The Handmaiden (2016 Film)

The Handmaiden (Korean: 아가씨; RR: Agasshi) is a 2016 South Korean psychological thriller film directed by Park Chan-wook. The screenplay, written by Park and Jung Seo-kyoung, is based on the 2002 novel Fingersmith by British author Sarah Waters. While the original novel is set in Victorian-era London, the film adaptation 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 intends to defraud her of her fortune; Sook-hee, a young pickpocket hired by the Count to serve as the lady's handmaiden and assist in his scheme; and Uncle Kouzuki, Hideko's controlling guardian.

Production

The production process involved extensive location shooting across Japan and South Korea. Filming commenced on June 15, 2015, in Kuwana, Mie Prefecture, Japan, and concluded on October 31, 2015. The casting process for the role of Sook-hee was highly competitive, with approximately 1,500 applicants auditioning for the part before Kim Tae-ri was selected.

Reception and Awards

The Handmaiden premiered at the 69th Cannes Film Festival in May 2016, where it competed for the Palme d'Or. Production designer Ryu Seong-hie was honored with the Vulcain Prize for an artist technician at the festival. The film also received significant recognition at domestic ceremonies, including the Blue Dragon Film Awards and the BaekSang Arts Awards, where Park Chan-wook received the Grand Prize.