The Handmaiden (2016)
Analyzing...
Strong Left
Rating: 8.6
Overview
1930s Korea, in the period of Japanese occupation, a new girl (Sookee) 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)....
Starring Cast
Where to watch
Overview
1930s Korea, in the period of Japanese occupation, a new girl (Sookee) 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)....
Starring Cast
Where to watch
Detailed Analysis
Analyzing...
Strong Left
The film's central thesis explicitly promotes female liberation and agency by depicting the subversion of oppressive patriarchal and class structures through solidarity and cunning.
The movie features an entirely East Asian cast, reflecting its historical Korean setting. Its narrative strongly critiques traditional patriarchal power structures, portraying male characters as villains and centering on the liberation of its female protagonists from male oppression.
The Handmaiden offers a profoundly positive portrayal of a lesbian relationship. The bond between Sook-hee and Hideko is depicted as a powerful force for liberation and self-determination, enabling them to overcome patriarchal oppression. Their love is celebrated as a source of strength, joy, and ultimate triumph, culminating in their freedom and happiness.
The movie does not contain any action or adventure elements.
Rating Breakdown
8.6
Overall Rating
Combines user and critic ratings from four sources
User Ratings
8.1
8.2
Critic Ratings
9.6
8.5
More Like This
Leans Left
6.7
Brave Citizen
(2023)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
LGBTQ: None
FemPower: Yes
Center
8.0
Exhuma
(2024)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
LGBTQ: None
FemPower: None
Leans Left
6.8
Babygirl
(2024)
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: Moderate
LGBTQ: None
FemPower: None
Leans Left
8.3
Harbin
(2024)
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: High
LGBTQ: None
FemPower: No
Center
6.9
Pilot
(2024)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
LGBTQ: None
FemPower: None
Strong Left
7.7
40 Acres
(2024)
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: High
LGBTQ: None
FemPower: None
Center
7.1
King Ivory
(2024)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
LGBTQ: None
FemPower: None
Strong Left
7.3
Dear White People
(2014)
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: High
LGBTQ: Positive
FemPower: None
Leans Left
7.7
Maurice
(1987)
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: Moderate
LGBTQ: Positive
FemPower: None
Leans Left
8.2
Anora
(2024)
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: Moderate
LGBTQ: None
FemPower: None
Center
8.7
Call Me by Your Name
(2017)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Low
LGBTQ: Positive
FemPower: None
Center
6.1
Wall to Wall
(2025)
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: Moderate
LGBTQ: None
FemPower: None
Leans Left
8.0
Battle Royale
(2000)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
LGBTQ: None
FemPower: Yes
Center
8.4
Hell or High Water
(2016)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
LGBTQ: None
FemPower: None
Center
7.1
Infinitely Polar Bear
(2014)
Political: Center
Diversity: High
LGBTQ: None
FemPower: None
Leans Left
7.3
My Oxford Year
(2025)
Political: Center
Diversity: High
LGBTQ: None
FemPower: None
Leans Left
7.4
Stolen
(2023)
Political: Strong Left
Diversity: High
LGBTQ: None
FemPower: None
Center
7.6
My Old Ass
(2024)
Political: Center
Diversity: Moderate
LGBTQ: Positive
FemPower: None
Center
6.9
Drop
(2025)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: Moderate
LGBTQ: None
FemPower: None
Center
7.7
28 Days Later
(2002)
Political: Leans Left
Diversity: High
LGBTQ: None
FemPower: None