The Handmaiden ***½ (out of 5) (R) Afficionados of slow, lushly-shot period pieces may find a gem in this subtitled Korean romantic suspense tale. Set in the 1930s, a con man and his female colleague conspire to bilk a rich, naive Japanese woman by posing as a titled suitor, whose amorous advances would be supported by her new handmaiden. What unfolds over the next 2.5 hours is a sensual swirl of twists and turns among the three and others. The targeted damsel is a beauty, and so sweet and innocent that the original con may not seem as gratifying in practice, as it was on the drawing board.
The would-be object of their plan has already been victimized by her uncle. The current action and backstories are filled with erotic, and periodically perverse, moments that shape both the attractive trio of lead characters and the choices they make. Director and co-writer Chan-wook Park, whose works have spanned several genres, delivers elegant, tasteful erotica, showing the best and worst of our sexual desires.
Some Western viewers may find the pace too leisurely.Those who can allow the intricacies of the story and Park’s splendid visuals to waft over them with patience will be rewarded. (11/18/16)