When was The Handmaiden released in the Philippines?

The Handmaiden was released digitally in the Philippines on September 30, 2017. The film first premiered on June 1, 2016.

Where can I watch The Handmaiden in the Philippines?

No streaming platform is currently listed for the Philippines. Availability changes over time, so check local streaming and digital rental services for updates.

Who is in the cast of The Handmaiden?

Kim Min-hee plays Lady Hideko and Kim Tae-ri plays Sook-hee. Ha Jung-woo plays Count Fujiwara and Cho Jin-woong plays Uncle Kouzuki. Kim Hae-sook and Moon So-ri appear in supporting roles.

What is The Handmaiden about?

In 1930s Korea under Japanese occupation, a pickpocket named Sook-hee becomes the maid of a wealthy Japanese heiress. She is secretly helping a con man who poses as a Count win the heiress's hand and fortune.

How long is The Handmaiden, and is it suitable for all ages?

The film runs 145 minutes. It is an erotic thriller with explicit sexual content and mature themes, so it is meant for adult viewers.

The Handmaiden (2016): Plot, Cast & Where to Watch in PH

The Handmaiden plot: a spoiler-free synopsis

The story is set in Korea in the 1930s, during the Japanese occupation, and it begins with a scheme. A smooth-talking con man calling himself Count Fujiwara (Ha Jung-woo) wants the fortune of Lady Hideko (Kim Min-hee). She is a Japanese heiress who rarely leaves the vast countryside mansion she shares with her domineering Uncle Kouzuki (Cho Jin-woong). To get close to her, the Count needs someone on the inside.

That someone is Sook-hee (Kim Tae-ri), a quick-fingered pickpocket. She is placed in the household as Hideko’s new lady’s maid. Her task is to earn the heiress’s trust and steer her toward accepting the Count’s courtship. Once the two marry, the money is supposed to follow.

Life inside the estate is more complicated than the plan allows. The house has strict routines, a forbidding library and secrets in every corner. As Sook-hee spends her days attending to Hideko, the line between duty and real feeling begins to blur. Jealousy, desire and deception start to pull the con in unexpected directions. The film’s tagline sums up the mood: “You’re the one being tricked.”

The Handmaiden — Mood illustration, not a still from the film — Mood illustration, not a still from the film

What makes The Handmaiden notable

Director: The film is directed by acclaimed South Korean filmmaker Park Chan-wook. He co-wrote the screenplay with Chung Seo-kyung, adapting it from a novel.
Cast: Kim Min-hee and Kim Tae-ri lead the cast alongside Ha Jung-woo and Cho Jin-woong. The supporting players include Kim Hae-sook as Ms. Sasaki, Moon So-ri as Hideko’s aunt, and Lee Yong-nyeo, Kwak Eun-jin, Lee Dong-hwi and Jo Eun-hyung as young Hideko.
Genre: The film blends thriller, drama and romance. It is often described as an erotic thriller, with a melodramatic, sensual tone and a plot built around con artists and shifting loyalties.
Origin and context: This is a South Korean production from Moho Film, Yong Film and CJ Entertainment. Its original title is 아가씨. The dialogue is in both Korean and Japanese, which reflects the colonial-era setting.
Review snapshot: The film holds an audience average of about 8.2/10 on TMDB from more than 4,500 votes. That makes it one of the better-regarded Korean films among online viewers.
Runtime: 145 minutes (about 2 hours 25 minutes).

Viewer note: the film contains explicit sexual content and mature themes, including an LGBTQ+ storyline. It is intended for adult audiences.

Who will enjoy it

Fans of Korean cinema and of Park Chan-wook’s films
Viewers who love twisty con-artist and heist-style plots
Fans of lavish period dramas with gothic, mansion-bound atmosphere
Adult viewers looking for an erotic thriller with LGBTQ+ themes
Anyone who enjoys stories driven by deception, desire and power games

Release date in the Philippines and where to watch

The Handmaiden first premiered on June 1, 2016. In the Philippines, it was released digitally on September 30, 2017. No Philippine age certification is listed in our data.

As of this writing, no streaming platform is listed for the Philippines. Availability on local streaming and rental services changes often, so check your preferred platforms for the latest options. An official trailer is available if you want a preview before watching.

Trailer

Cast

Kim Min-heeas Lady Hideko
Kim Tae-rias Sook-hee
Ha Jung-wooas Count Fujiwara
Cho Jin-woongas Uncle Kouzuki
Kim Hae-sookas Ms. SasakiSee credits →
Moon So-rias Hideko's AuntSee credits →
Lee Yong-nyeoas Bok-soon
Kwak Eun-jinas Kkeut-dan

Photo: TMDB

FAQ

When was The Handmaiden released in the Philippines?: The Handmaiden was released digitally in the Philippines on September 30, 2017. The film first premiered on June 1, 2016.
Where can I watch The Handmaiden in the Philippines?: No streaming platform is currently listed for the Philippines. Availability changes over time, so check local streaming and digital rental services for updates.
Who is in the cast of The Handmaiden?: Kim Min-hee plays Lady Hideko and Kim Tae-ri plays Sook-hee. Ha Jung-woo plays Count Fujiwara and Cho Jin-woong plays Uncle Kouzuki. Kim Hae-sook and Moon So-ri appear in supporting roles.
What is The Handmaiden about?: In 1930s Korea under Japanese occupation, a pickpocket named Sook-hee becomes the maid of a wealthy Japanese heiress. She is secretly helping a con man who poses as a Count win the heiress's hand and fortune.
How long is The Handmaiden, and is it suitable for all ages?: The film runs 145 minutes. It is an erotic thriller with explicit sexual content and mature themes, so it is meant for adult viewers.

Sources

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