The Handmaiden

This film is an incredibly powerful plea against the sexual exploitation of women. The scene in which Sook-hee destroys the books that Hideko had to read aloud for years is incredibly moving and liberating. I have also never seen a film that uses, in fact quite intense and long, sex scenes in such a meaningful way. These are not lesbian-sex scenes for the viewer's male-gazed benefit, but scenes through which Hideko reclaims her sexual autonomy. She is sexually exploited for years. These scenes serve to depict her liberation and sexual self-determination in relation to the clients. Hideko's performances work perfectly as an analogy to today's pornography, which makes the message timeless. It's also incredible how long Park Chan-wook manages to maintain the tension in this film. Until the very last second, the viewer can't really believe the happy ending. The incredible music and camera shots are also technically unbelievably impressive. This Film is something very special.