A woman is hired as a handmaiden to a Japanese heiress, but secretly she is involved in a plot to defraud her.A woman is hired as a handmaiden to a Japanese heiress, but secretly she is involved in a plot to defraud her.A woman is hired as a handmaiden to a Japanese heiress, but secretly she is involved in a plot to defraud her.
- Won 1 BAFTA Award
- 69 wins & 104 nominations total
Cho Jin-woong
- Uncle Kouzuki
- (as Jin-woong Jo)
Kim Tae-ri
- Sook-Hee
- (as Tae Ri Kim)
- Director
- Writers
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaThe film title in Korean (Ah-ga-ssi) means ''The Lady'' referring to Lady Hideko, while the English/International title is The Handmaiden referring to Sook-hee.
- GoofsThe Count uses a propane gas lighter. That was impossible in 1930.
- Quotes
Lady Hideko: The daughter of a legendary thief, who sewed winter coats out of stolen purses. Herself a thief, pickpocket, swindler. The saviour who came to tear my life apart. My Tamako. My Sookee.
- Crazy creditsDuring the credits, the moon on the wall in the background shifts from full to new.
- Alternate versionsExtended version runs approx. 21 minutes longer.
- ConnectionsFeatured in The EE British Academy Film Awards (2018)
Featured review
The Korean legend returns; more debauched than ever, but funnier too.
I saw this tonight at London Film Festival and Park Chan Wook was there, to answer Q&A. A very special moment to me.
I would advise anyone new to Park Chan-Wook's filmography to first explore his vampire flick 'Thirst' which has a similar style. 'Oldboy' is a cult classic, but more of an opium-filled, octopus eating thrill-ride, which this film is NOT, so be advised. I also think having SOME knowledge of Japanese rule in Korea is essential for understanding this film, or it will be above your head. Do some surface-level research on Japanese annexation of Korea and specifically the infamous 'comfort women'.
Completed that? OK now you're ready for this journey.
Now let's focus on the best part. The villain. This IS the best villain in recent memory. Seriously as far back as Hannibal Lecter. Uncle Kouzuki, is more creepy than Burton's Penguin. Compulsory viewing. I cannot mention anymore out of fear for spoiling the intricate plot. Highly recommended.
I would advise anyone new to Park Chan-Wook's filmography to first explore his vampire flick 'Thirst' which has a similar style. 'Oldboy' is a cult classic, but more of an opium-filled, octopus eating thrill-ride, which this film is NOT, so be advised. I also think having SOME knowledge of Japanese rule in Korea is essential for understanding this film, or it will be above your head. Do some surface-level research on Japanese annexation of Korea and specifically the infamous 'comfort women'.
Completed that? OK now you're ready for this journey.
Now let's focus on the best part. The villain. This IS the best villain in recent memory. Seriously as far back as Hannibal Lecter. Uncle Kouzuki, is more creepy than Burton's Penguin. Compulsory viewing. I cannot mention anymore out of fear for spoiling the intricate plot. Highly recommended.
helpful•6242
- jvanhuys1988
- Oct 7, 2016
Details
Box office
- Budget
- ₩10,000,000,000 (estimated)
- Gross US & Canada
- $2,006,788
- Opening weekend US & Canada
- $92,129
- Oct 23, 2016
- Gross worldwide
- $37,863,670
- Runtime2 hours 25 minutes
- Color
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 2.35 : 1
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