Filled with romance, betrayal, desire, hidden agendas, and BDSM, “The Handmaiden” is a stunning and provocative piece of cinema that captures the audience’s attention from the beginning.
“The Handmaiden” is a 2016 South Korean psychological thriller film based on the novel “Fingersmith” by Sarah Waters. Directed by Park Chan-wook, it’s a stunning and provocative piece of cinema that captures the audience’s attention from the beginning. However, its unique storytelling, BDSM portrayal, and most visually stunning sequences make it a great watch.
Plot Synopsis
The movie is set in 1930s Korea, during the Japanese colonial era. A wealthy Korean man, Kouzuki (Cho Jin-Woong), has an enormous library filled with rare books that he keeps in his remote mansion. He hires a young Korean woman, Sook-Hee (Kim Tae-ri), to serve as a handmaiden to his niece, Lady Hideko (Kim Min-hee). Sook-Hee is a cunning and intelligent woman trained as a pickpocket. She is working as part of a scheme to defraud Kouzuki. She has been recruited by a con man, who poses as a Japanese count, to help him seduce Lady Hideko and steal her inheritance.
As Sook-Hee gets closer to Lady Hideko, they both develop an intense and complicated relationship. Sook-Hee is initially just following orders, but as she spends more time with Lady Hideko, she starts to feel a deep affection for her. Lady Hideko is a complex character with a traumatic past. As the two women bond over their shared experiences, their relationship becomes more than just a professional one.
In addition to that, the intense chemistry between the two female leads is palpable, and the film’s use of close-ups and slow-motion shots emphasizes their physical connection.
Eroticism and Twists in The Film “The Handmaiden”
The eroticism in “The Handmaiden” is quite explicit and visceral, but it never feels gratuitous or exploitative. The film’s exploration of desire and intimacy is fascinating and often surprising. The plot twists and turns throughout the movie, and it’s hard to know what’s coming next.
Besides this, there are plenty of BDSM and kinks throughout the film, and the film’s lush visuals and atmospheric cinematography enhance the sensuality of the BDSM and kink scenes. At the same time, the use of vibrant colors and exquisite costumes adds to the decadent and erotic atmosphere.
BDSM in “The Handmaiden”
One of the key themes explored in the film is BDSM. The relationship between Lady Hideko, a Japanese heiress, and her handmaiden, Sookee, takes on BDSM undertones as their desire for each other becomes increasingly intense. Through various scenes, we see Lady Hideko engaging in BDSM practices, such as being tied up and punished for her disobedience, while Sookee takes on the dominant role. The film is also known for portraying several kinks.
Another great Korean BDSM movie, Love and Leashes, is available on Netflix and you can check our review right here.
What Types of Kinks Are Present in The Movie?
“The Handmaiden” also explores various kinks and fetishes, from foot worship to voyeurism. Here are the different types of kinks that are present in the film.
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Foot worship
One of the most prominent kinks in the film is foot worship. In a scene early on in the movie, Lady Hideko’s handmaiden, Sookee, is seen washing and massaging Lady Hideko’s feet. This scene is sensual and erotic, with Sookee using her mouth and tongue to clean Lady Hideko’s feet. Later in the film, Sookee uses her feet to please Lady Hideko sexually, further exploring this kink.
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Bondage and discipline
Bonding and discipline are also looked at in the movie, especially in the relationship between Lady Hideko and her uncle. Lady Hideko’s uncle punishes her for her disobedience by tying her up and whipping her as a form of discipline. In another scene, Lady Hideko is tied up and forced to watch a pornographic film, highlighting the use of bondage as a form of control.
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Dominance and submission
The Dominant-submissive dynamic is a critical component of the BDSM scenes in “The Handmaiden.” As Lady Hideko and Sookee’s relationship develops, it becomes increasingly clear that Sookee is taking on the dominant role while Lady Hideko is submissive. Sookee ties up Lady Hideko and punishes her for her disobedience, while Lady Hideko eagerly submits to Sookee’s advances.
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Voyeurism
Lady Hideko’s uncle seems to be a voyeurist because he watches Lady Hideko and Sookee as they do sexual things through a peephole. His voyeurism brings up the idea of sexual desire and how it can be fun to watch other people do sexual stuff.
Overall, “The Handmaiden” explores a range of kinks and fetishes uniquely and compellingly, offering a thought-provoking exploration of desire and power. The movie’s use of these kinks makes it more sexual and sensual, which is a big part of why it works as a psychological thriller.
How is The Movie Different from BDSM movies Such as “The Secretary” and “50 Shades of Grey”?
“The Handmaiden” is fundamentally different from other BDSM movies such as “The Secretary” and “50 Shades of Grey.” While these movies use BDSM as a means of titillation and sensationalism, “The Handmaiden” uses BDSM as a tool to explore themes of power, manipulation, and desire.
In “The Handmaiden,” BDSM is presented as a complex and layered element of the story rather than simply a means of eroticizing the characters and their actions. The BDSM scenes in the movie are not there for no reason. Instead, they help the characters better understand each other and show what drives them.
Additionally, “The Handmaiden” differs from other BDSM movies in its treatment of its female characters. While films like “50 Shades of Grey” have been criticized for perpetuating harmful stereotypes and glorifying abusive relationships, “The Handmaiden” centers on the experiences and perspectives of its female characters. The film is the story of two women who are drawn together by their shared experiences of trauma and desire and who ultimately use their agency to take control of their lives and destinies. In addition, the Handmaiden” explores BDSM in a thoughtful and nuanced way, making it a standout example of how cinema can respectfully and compellingly portray this type of sexuality.
Conclusion
In a nutshell, “The Handmaiden” is a visually stunning and thematically complex film that explores the power dynamics of BDSM and kinks uniquely and compellingly. The story’s twists and turns keep the audience on edge, and the strong performances from the cast bring the characters to life. While the film’s explicit content may not be for everyone, it is a thought-provoking exploration of desire and power that will leave a lasting impression.
With its complex plot and twisty narrative, “The Handmaiden” demands your full attention and can surely deliver a memorable experience.
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