CINEXA

The Handmaiden

1930s Korea, in the period of Japanese occupation, a new girl (Sookee) is hired as a handmaiden to a Japanese heiress (Hideko) who lives a secluded life on a large countryside estate with her domineering Uncle (Kouzuki). But the maid has a secret. She is a pickpocket recruited by a swindler posing as a Japanese Count to help him seduce the Lady to elope with him, rob her of her fortune, and lock her up in a madhouse. The plan seems to proceed according to plan until Sookee and Hideko discover some unexpected emotions. Use this page to compare cast context, genre fit (Drama, Romance, Thriller), release year 2016, and whether this film matches tonight's mood.

The Handmaiden poster on CINEXA

Story of The Handmaiden

1930s Korea, in the period of Japanese occupation, a new girl (Sookee) is hired as a handmaiden to a Japanese heiress (Hideko) who lives a secluded life on a large countryside estate with her domineering Uncle (Kouzuki). But the maid has a secret. She is a pickpocket recruited by a swindler posing as a Japanese Count to help him seduce the Lady to elope with him, rob her of her fortune, and lock her up in a madhouse. The plan seems to proceed according to plan until Sookee and Hideko discover some unexpected emotions.

Use this page to compare cast context, genre fit (Drama, Romance, Thriller), release year 2016, and whether this film matches tonight's mood.

Title facts

  • Type Movie
  • Release year 2016
  • Released 02 Sep 2017
  • Runtime 145 minutes
  • Content rating Not Rated
  • IMDb rating IMDb 8.1/10 from 199,145 votes
  • Metascore 85/100
  • Genres Drama, Romance, Thriller
  • Languages Korean, Japanese
  • Countries South Korea

Cast

Kim Min-hee, Ha Jung-woo, Cho Jin-woong

Direction and writing

Directed by: Park Chan-wook

Written by: Chung Seo-kyung, Sarah Waters, Park Chan-wook

Awards and recognition

Won 1 BAFTA Award69 wins & 104 nominations total

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