The Handmaiden (2016)
A masterclass in camera movement, if only it could move audiences.
Presentation:
Before the beauty of Parasite, the mantle for Korean cinematography was held by The Handmaiden. This film is gorgeous, though inconsistent. The beginning is gifted with some of the most impressionable crane camera moves with modern lighting. Korean cinematography is precise and deliberate, however, this does not apply through the entire length of the movie, which ends up feeling lazy and disjointed at times. The acting is okay, I think viewers will be more enamored with the sexualized nudity in this film.
Story:
The film has acts and somewhat complex story of deceit and mystery. Korean films have twists, but i found the twists in this film not particularly well executed. The characters don't have the necessary ambiguity to make the duplicity believable once you know all the cards. The reverse uno really invalidates the twist like pulling out the rug beneath the audience. What you are left feeling is being cheated of the reward this film promised. This film may be better depending on which version you watch.
Conclusion:
This mystery thriller once again demonstrates Korean mastery of cinematography. It's not so much that Korean films are all amazing, it's that the good ones are the only ones worth watching and will be reviewed. This film is critically acclaimed, but your experience will largely depend on which version you watch. The first act was good, the second act was an eyebrow raiser, the third was unnecessary. But for fans of Park Chan Wook, you could very well wish for a fourth act for one of his finest displays.
Recommendations
A metaphor you’ll be burning to discuss.