The Handmaiden (2016 Film)

The Handmaiden (Korean: 아가씨; RR: Agasshi) is a 2016 South Korean psychological thriller directed by Park Chan-wook. The film is an adaptation of the 2002 novel Fingersmith by British author Sarah Waters. While the original novel is set in Victorian-era London, the film relocates the narrative to 1930s Korea and Japan during the period of Japanese colonial rule.

Plot

The story centers on four primary characters: Lady Hideko, a wealthy Japanese heiress living in a secluded estate; Count Fujiwara, a swindler who plots to defraud her of her inheritance; Sook-hee, a young pickpocket hired by the Count to serve as Hideko's handmaiden and assist in his scheme; and Uncle Kouzuki, Hideko's controlling guardian. The narrative unfolds through a complex structure of shifting perspectives and deception.

Production

The film was directed by Park Chan-wook and co-written by Park and Jung Seo-kyoung. Production began on June 15, 2015, in Kuwana, Mie Prefecture, Japan, and concluded on October 31, 2015. Filming took place across various locations in both Japan and South Korea. The casting process for the role of Sook-hee was extensive, involving approximately 1,500 applicants before Kim Tae-ri was selected.

Reception and Awards

The Handmaiden premiered at the 2016 Cannes Film Festival in May 2016. The film received critical recognition for its technical craft and performances. Ryu Seong-hie was awarded the Vulcain Prize for an artist technician at Cannes. Domestically, the film received several honors, including Best Actress for Kim Min-hee, Best New Actress for Kim Tae-ri, and Best Art Design for Ryu Sung-hee at the 37th Blue Dragon Film Awards. Park Chan-wook received the Grand Prize (Daesang) at the 53rd Baeksang Arts Awards in 2017.