# The Handmaiden (2016) — Celluloid fact sheet

Source: https://celluloidscore.com/movies/the-handmaiden-2016/
Last reviewed: 2026-07-13

| Field | Value |
|-------|-------|
| Celluloid Score | 88% |
| Critic Score | 95% |
| Audience Score | 92% |
| Metascore | 84/100 |
| Letterboxd | 4.3/5 |
| IMDb | 8.1/10 |
| Director | Park Chan-wook |
| Genres | Romance, Thriller |
| Runtime | 145 min |

## Quick answer

The Handmaiden (2016) earns a 88% Celluloid Score — Recommended. Park Chan-wook's erotic thriller is sumptuous, twisty, and brilliantly performed by its entire ensemble. Metascore 84/100. Directed by Park Chan-wook.

## Critics consensus

Park Chan-wook's erotic thriller is sumptuous, twisty, and brilliantly performed by its entire ensemble.

## Synopsis

A pickpocket posing as a handmaiden to a Japanese heiress plots a con that becomes a labyrinth of desire, betrayal, and liberation.

## Cast

Kim Min-hee, Kim Tae-ri, Ha Jung-woo

## Critic reviews on Celluloid: 1

## Common questions

**Is The Handmaiden worth watching?**
The Handmaiden holds a 88% Celluloid Score. Park Chan-wook's erotic thriller is sumptuous, twisty, and brilliantly performed by its entire ensemble.

**What is The Handmaiden about?**
A pickpocket posing as a handmaiden to a Japanese heiress plots a con that becomes a labyrinth of desire, betrayal, and liberation.

**Who directed The Handmaiden?**
The Handmaiden (2016) was directed by Park Chan-wook.

**What is the Celluloid Score of The Handmaiden?**
88% — the average of five public sources: critics 95%, audience 92%, Metascore 84/100, Letterboxd 4.3/5, and IMDb 8.1/10.

**Where can I watch The Handmaiden?**
Streaming availability varies by region — see the The Handmaiden page for current options.

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Reviewed and scored by Celluloid · Editor: Kaiser Khan (https://mrkaiserkhan.com)

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