"The Handmaiden" is Graphic and Alluring

The Handmaiden (2016)

As you may already know, Park Chan-wook has been a long-time favorite director of mine, and when I heard he was directing a new film called The Handmaiden I had high hopes for what I was about to see. So, a friend and I attended a screening in an art gallery, and found ourselves surrounded by elderly people while watching some of the most explicit and graphic sexual scenes either of us had ever seen in a movie. Bearing that in mind, I highly recommend that you watch this one at home, or in the company of people who are very comfortable with extremely graphic scenes of that nature, otherwise you'll find it hard to enjoy this beautiful and sweeping film.

The Handmaiden is based on a novel titled Fingersmith, with the setting shifted from the Victorian era to Korea under Japanese rule - the setting alone is captivating and provides added depth to an already intriguing plot. Its plot, without giving too much away, tells the story of a pickpocket named Sook-Hee who disguises herself as a maid in order to help a con artist scam the heiress, Lady Hideko, out of her wealth so that they might lead the sort of lives they've always dreamed of sharing. The plan quickly begins to unravel when Sook-Hee finds herself falling in love with Lady Hideko, and drama unfolds from there. The plot expands as elaborately as a good book (which, naturally, is what its plot was based on), filled with twists and turns at every corner which will have you on the edge of your seat until the credits finally roll.

As always, Park Chan-wook knows how to create a clear visual style for his films, with every frame being worthy of standing alone as a wonderful photograph. The costuming, makeup, sweeping landscapes, lush and vibrant colors, and soundtrack which ranges from delicate and gentle to as grand and sweeping as anything one might hear in a major American motion picture, all creates a completely immersive environment which draws the audience into the simultaneous beauty and hardship which came with living in Korea while it was under Japanese rule. Unlike much of his other work which focused heavily on urban locations The Handmaiden introduces the audience to majestic forests, and he manages to transform even the darkest and grimiest swamps into places one could only dream of visiting.

The film's story is told in three parts, each narrated by another character, and each providing further depth to even the most heinous characters the plot introduces its audience to. The two leading actresses are charming and unlock depth in their roles which otherwise may not have been noticed if played by another actress, providing subtle details such as a stare which lingers for a beat too long, or the suggested hint of a smile during a conversation.

Again, I feel the need to reiterate the fact that this film is one which you should only see if you have a particularly strong stomach. While there is rarely any violence, when violence does take place it's unsettling in its realism and slow methodical depiction. The violence itself is all off camera, but occurs in such a way that it's hard to feel as though you're not in the room while it's taking place, and watching every moment of it. The explicit sexual nature of the film is another thing to bear in mind, this is certainly not a film to watch with your family.

That being said, this film is deep and beautiful, and although it may be cliche to describe it as a story as forbidden love that's exactly what it is - two people who love each other despite all the efforts life makes at pulling them apart. The Handmaiden is currently screening in select cinemas and will be available on Blu-ray and DVD soon.