Friday 05th January, 2018
* Start time 7.15pm
144 mins.
Dir: Park Chan-wook
Rep of Korea 2016
Cert 18
Starring: Kim Min-hee, Kim Tae-ri, Ha Jung-woo, Cho Jin-woong
Sarah Waters’ novel “Fingersmith” gets an exotic makeover in this masterly Korean adaptation. Relocated from Victorian Britain to 1930s Korea under Japanese occupation, “The Handmaiden” weaves a complex tale of deception, betrayal and burgeoning sexuality in a baroque and decadent milieu. Under the control of master con man Fujiwara, young thief Sookhee takes up residence in the grand mansion of the elderly and sinister Kouzuki, as handmaiden to his Japanese niece Hideko. The plan is for Sookhee to prepare the ground for the appearance of Fujiwara posing as a wealthy count intent on seducing and eloping with Hideko, then relieving her of her considerable fortune. Needless to say, all is not that simple, with myriad plot twists and shock revelations along the way. Thrilling, sensual and seductive – with set design to die for!
Download the full show notes here
Reaction Scores
