The story is excellent. You can see how much effort the writer and director put into it right from the first scene. While it gets dark and depressing, there is also a light tone to it during some parts. This is the first time I have watched a lesbian Korean movie and found myself highly loving it. While the two women serve as the main characters, Ha Jeong Woo also plays the male lead and has quite a presence throughout. During the entire course of the film, it will give you the feeling of reading a book than watching a film. It's poetic and literary in its narration and the atmosphere of the movie just amplifies all the best parts about the film.
There were a few erotic scenes but I felt like they were tastefully filmed. The girls have good chemistry with each other and Ha Jeong Woo was the perfect barrier between them. I was impressed by how well all three spoke Japanese in the movie (also the supporting cast). Plus the era the film is set in makes it a hundred times more interesting. It's intriguing to see Korea portrayed under the rule of Japan and you can see how much Korean culture was influenced by the Japanese during then. You could watch the movie just for the periodic setting and even then you could enjoy it for that solely as well.
What's cool about the movie is the plot- the conning, friendship, romance, perversion and obsession. There's also a slight revenge aspect to the story which was the main twist and made this movie way more likable. Also the costumes, sets and dialogues are what made it so fun. I swear I blushed during a few parts of the film because I never realized how erotic Japanese can sound with the right diction.
If you wanna know what sets this movie apart, it's the setting/era (undoubtedly) and also the ending. YES. The ending makes it all worth it. The entire 2+ hours will fly by and you will not even notice it. And the twist was so, so clever. Kudos to the writer.
Only watch it if you are over 18 or a mature teen. There are some scenes of torture and hints of BDSM and perversion. They are not too overbearing so do not worry. Just sit down and enjoy it- like me. The ending makes it the best thing ever. TRUST ME.
Was this review helpful to you?
I first heard about it because it was officially competing at the Cannes's Movie Festival.
And then I saw that the great Park Chan Wook was the director behind it so I quickly decided to watch it.
BUT, neither did I read the summary first nor watched the trailer ... and maybe I should have had.
Don't get me wrong ! This movie is a masterpiece. But, I wasn't expecting that plotline AT ALL.
You should be aware that it gots some serious mature contents like SEX, BDSM and violence. You can feel really uneasy watching it. But that is the reason why this movie is so beautiful : the darkness and somehow weird feels matches so well with the love story. Some scenes are magical.
But just keep in mind that it is 18+ rated (basically 5 minutes of intense, non-stoping and not-really censured sex)
There is three major arks in the movie: the first two ones where you get to discover and even rediscover the characters and story from different point of views, and the third one where all of your answers are answered & the story ends.
This combination might seems odd to some viewers, as we sometimes get to rewatch the same scenes. But I personally find it really interesting.
The two main actresses are absolutely perfect. They convey all the feels of their characters in an emotional way. As it is stayed in the summary, they will both 'discover some unexpected emotions'. Lesbian relationship in Korean movies are quite unusual and I must say that this one is breaking down HUGE taboos. The geniuses of Park Chan Wook was to gamble on this idea, in a country where he perfectly knows that the critics will get fierce.
Thanks to a good casting choice, I personally think that he won his bet.
I was surprisingly amazed by Kim Tae Ri (Sook Hee)'s acting. She's new, It's her first movie. The idea of new fits perfectly her character. The way she acted was stunning. I want to see her in more things from now on.
Anyway if you're 18+, interested in some good suspenseful stories and open-minded regarding this movie love plot line, you will definitely enjoy it.
It's not Old Boy sure ...but it is The Handmaiden. They both have their qualities and universe.
Special mention to the ending song which was absolutely gorgeous ... kinda combines all of the feels that this movie gives you.
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
Do you know the feeling when someone recommends a movie or book to you as something excellent that you are sure to like, and meanwhile you are bored throughout the "consumption" of this "outstanding" work? I had that while watching this film. The film was recommended to me as one of the best erotic thrillers of recent years, meanwhile I found nothing of thriller or erotica here.The film is aesthetically shot and the actors acted well, but that was the end of it. There was no tension building here, no involvement in the fate of the characters. It was as if it were a 19th-century story of a boarding school girl who had heard that there was a forbidden fruit somewhere, but had no idea where to look for what it looked like, let alone what it tasted like. The lesbian scenes were simply hilarious. The unexpected twists and turns had no suspense in them. Maybe my expectations were too high, but every time I recall a scene from this film, I snort with laughter or roll my eyes, and I guess that's not what an erotic thriller is about.
Was this review helpful to you?
Acting/Cast: All of the main actors, especially the 2 female leads did a great job. I loved the relationship between Sook Hee and Hideko, I was excited to see how it would develop and I wouldn't have done had it any other way.
Music: I usually don't pay attention to the OST unless it's very special in particular. While there wasn't any memorable tunes, the soundtrack fit the show perfectly, and I loved the song in the ending credits.
Re-watch Value: I'm not one to re-watch a film or a show with such a complex plot, but I definitely wouldn't mind re-living the experience of this story all over again.
Overall: I honestly don't think there was anything wrong with this movie, I loved everything this film had to offer. I would recommend this to anyone willing to follow a complicated yet perverted story with a good plot twist.
Was this review helpful to you?
TWs for pedophilia. incest, child abuse and heavy gore.
So I saw this movie knowing absolutely next to nothing which I wish I did because there's a lot (A LOT!!) of warnings and I have seen people recommend this movie before but no one ever mentions these things. I think these are the major content warnings: bdsm, explicit sex, pedophilia, incest, sexual assault, gore, violence.Spoilers but read this if you want to have a little idea about the movie before going in, and especially if you're susceptible to the aforementioned triggers; The main character is used as a sort of sex slave her entire life and her uncle is very abusive and a pedophile.
Was this review helpful to you?
This movie is more than just have an erotic style, it was the best of the characters who executed the story with intense performances without losing track of its meaning, purpose and the unique complexity.
The cinematography is like a visual feast to consider. The chemistry of the main leads is certain. Definitely, a movie with complete package shouldn’t be missed.
Was this review helpful to you?
It felt really weird after watching Kim Tae Ri in Mr. Sunshine and then seeing this a few months later; actually, it was almost a little disturbing. I think it could have been one of the better Korean movies I've seen if it did not have the sexual content, though they probably couldn't have kept the plot in that case. I understand the differences in Korean movie vs TV but I have grown used to other very good Korean Movies that were very mature in gore and barely touched on anything sensual; I much prefer that. Otherwise, I'll stick the 15+ dramas.
Story (6.5):
The story is problematic to me mostly because it all revolves around sensuality and it cast a tone to the movie I couldn't truly enjoy. If that is more your thing, then it does have a fairly intricate and exciting plot.
That said, I believe most of my enjoyment in the story came from the way it was portrayed, as I mentioned earlier. I don't want to give any spoilers, but I'll just say that there are 3 parts to the movie and they don't reveal everything that happens in part 1.
Without this method of storytelling I think the plot could have been just a jumble, so it's a good thing it was done this way; props to the screenwriter, who coincidentally also worked on the Korean adaptation of Mother which is one of my all time favorite dramas.
We all also know the director but I'm not the greatest fan of his works though Oldboy is irrefutably a well done movie. If I could enjoy the theme, then I believe the story portion would get a higher rating, but I can't handle it. Sue me, to each their own.
Acting/Cast (10.0):
Of course, this is a phenomenal cast. I don't think I can say much beyond it was very well acted. Kim Tae Ri is one of my favorite actresses after seeing Mr. Sunshine, and to be honest, after seeing the story prior to watching, the only reason I still went forward with my viewing was because of her. Everyone else in the cast was very well done, especially the Count and the Uncle. I've not seen much of Kim Min Hee, but nothing to complain about from there; obviously a very seasoned actress. I think one of the most impressive parts is that everyone seems so fluent in Korean and Japanese!
Music (5.0):
Often I'll give the music portion a high rating if I felt it wasn't unique or especially good but fit with the drama and didn't detract at all. I have to say this did a fairly good job, but there were 1 or 2 instances where I frowned at what I was hearing. It was still pretty tasteful and there was a fair amount without music, but I heard nothing especially interesting.
Rewatch value (1.0):
So yeah, I'm never going to watch this again.
Overall (5.5):
Is anyone still with me? At the end of the movie, I was fairly pleased with the progression and then woah here we go again... you'll know what I mean. Like seriously did you have to do that... I'm scarred for life.
If you think I'm harsh because blah blah I can't handle it, okay fine, I was home-schooled and grew up on Winnie the Pooh and Mr. Rogers so sue me. I remember the first time I realized Korean entertainment wasn't all prudish and fade to black was when I watched Little Girl K and there was suddenly a bared breast. It literally shocked me; the reason I'd grown so attached at that point to Kdramas was because, after just moving out of my parent's house, I had marathoned and quickly grown disillusioned with a ton of western TV shows and movies with only a handful of ones I actually enjoyed. Compare to what I found when stumbling upon Kdramas; it was like a whole new pasture of green grass without a thistle in sight. There were plenty of Kdramas I didn't find very interesting, but I didn't drop them because the content was literally abhorrent and stupid (except Boys over Flowers).
In the end I actually did enjoy Little Girl K because the nudity was far from the main content and wasn't really dwelt on either. Some of my favorite western movies are ones rated R with no sexual content in them and I found that almost everything I came upon in the Korean world had enough maturity and gore to not be a stupid teen show (gag at almost every single western teen show, not just the bad acting...) but was almost without exception less sexual than any of the aforementioned western teen shows.
I can still remember patiently watching 21 episodes of Shining Inheritance to be rewarded with a kiss! Now that's what I'm talking about!
Was this review helpful to you?
This review may contain spoilers
If this was an arthouse film this would be called a role model perfection. The shots and the sets were gorgeous with so much intricate detail that colored the characters and the mood of the story. The two leads were also beautiful in their own ways and flaws, and their contrasting roles emphasized their beauty. I was satisfied with all the artistic content the film delivered, loved the two women, and the story with its plot twists kept my attention. The two women and their feistiness made them quirky, but then the whole film was pleasingly eccentric which made it even more erotic. Kim Min Hee was dazzling as an innocent to a literal fox with her seductiveness and the same goes for Kim Tae Ri with her wits which flipped to a loyal companion once Min Hee revealed her true colors as well.
This is probably because of preference but I was put off by how eroticism influenced all the characters. I became bored with it and rather disgusted as it just ramped up the farther along the story went but then that was one of the points of the film so I can't negate it for that. The use of bells was the one thing that really confused and towards the end I started trying to figure that out more than focusing on the movie.
Overall if you're looking for a gorgeous film with atypical characters in unpredictable settings, this is definitely a recommend.
Was this review helpful to you?
lesbians scamming men!
what more can i say aside from everything about it is absolutely perfect.while the story was mostly dark and grim, there were parts in which the tone was light and funny, and i think the way this film was executed overall was so clever. the plot twists were obviously well-thought and i would like to applaud the writer for it. to be honest, i haven't really found an undoubtedly excellent sapphic film until i watched this one. i would recommend this to everyone who are looking for great wlw media, but also please do check content warnings before going into it.
Was this review helpful to you?
Frustrating
The recipe for this film: induce random conflicts for the sole purpose of setting up meaningless plot twist after plot twist, a sprinkle of symbolism here and there, various graphic acts with a touch of unusual characters in equally bizarre costumes, and all neatly packaged with a final comical, voyeuristic homoerotic act.With some reflection, it is clear to us that each ingredient was tactfully manufactured to artificially arouse the audience with shock value. And perhaps it is only these scenes, and not the story as a whole, that the audience will remember. Yet, keener eyes will not succumb to such parlor tricks. Despite the tight script, the screenplay itself was contrived and unnatural. The movie was a boisterous performance to posturize Park's chops as an experienced director and a film enthusiast, but not as a storyteller. The film had every element of becoming great story but resorts to tawdry gimmicks. All in all, The Handmaiden, although technically better filmed, is a far cry from Park Chan Wook's earlier notable works, which seamlessly showed originality and a honest exploration of life's gravitas.
Was this review helpful to you?
While watching it, I felt so intrigued by the acting. It's done flawlessly and I can truthfully say that it's gripping and beautifully shot. It also does very well in terms of representing the lesbian relationship between the two characters, showing how they built up the dynamic of their relationship.
Odd little side note, but I also loved the trailer. It's the first thing that drew me in.
Was this review helpful to you?
Hands down my favorite movie
The first time I watched this movie, I loved it right away. The only thing I knew then about the movie is the genre and the kind of movie I was used to with Park Chan Wook (which is, to be fair, one of my all time favorite director). I knew only of 1 of the actors because I saw him in Signal, but didn't even recognize him right away. Am I biaised? Maybe slightly, but I've watch Park Chan Wook's movies that I didn't like at all, so that's that.If you've seen Oldboy, which is one of Park's most known/popular movie, you know how this director plays with his scene composition. To me, his movies usually have a very thoughtful way of painting picture that moves. If Oldboy is like a series of heavy saturated paintings, akin to the fauvism movement, The Handmaiden is more associated to impressionism. Some scenes look like what could be a modern take on Monet's style. The movie is just visually breathtaking.
Apart from that, the story is just... I don't even know if I have word to describe it. It intrigued me enough that I seek out the book it was based on. And even though books are usually better than movie adaptation, that's not the case here. The script was made so the boring part of the book were replace or just not used, and the result is close to perfection in my opinion.
As for most Park's movie, the soundtrack not only add to the movie as a whole, but is also deeply moving. The lullaby sung by Kim Tae Ri is simple yet so beautiful I had to memorize it and sang it myself a whole lot. The theme song is also quite lovely, but some of the piano pieces are just close to being masterpieces. And yes, I definitely bought the whole soundtrack right away after watching the movie.
This movie gave a big boost to Kim Tae Ri career as an actress and I can understand why. But through and through, every actor in this movie is playing there part perfectly. And they even fooled me (you'll know what I mean if you watch it). The layers of acting required from some of them, and to pull it off on top of it, is not a small feat.
Park's movie all have sexual parts in it, so be warned. However, I feel like in this one, it really tells something and help further character developpment.
All in all, if you haven't seen it yet, please watch it. I rewatch it at least once a year and it still is a move I love dearly.
Was this review helpful to you?
