The Handmaiden 2016 / Called a masterpiece by many, you are likely to decide to watch this twisted, sexy South-Korean thriller twice.

9.2

The 2016 outing of South-Korean auteur director Park Chan-wook (maker of Oldboy and Stoker) once again shifts attention to the dark side of what makes us human: betrayal, violence, and transgression. Based on the 2002 novel Fingersmith by British author Sarah Waters, The Handmaiden revolves around the love of two women and the greedy men around them. Park shifts the novel’s plot from Victorian London to 1930s Korea, where an orphaned pickpocket is used by a con man to defraud an old Japanese woman. Routinely called a masterpiece with comparisons made to the likes of Alfred Hitchcock, this is a stylish and meticulous psychological thriller that packs enough erotic tension to put a crack in your screen. If you love cinema, you can’t miss this movie. You might even have to watch it twice.

    C
    Cường Lê

    This film is an absolute masterpiece, the music, the costumes and the filming are just outstanding. 8 people liked this review.

    G
    Glen Min

    Typically, I would hesitate to watch any movies that are over 2 hours long, but this movie so engaging. The cinematography was unlike any other and everything–the costume, the set, the hair–was so aesthetically pleasing. This movie is easily one of my favorite movies. 4 people liked this review.

    P
    Poustray

    This movie is beyond excellence. Every detail is perfect, and the plot keeps misleading you until the very end. However, you should watch this movie alone, as it does not lack explicit scenes, especially starring women only 3 people liked this review.

    s
    sujanthereaper

    Keeps you on the edge every moment. The climax is amazing. The mystery around the protagonists are portrayed very well. I like how our empathy shifts from one character to another as new truths are presented to us. We do not really know who has the upper hand till the end. 2 people liked this review.

    A
    Anne Michaud

    This movie was not for me. Although I agree that it was well-made, there was a lot of very explicit scenes. I enjoyed the varying points of view, but this film moved very slowly, and the ending was ridiculous. 1 person liked this review.

    a
    ashleymh

    A wonderfully feminist film - and great on screen chemistry between the female actors. -4 people liked this review.

    a
    anilambaniworks

    you're right. -1 people liked this review.

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