“The Handmaiden” by Park Chan-Wook is the kind of film that can captivate you for the entirety of its run time, entrancing the viewer and drawing them into its twisted and erotic world. Based off of the novel Fingersmith by Sarah Waters, acclaimed Korean director Park Chan-Wook moved the story of this thriller into Japanese-occupied Korea. From the moment I saw the trailer I knew that this film would be one to watch, but it far surpassed my wildest expectations.
Without reveal
ing too much of the plot, the film begins when skilled pickpocket Sook-Hee is recruited by a sly conman to pose as a handmaiden for the aloof and mysterious Lady Hideko, all in order to get at her rather large inheritance. The development and clever weaving of the story was one of my favorite parts of the entire film, and watching the threads slowly unravel had me utterly enthralled. Each of the actors and actresses delivered a praise-worthy performance, with Kim Min-hee sticking out for her layered delivery of Hideko.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the plot was the 
use of language. Most of the characters in the film are multilingual, speaking both Japanese and Korean. Even the decision of which language characters use with one another becomes yet another important, nuanced aspect of the plot. The languages were differentiated by the color of the subtitles, with Korean written in white and Japanese in yellow.
Some of my favorite elements of the movie were the breathtaking set design and costuming. I truly felt Sook-Hee’s envy looking at Hideko’s various dresses, jewelry and assorted finery. Additionally, a combination of brilliant cinematography, evocative lighting, and gorgeous set design drew me into every scene.
Lastly, I found the use of music to be particularly effective. There was minimal music during the first part of the movie, which lent to a sparse and oppressive atmosphere. However, as the plot developed, so did the music, and the contrast between the two halves of the movie was particularly effective.
When my friend and I left the theater we spent the entire walk home discussing the film, not able to bring up a single criticism. It has since quickly jumped to the top of my favorite movies list, battling it out with longtime favorites.
However, before you buy your ticket, I must issue a warning that this movie features several highly graphic sex scenes, and some graphic violence. Think carefully about what your limits are, and the limits of your movie-going partners, before you buy your ticket.
Show times for The Handmaiden at the Michigan theater can be found at their website (here) http://www.michtheater.org/schedule/ , tickets are $8 for students.
Images from The Guardian, A.V Club, CNN, The Hollywood News,
