Chan-Wook Park is one of the most popular names in South Korean cinema, which has long been an alternative to Hollywood. He was transferred to Hollywood with Stoker. But Hollywood was rubbing the original Far East style. That's why I was surprised to see The Handmaiden among the films competing for the Golden Palm in Cannes. It was a big signal that the director would go back to the form again. Moreover, it was also surprising to hear that in the 1930s Japan was going to be wearing a costume drama/thriller during the Korean occupation.
The film is an adaptation of Sarah Waters' "Fingersmith" novel. She tells about a Korean girl who started living in her estate as a servant of a rich Japanese lady. At least it starts like one of the three parts of filmin. Filmin is really interesting. The director's cinematographic language is already successful. So the film is extremely immersive. For example, like Sue the maid is an improvement we have not anticipated. Sue and Lady fall in love with each other. So, story is getting quite different tone. Erotic scenes are included in movie. Sue is in a dilemma. In the next part, the movie is coming a very different point. The director really thinks story very well and transfers the film.
Filmin script is as kitsch as possible. But it has an irresistible charm. Especially strange and dark part 2. Costumes and arts management are extremely successful. The giant house is full of details. The general atmosphere of movie manages to convince you. At the end of movie, violence comes to standard Park level. Movie serious female movie. The director tells the love of two women in a close and sincere manner. I haven't seen some like that , since Blue Is The Warmest Colour. Let's add that the sex scenes in the movie are impressive and aesthetic. The sex scenes in Blue Is The Warmest Color were hard and full of passion. But The Handmaiden makes you believe that you are a true love witness. As a man, Park takes the myths that the two main male characters in the film have accepted about female sexuality.
In this respect it is not hard to see that Filmin has given a feminist message. Park's political message is very successful for a lesbian love story in the 1930s. Park is definitely back in the game. Whether it's kitsch and absurd, it's quite a film. The scenario is not as fluid as it should be at any moment. But we have the most beautiful erotic lesbian thriller drama of many years. I do not know how many years we can find these. That's why I think it's a movie to watch.
