2015 1:30 pm I just finished the BBC's TV adaption of Fingersmith, it was very good. Now I'm reading the book! Hopefully this Korean adaption is something worth waiting for.

Brenda Aug 31 2015 2:48 pm Omg.. My favorite book! I am so happy this is going to have a Korean movie, really!!!! <3 :b

Odd Mar 28 2015 6:17 am I can't wait for this one. I just hope they wont shy away from the lesbian romance,

The Handmaiden

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Plot Synopsis by AsianWiki Staff ©

Notes

Cast

Trailers

Image Gallery

Film Festivals

Awards

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