The Handmaiden 2016

Overview

The Handmaiden is a 2016 film directed by Park Chan-wook that is set in 1930s Korea during the period of Japanese occupation. The story follows a young woman named Sook-hee who is hired as a handmaiden to a Japanese heiress named Hideko. Hideko lives a secluded life on a large countryside estate under the control of her domineering uncle, Kouzuki. The narrative takes a turn when it is revealed that Sook-hee is actually a pickpocket recruited by a swindler posing as a Japanese Count. The swindler intends for Sook-hee to help him seduce the heiress to steal her fortune. However, the plan becomes complicated when the heiress falls for the handmaid. The film features performances by Kim Min-hee, Ha Jung-woo, Cho Jin-woong, and Kim Tae-ri. The production was selected to compete for the Palme d'Or at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival and was released in South Korea on 1 June 2016. It received widespread critical acclaim for its directing, writing, cinematography, musical score, and cast performances, eventually grossing over US$38 million worldwide.