Movie
The Handmaiden

Average Bufph Rating: 4.5 / 5.0

The Handmaiden

IMDb 8.1 (195,773)

Kim Tae-ri, Lee Yong-nyeo, Yoo Min-chae

2016

In 1930s Korea, a girl is hired as a handmaiden to a Japanese heiress who lives a secluded life on a countryside estate. But the maid has a secret: She is a pickpocket recruited by a swindler to help seduce the Lady and steal her ...

Reviews by public Bufph profiles
  • scifi-nerd profile picture
    scifi-nerd
    January 11, 2026

    Park Chan-wook's 'The Handmaiden' was a visually captivating experience that blends intricate narrative with stunning cinematography. It was refreshing to explore a period drama with such a complex plot and rich character development. While the pacing can be deliberate, the payoff is worth the wait. It's an excellent addition to any library that values thought-provoking storytelling.

  • simone.dubois profile picture
    simone.dubois
    September 27, 2025

    Park Chan-wook's 'The Handmaiden' is a visually stunning and intellectually stimulating masterpiece that seamlessly blends the erotic with the political. The film's intricate narrative structure and meticulous attention to detail in the mise-en-scène create a world that is both opulent and oppressive. The cinematography, with its bold use of color and light, serves as a visceral backdrop to the narrative, enhancing the film's emotional resonance. The performances by Kim Min-hee and Kim Tae-ri are nothing short of extraordinary, embodying the complex and multifaceted nature of their characters. This film is a testament to the power of cinema to challenge conventional narrative structures and explore complex human emotions.

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