“Ultimately, “The Handmaiden” works as a form of historical fantasy in which love conquers all, but not in the ways one might expect.” |
– Eric Kohn (IndieWire) |
“What’s so fascinating is how unsatisfying and often grotesque male sexuality is in comparison to the eroticism and warmth generated by the women of the film. The Count, played by The Chaser’s Ha Jung-woo, is merely an annoyance to the pair, a repugnant fly on their windshield. While the uncle, who involves his niece in perverted “readings” for a male audience, is a sadistic fool indulging in pornography over reality. ” |
– Benjamin Lee (The Guardian) |
“In particular, the camera lingers on Sookee’s face, which registers every change of heart. Both of the lead actresses are incredibly beautiful, in very different ways. Newcomer Kim Tae-ri is all rough around the edges innocence, while Kim Min-hee exudes a sadness and sophistication. When they come together, they are a quite a couple.” |
– Jo-Ann Titmarsh (HeyUGuys) |
“Chan-Wook’s latest is wonderfully acted, and the two actresses playing Lady Hideka (Kim Min-Hee) and Sookee (Kim Tae-ri), so essential to it all coming together, are truly breathtaking; their chemistry so perfect, and their sexual intensity electric.” |
– Paul Heath (The Hollywood News) |
“A sharp tooth is smoothed down so it won’t cut the flesh of her mouth in a scene of remarkable intimacy.” |
– John Bleasdale (CineVine) |
I fuckin knew it! That tooth scene is gonna be the death of me! And from what I hear there is not one (or two) but three sex scenes! Good Lord Almighty!
Well, I hope you are happy tiduf and Llewella, you just created a Green Eyed Monster in me, very thanks to letting me know that there are people who have already seen this movie!
A movie that before I have even watched, has already earned the title of my favourite movie of all time! That’s right you all dear Readers, who were wondering what my favourite movies were. This is My No.1. Spider Lilies, A Girl at My Door, The Only Two Girls On Earth, and Brulee, in no –particular order, bring the count to Top 5. From there things get difficult! But there you have it!
And in case you haven’t gotten it yet, to those that were worried about RFR in this movie, don’t be! They sure changed a few things but only in the chapters where the males had more focus. Maud’s chapter was changed a bit to compensate for the extra Uncle shenanigans as was it and the third act with RFR.
Sue’s 1st Act was changed a bit to to suit the change from England to 1930s Korea. And from what I heard the origins were changed but really, that is okay as far as I am concerned. This isn’t a TV show, and a story like Fingersmith, just like a few reviews seemed to think, can’t be done in single movie. Even as this movie is almost 3 hours long from what I hear, most feel it was rushed and that was un-avoidable. Korea hasn’t yet started the multi-part movie thing like Japan fell prey to no thanks to Hollywood so we could only do with one movie.
But really, from the reviews, it seems like Mr Park pulled it off!
I really cannot wait for this movie! If it comes out on 4K Blurays, I am frikkin getting the necessary equipment, no matter the cost! This is a movie I must have. Depending on the actual produce, I might add this to the list of things to be buried alongside me!
Anyway, some more pics after the jump…