Classic Film Review #35: The Handmaiden

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Park Chan-wook’s The Handmaiden can perhaps be considered through two lenses. The first, which considers the film at face-value, views it as a highly sensual and psychological thriller that is not dissimilar to more mainstream fare such as Paul Verhoeven’s Basic Instinct. Even when enjoyed in this more simplistic way, it is a highly entertaining film that is powered by the connection between its two lead actors, Kim Min-hee and Kim Tae-ri.  

However, there is more to be said about Chan-wook’s carefully crafted screenplay (which was co-written with Chung Seo-kyung and inspired by a novel by Sarah Waters), which muses on far more complex topics such as the male gaze, colonialism, and societal divisions. Indeed, there are many occasions in which The Handmaiden appears to make a mockery of the follies of men who occupy positions of power, none more so than in its highly satisfying final act.

Min-hee and Tae-ri are supported more than ably by a supporting cast that includes Ha Jung-woo and Cho Jin-woong, while Chung Chung-hoon’s wonderful cinematography and Jo Yeong-wook’s elegant score ensures that the picture remains a sensory delight throughout.