The Handmaiden

Set in 1930s Korea under Japanese colonial rule, "The Handmaiden" tells the story of Sook-hee, a young pickpocket hired by a suave conman known as Count Fujiwara. Her mission is to become the personal maid to the enigmatic Japanese heiress, Lady Hideko, and manipulate her into marrying the Count, who plans to steal her inheritance and have her committed to an asylum. Sook-hee enters the lavish, secluded estate of Lady Hideko and her oppressive Uncle Kouzuki, a collector of rare and perverse literature.

As Sook-hee immerses herself in her new role, the meticulously crafted plan begins to unravel when she develops genuine, unexpected feelings for the vulnerable and isolated Lady Hideko. The relationship between the two women deepens into a passionate and secretive affair, complicating their loyalties and motivations. The film is structured in three parts, with each section revealing new perspectives and shocking twists that challenge the audience's understanding of the characters and their true intentions, leading to a suspenseful and intricate tale of love, betrayal, and liberation.

At its heart, "The Handmaiden" is a powerful exploration of liberation from patriarchal oppression. Director Park Chan-wook uses the intricate plot of deception and shifting allegiances to comment on how women can reclaim their agency, sexuality, and identity from the control of manipulative and abusive men. The film critiques the male gaze and the exploitation of female sexuality by contrasting the perverse, voyeuristic desires of the male characters with the genuine, empowering love story between Sook-hee and Hideko. By setting the story in colonial-era Korea, it also touches upon themes of national and cultural identity, and the subversion of power dynamics on multiple levels. Ultimately, the film champions the idea that solidarity and love between women can be a revolutionary force, capable of dismantling even the most elaborate cages, both literal and psychological.

While the film is widely seen as a tale of feminist liberation, some critics have offered alternative or more nuanced readings. One perspective argues that despite its intentions, the film's explicit sex scenes still cater to a male gaze, finding them overly stylized and performative rather than purely expressions of the characters' intimacy. This viewpoint suggests a tension between the film's feminist themes and its execution, questioning whether a male director can truly escape the voyeuristic framework when depicting lesbian sexuality.

Another interpretation focuses more heavily on the postcolonial aspects, reading the central relationship not just through a gendered lens but as an allegory for the complex and often painful relationship between Korea and Japan. The union of a Korean woman and a Japanese woman who overcome a system of exploitation orchestrated by a Korean collaborator (Uncle Kouzuki) can be seen as a hopeful, if idealistic, vision of reconciliation and the creation of a new identity free from the scars of colonial history. Some analyses also point out that the film's optimistic ending for the queer couple is a historical fantasy, as such freedom would have been nearly impossible for two women in the 1930s, suggesting the ending is more symbolic than realistic.

"The Handmaiden" was released to widespread critical acclaim and is considered a masterpiece of modern South Korean cinema. Its relocation of a Victorian novel to colonial Korea provided a unique lens through which to explore complex themes of colonialism, power, and national identity, resonating with both domestic and international audiences. The film's frank and artful depiction of a lesbian relationship was a significant moment for queer cinema, particularly within South Korea, and it has been praised for its subversion of the male gaze and its powerful feminist narrative.

Critics lauded Park Chan-wook's masterful direction, Chung Chung-hoon's sumptuous cinematography, and the intricate, multi-layered screenplay. The film appeared on numerous 'best of the year' lists in 2016 and won the BAFTA for Best Film Not in the English Language. Its success further solidified the global appeal of South Korean film, paving the way for other works to achieve international recognition. The film's intricate plot, stunning visuals, and bold themes have made it a subject of extensive academic and critical analysis, cementing its place as a significant and influential work of 21st-century cinema.

Audience reception for "The Handmaiden" was overwhelmingly positive. Viewers frequently praised the film's stunning visuals, intricate and surprising plot, and compelling performances by the lead actors. Many were captivated by the suspenseful narrative, which keeps the audience guessing with its multiple twists and shifts in perspective. The passionate and central love story between Sook-hee and Hideko was a major point of praise, with many finding it to be a powerful and moving depiction of a queer relationship.

The main points of criticism, though less common, often centered on the length and graphic nature of the sex scenes. Some viewers felt they were gratuitous or voyeuristic, echoing a critical debate about the male gaze. A few also found the plot overly complex or convoluted. However, the general consensus among audiences was that "The Handmaiden" is a masterful, beautiful, and thought-provoking thriller and a deeply romantic story of liberation.