The Handmaiden: A Tale of Resistance and Love
By Michelle Young, Co-Editor-in-Chief
Content warning: Japanese imperialism, grooming
Park Chan-Wook's filmography is filled with critical acclaim, including recent releases like No Other Choice (2025) and notable works such as Decision to Leave (2022) and Oldboy (2003).
However, The Handmaiden (2016) remains a favourite, a psychological thriller that explores colonialism, patriarchy, and queerness.
The film opens with the Imperial Japanese Army marching into a small alleyway in colonial Korea, setting the tone for the rest of the movie.
Under heavy rain, the army's presence is met with the sound of Korean children singing, followed by the drawing of weapons and the children's screams as they scatter.
Author's summary: The Handmaiden is a psychological thriller exploring colonialism and queerness.