Inspired by Sarah Waters’ novel Fingersmith , director Park Chan-wook transposed the story from Victorian England to 1930s Korea during the Japanese colonial era.
The Handmaiden is not just a thriller; it is an emotional roller coaster. It is erotic, terrifying, funny, and ultimately, satisfying. The performances by Kim Tae-ri and Kim Min-hee are electrifying, carrying the weight of the film’s heavy themes with grace.
The film rewinds to show Hideko's childhood and her perspective of the events. It reveals that Hideko is far less naive than she appears. She has been raised in a twisted, literary prison, forced by her uncle to read erotic literature to audiences of wealthy men. Hideko and the Count actually formed a pact prior to Sook-hee's arrival, intending to use Sook-hee as the scapegoat to escape her uncle's grasp.
For the definitive experience, physical releases by boutique distributors (such as the Criterion Collection or specialized international editions) often include both the theatrical and extended cuts on separate discs, complete with director commentaries and behind-the-scenes documentaries.
