The Handmaiden (2016)
The Handmaiden
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Why watch this film?
Chan-wook Park became one of the most well-known names in South Korean cinema after the acclaimed Vengeance trilogy - 'Mr. Vengeance', 'Oldboy' and 'Lady Vengeance'. The theme is really something that the director likes to portray in his works, so much so that 'Ah-ga-ssi' also explores it and in an incredible way. The drama, based on British writer Sarah Waters' novel 'Fingersmith', is impeccable and carries all the typical elements of South Korean films, many twists, an intriguing plot and that goes beyond the obvious. It gives the impression that Asian filmmakers are always willing to explore more and discuss in depth topics that we don't see in Hollywood, for example. 'Ah-ga-ssi' is loaded with a strong sensual tension fueled by a thirst for revenge, as already mentioned and a lot of female power. Throughout two and a half hours, which pass very quickly, we are impacted by excellent performances - highlight for the protagonists Kim Tae-ri and Kim Min-hee - and a suspense that captures attention. The work is good to get to know South Korean cinema and also to be admired, because Chan-wook Park hit the mark.
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Plot summary
A woman is hired as a handmaiden to a Japanese heiress, but secretly she is involved in a plot to defraud her.
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From the same director
Thirst
From renowned South-Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook (director of 'Oldboy' and the other entries in the 'Vengeance Trilogy'), 'Thirst' is a breath of fresh air to the - often - worn-out figure of the vampire in fiction. Awarded with the Jury's Prize at the 2009 Cannes Festival, the movie is faithful to its director's style in its brutal exploration of violence and lust, although those expecting a deep moral dilemma between Catholicism's morals and the vampiric desires of the flesh may end up somewhat disappointed. It's not Park Chan-wook's best movie, but when it comes to a director of his caliber, that's still quite good.
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