The Handmaiden

After finishing Oldboy, I went to the director's films to see what other works he's made and if they're as critically acclaimed. I saw Kim Tae-Ri's name high up on the casting list and immediately bought the film. Everything about it is so well done. The story is engaging and has so much twists and turns. It's surprising and hard to expect with each of the three parts having its own distinct twists. Movie felt a bit long in the second part but it was deserved to build up to a wonderful and satisfying finale. The cinematography isn't as experimental as Oldboy but it still glimmers at its moments. Acting had to be great to accompany the complex plot and it was. A lot of sex scenes though, and it lasts a while too. I did wonder as I was watching it if the scenes would be different if directed by a woman. I haven't watched many films with a queer main relationship but the ones I have like Call Me By Your Name or Brokeback Mountain seem to take a more subtle approach. You could argue its the male gaze but thinking about In The Mood For Love or Parasite, maybe us asians have a tendency to be more direct and leaving nothing for the imagination in the portrayal of sex scenes. I think it's an incredible film to study and one to rewatch when you have the needed context. It feels layered and even just a quick scroll through the internet gives far more meaning to specific scenes. I recommend the film, very good.