The Handmaiden

 

Agassi AKA The Handmaiden (8.5/10)
Genre: Thriller/Drama/Romance
Director: Park Chan-wook
Cast: Kim Tae-ri, Kim Min-hee, Ha Jung-woo
Country: South Korea
Language: Korean/Japanese
Year: 2016

Park Chan-wook's The Handmaiden is a twisted masterpiece that blew me out of the - Park. I saw the extended cut, roughly three hours long, and not a single moment is lustreless in any way - whether it's the writing or direction, acting or storytelling, cinematography or editing - The Handmaiden excels in every department. 

Park Chan-wook is one of my favorite directors, and I intend to watch all of his films, if possible. I don't know why I skipped The Handmaiden for so long, but it is now one of my favorite films. The movie might feel a little slow burner in the first half, so don't come to conclusions because it will hit you like a freight train in the second half. 

The story gets narrated from three perspectives, even the same scenes are shown twice from different angles and character perspectives, and when you feel it is predictable, there's a sudden twist when you least expect it. It is one of the darkest romantic stories, and Chan-wook explores the LGBT theme in a very twisted way. I cannot stop praising this movie, but there is some strong sexual content, so be careful about it. 

The story is about the relationship between a Korean handmaiden who tries to con a wealthy Japanese lady who is even more sinister than her. 

Park Chan-wook's direction is exceptional, and he also co-wrote the screenplay based on Sarah Waters's novel Fingersmith. Kim Tae-ri and Kim Min-hee are brilliant in their roles, well supported by the talented Ha Jung-woo. The cinematography, editing, production design, and costume are noteworthy. 

The Handmaiden might be subjective to one's taste due to its dark storyline and strong sexual content, but if it doesn't bother you, it is one of the most twistedly brilliant films you will ever witness.