Watch The Handmaiden

The Handmaiden is a 2016 South Korean movie directed by legendary director Park Chan-wook. The film is an adaptation of Fingersmith, a novel by Sarah Waters, with a unique and twisted South Korean twist. The Handmaiden tells the story of a young woman named Sook-hee, who is hired by a conman to work as a handmaiden for a wealthy Japanese heiress named Lady Hideko. The conman plans to trick Lady Hideko into marrying him while Sook-hee plays her part in the plan. However, things get complicated when Sook-hee discovers that Lady Hideko is not as innocent as she seems, and the two women form a romantic bond that threatens to derail the conman's entire plan.

The Handmaiden is a visually stunning movie with a rich and complex narrative that keeps its audience on the edge of their seats. The narrative is told from multiple perspectives, with each perspective revealing different facets of the story. The movie masterfully plays with the audience's expectations, subverting them at every turn, and making it difficult to predict what happens next.

The Handmaiden's cinematography is also something to marvel at. The movie's lush green settings and detailed period costumes create a striking contrast against the dark and twisted nature of the story. The sets feel alive, making every scene feel like a painting. The movie is a feast for the eyes, an experience in and of itself.

The performances in the movie are also top-notch. Kim Min-hee, who plays Sook-hee, is a revelation. She portrays the character with breathtaking range, transitioning from a naive and innocent handmaiden to a woman who is willing to do whatever it takes to protect the woman she loves. Ha Jung-woo, who plays the conman, is equally impressive as a man who is willing to go to great lengths to achieve his goals. Cho Jin-woong, who plays a count with a sinister secret, gives an eerie and eerie performance that will give viewers goosebumps.

The Handmaiden has a lot of themes at play, with the most prevalent being the themes of power, love, and betrayal. The movie explores the power dynamics between the wealthy and the impoverished, the dynamics between master and servant, and even the dynamics between man and woman. The film's portrayal of love is not just limited to romantic love, but also love between friends, and the various forms of love that exist in the world.

At its core, The Handmaiden is a love story, but it is not your typical love story. The two women's connection runs deeper than just a physical attraction. Their love is rooted in mutual respect and admiration for one another. It is refreshing to see a movie that challenges the notion of what love can be, and goes beyond the limits of heteronormative storytelling.

Overall, The Handmaiden is a movie that leaves a lasting impact on its viewers. It is a movie that demands to be watched multiple times, both to appreciate its intricate storytelling and to fully take in its stunning visuals. The Handmaiden is a triumph of cinema and is sure to be remembered for years to come.

The Handmaiden is a 2016 thriller with a runtime of 2 hours and 25 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.1 and a MetaScore of 85.