The Handmaiden (2016) Review: A Korean Classic

Is The Handmaiden worth watching?

Yes — The Handmaiden remains one of the most celebrated films from South Korea, with a 95/100 Celluloid Editorial Rating and enduring audience appeal. On Celluloid it holds a 95/100 Celluloid Editorial Rating, 92% Audience Snapshot, 84 Metascore, 4.3 on Letterboxd, and 8.1 on IMDb — numbers that explain why it still surfaces on every “best of South Korea” list.

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. Directed by Park Chan-wook, the film stars Kim Min-hee, Kim Tae-ri, Ha Jung-woo, and remains a reference point for Romance and Thriller filmmaking from South Korea.

Should you watch The Handmaiden?

Yes, without hesitation — The Handmaiden rewards viewers who want more than algorithm-friendly new releases. At 145 minutes, it more than earns its running time — and the critics’ consensus still resonates today: Park Chan-wook’s erotic thriller is sumptuous, twisty, and brilliantly performed by its entire ensemble.

Where can I watch The Handmaiden?

Streaming availability varies by region — check major platforms in your country or local cinemas for revival screenings. The Handmaiden (2016) is widely indexed on IMDb (tt4016934) and remains one of the most searched classic titles from South Korea on CelluloidScore.com.