Directed by Park Chan-wook | South Korea | 144 mins
Korean language film with English Subtitles.
The Handmaiden is one of Park Chan-wook’s most iconic films. In classic Chan-wook style, it has mystery and action elements, with mind-bending plot twists. Set in Japan-occupied Korea of the early 1900s, Chan-wook unconventionally tells the story of two women who become attracted to each other, and fall into a surprising romantic relationship. This is the first film in our Love Out East series. It is the first in the line-up, not only to pay homage to the iconic Korean director, but also because this film depicts queer female love through the past, amongst a very political and war-driven society. Chan-wook is able to show us how queer people existed and formed relationships in all eras of human history and cultures, but that queer people had to fight and manipulate their ways through political circumstances in order to survive, often in secret and in disguise. The Handmaiden is also particularly interesting because it provides a stunning and interesting look into Korea’s past, and informs us of what it was like not only for only queer people to live in those times, but how many had to fight to survive. It shines light on Korea’s history and way of life, which is important for Western audiences to see.
Written by Catherine Mcdonald Vo.
Rated 18A for detailed sexual content in a dramatic context.
Part of our Lovers Out East: Queer Asian Cinema Series.
Community Partner:
In the spirit of respect, reciprocity and truth, we honour and acknowledge that this screening takes place on Moh’kinsstis and the traditional Treaty 7 territory, as well as the oral practices of the Blackfoot confederacy: Siksika, Kainai, Piikani as well as the Îyâxe Nakoda and Tsuut’ina nations. We acknowledge that this territory is home to the Otipemisiwak Métis Government of the Métis Nation within Alberta District 6. Finally, we acknowledge all Nations, Indigenous and non, who live, work and play, as well as help steward this land, honour and celebrate this territory.