The Handmaiden

August’24 – Nominated By BM

Nominations

* Won on Wheel Decision

Plot Synopsis

The story unfolds in three parts, each shifting the perspective among the main characters, deepening the viewer’s understanding of the plot and motivations.

Part 1: The film begins with Sook-hee, a young Korean woman from a family of con artists, being hired as a handmaiden to a wealthy Japanese heiress, Lady Hideko, who lives in a secluded estate under the authoritarian Uncle Kouzuki. However, Sook-hee’s employment is part of an elaborate scheme orchestrated by Count Fujiwara, a con man posing as a Japanese nobleman. The plan is for Sook-hee to help Fujiwara seduce and marry Lady Hideko, then commit her to an asylum so they can split her fortune.

Part 2: As the story progresses, it is revealed through Lady Hideko’s perspective that she is far from the naive victim she appears to be. Hideko has been raised by her perverted uncle Kouzuki, who uses her as a pawn in his erotic literary readings for his wealthy associates. Hideko is aware of Fujiwara’s intentions and conspires in the plan to escape her uncle’s grasp.

Part 3: The third part of the film resolves the complex web of deceit between the characters. It reveals that Sook-hee and Hideko have developed genuine feelings for each other. Together, they plot to free themselves from the manipulative machinations of both Fujiwara and Uncle Kouzuki. Their plan involves a risky double-cross that entails outsmarting Fujiwara at his own game and dealing with Uncle Kouzuki’s perverse obsessions.

The film climaxes with both women using their wit and agency to overcome their oppressors, reclaiming their lives and freedom. They manage to escape with the fortune, leaving behind their troubled pasts.

Themes:

“The Handmaiden” uses its thrilling narrative to explore deeper themes such as the constructs of gender and sexuality, the impact of colonialism, and the nature of freedom. The estate, a grand mansion that combines both British and Japanese architectural elements, symbolizes the cultural and historical tensions present in Korea at the time. The film also delves into the dynamics of power and manipulation, illustrating how the characters use seduction and subterfuge as tools for liberation or control.

Visually, the film is noted for its meticulous attention to detail, lush cinematography, and the use of color and texture to enhance the narrative’s erotic and suspenseful elements. “The Handmaiden” has been praised for its story, visual presentation, and the performances of its leads, making it a standout example of contemporary Korean cinema.

Average Scores

	Enjoyable	Plot	Acting	Camera	Themes	Music	Casting	Wildcard	Total
Average Score	5	1.68	1.18	0.88	0.31	0.28	0.34	0.26	9.91
Max Score	5	2	1.5	1	0.5	0.5	0.5	+/- 0.5	11.5
Difference	0	0.32	0.32	0.12	0.19	0.22	0.16	0.24	1.59

Individual Scores

Reviewer	Enjoyable	Plot	Acting	Camera	Themes	Music	Casting	Wildcard	Total
MA	5	1.8	1.2	1	0.3	0.3	0.3	0.5	10.4
YA	TBC	TBC	TBC	TBC	TBC	TBC	TBC	TBC	TBC
ZA	5	1.3	1	0.6	0.35	0.3	0.3	0.1	8.95
BM	5	1.8	1.4	0.9	0.3	0.3	0.4	0.35	10.45
KS	5	1.8	1.1	1	0.3	0.2	0.35	0.1	9.85