8.1
Where can I stream The Handmaiden legally?
The Handmaiden is included with a subscription to Amazon Prime Video in the United States. You can also rent or buy it from Fandango At Home. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
The Handmaiden
2016·Movie
·2h 25min·R·
The Handmaiden fingerprint
Masterful craft, stunning style.
Energy
Nerve-racking and spectacular
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension9
- Spectacle7
- Violence7
Heart
Deeply romantic and cathartic
Much of it is about family.
- Romance9
- Catharsis8
- Family Dynamics8
Humor
Plenty of sharp wit and dark humor
- Wit & Wordplay8
- Dark Humor7
- Satire & Parody5
World
History, the mind, and crime
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
- World Immersion9
- Rewatchability8
- Novelty8
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and storytelling
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
- Direction10
- Acting10
- Intrigue10
Style
Standout cinematography, editing, and visual style
A distinctive visual signature.
- Cinematography10
- Editing9
- Visual Stylization9
Energy
HighNerve-racking and spectacular
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
The Handmaiden is nerve-racking, spectacular, and violent. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension9Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Violence7Physical conflict and intensity.
- Adrenaline6High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
MediumDeeply romantic and cathartic
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's deeply romantic, cathartic, and moving. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Romance9Love stories and emotional connections.
- Catharsis8Emotional release and payoff.
- Family Dynamics8Relationships and generational ties.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy6Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Wonder5Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Hopefulness4Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia1Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wholesome0Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness6Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
Humor
HighPlenty of sharp wit and dark humor
Expect plenty of sharp wit and dark humor.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay8Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor7Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Satire & Parody5Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Cringe Humor3Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Physical Comedy2Slapstick and visual gags.
- Absurdist Humor2Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Situational Comedy1Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
Related traits
- Eccentricity6Oddball tone and quirks.
World
HighHistory, the mind, and crime
Lived-in and easy to get lost in. Holds up on a rewatch.
Its world is built around history, the mind, and crime. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It holds up on a rewatch.
All world traits
- World Immersion9Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability8Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Historical9Period settings and real events.
- Psychological9Inner worlds and mind games.
- Crime8Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Social Commentary8Perspectives on society and norms.
- Mystery7Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Class & Capitalism7Wealth, power, and inequality.
Craft
Very highStandout direction, performances, and storytelling
Layered plot that rewards full attention.
The direction, performances, and storytelling stand out. The plot is layered and rewards full attention.
All craft traits
- Direction10Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting10Performance craft and presence.
- Intrigue10Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Narrative Structure9Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth9Rich, complex characterization.
- Complexity9Layered plots and ideas.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Non-linear Narrative8Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty8Fresh ideas and invention.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Philosophical5Ideas about life and existence.
- Fast Pace5Quick tempo and momentum.
Style
Very highStandout cinematography, editing, and visual style
A distinctive visual signature.
Look and sound: the cinematography, editing, and visual style stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography10Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing9Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Visual Stylization9Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Composition8Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality7Songs central to storytelling.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Spectacle7Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightPartner WatchSolo WatchThought-Provoking
Skip it if
You want to half-watch while scrollingYou're watching with family
Find more like it
Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
You're the one being tricked.
1930s Korea, in the period of Japanese occupation, a new girl, Sook-hee, is hired as a handmaiden to a Japanese heiress, Hideko, who lives a secluded life on a large countryside estate with her domineering Uncle Kouzuki. But the maid has a secret. She is a pickpocket recruited by a swindler posing as a Japanese Count to help him seduce the Lady to steal her fortune.
Erotic ThrillerPsychological SuspenseHistorical DramaDeception & BetrayalFemale EmpowermentVisual MasterpieceComplex NarrativeTwist-Filled PlotDark Romance
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Related Movies and Shows
Overall: Similar vibe.
Movies
Shows
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Loading video…
Questions about The Handmaiden
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Handmaiden worth watching?
91
ExcellentGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 91/100 (IMDb 8.1, Rotten Tomatoes 96%, and Metacritic 100). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Handmaiden rated?
RNuditySexual contentViolenceDisturbing imagery
It's rated R in the United States. Content advisories: nudity, sexual content, violence, and disturbing imagery.
How long is The Handmaiden?
2 h 25 min
The Handmaiden runs 2 h 25 min.
Is The Handmaiden based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Handmaiden?
Critics98
Audiences86
Not quite. Critics rate The Handmaiden higher (98) than audiences (86). It may be more rewarding than it is crowd-pleasing.
Was The Handmaiden a box office hit?
Budget$9 million
Box office$39 million
Yes. It cost about $9 million to make and earned $39 million worldwide, 4.5 times its budget.
What language is The Handmaiden in?
KoreanJapanese
It was made in Korean, with some Japanese. Produced in South Korea.
In how many countries can I watch The Handmaiden?
130
+116
+116GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for The Handmaiden in 130 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does The Handmaiden use?
Defrosting Ice QueenGive Me Back My WalletMale GazeEating the Eye CandyOnce More, with ClarityP.O.V. CamMouth-to-Mouth Force-FeedingThanatos GambitTainted TobaccoGo Among Mad PeoplePractice KissCharacter Developmentand 134 more
TV Tropes lists 146 storytelling tropes for The Handmaiden, including Defrosting Ice Queen, Give Me Back My Wallet, Male Gaze.