Podcast Summary: The Big Picture - Episode on ‘The Handmaiden’
Release Date: March 26, 2025
Introduction
In this special episode of The Big Picture, hosted by Sean Fennessy and Amanda Dobbins from The Ringer, the hosts delve into their curated list of “The 25 Best Movies of the Century.” Focusing on No. 24, they explore the intricacies of Park Chan-wook's 2016 masterpiece, The Handmaiden. The episode offers a comprehensive analysis, enriched with insightful discussions on the film’s themes, cinematic techniques, and its place within the broader context of Korean cinema.
Movie Overview
Amanda and Sean begin by introducing The Handmaiden, highlighting its South Korean origin and its streaming availability on Amazon Prime Video. Amanda notes, “If you haven't seen it, please, please turn this off and go watch it. Because especially if you also have not read the Sarah Waters novel, it is propulsive and there are twists you don't want to see coming” (02:28).
The Handmaiden is an adaptation of Sarah Waters' 2002 novel Fingersmith, transposed from 19th-century England to 1930s Korea under Japanese colonial rule. The film stars Kim Min-hee, Kim Tae-ri, Ha Jung-woo, and Cho Jin-woong, weaving a complex narrative of deception, power, and forbidden love.
Selection Process
The hosts discuss the deliberation process behind including The Handmaiden in their list. Amanda mentions the consideration of Park Chan-wook’s breakout American film, Oldboy, but ultimately favors The Handmaiden for its unique blend of themes and execution. Sean adds, “This movie, I think is the culmination of a lot of what he was driving towards… It is quite violent, like Oldboy, in a slightly different way. It is quite sexual, it is quite extreme, it is quite intense” (07:06).
Themes and Analysis
A significant portion of the discussion centers on the film’s exploration of sexuality, power dynamics, and class struggle. Amanda describes the film as “sex as power and sex and the way that... sex is floating under everything from a class structure to the way lives are organized” (22:06). They delve into the portrayal of lesbian relationships, noting the innovative camera angles and the balance between exploitation and liberation in the sex scenes.
Sean articulates the film’s nuanced handling of these themes: “This is a pure thriller… It is a very layered psychological mind game of power” (17:37). Amanda further emphasizes the narrative’s progression toward female independence, stating, “They are very naked on screen… They are able to do whatever they want together outside the auspices of men” (14:52).
Cinematic Techniques
The hosts praise Park Chan-wook’s directorial prowess, particularly his use of production design and camera work to enhance storytelling. Amanda remarks on the film’s “incredible costumes” and the strategic use of architecture to reflect the narrative’s psychological undertones, such as the recurring motif of sliding doors (28:53). Sean compares the film’s visual grandeur to classic costume dramas while maintaining an undercurrent of illicitness, noting, “It's the finery of Pride and Prejudice and Wuthering Heights…but with something much more illicit underneath” (28:25).
Comparison to Other Films
Throughout the episode, Amanda and Sean draw parallels between The Handmaiden and other notable films. They reference Alfred Hitchcock’s work, particularly Vertigo and Rebecca, as influences on Park’s storytelling techniques. Amanda connects the film to the erotic thrillers of the 80s and 90s, such as Wild Things and the Wachowskis' Bound, highlighting its place within this subgenre’s evolution.
Sean also touches upon European influences, comparing Park’s film to Yorgos Lanthimos’ work, underscoring the film’s alignment with contemporary European cinematic trends that embrace transgressive narratives and complex character dynamics (34:34).
Cultural Impact and Legacy
The discussion transitions to the film’s role in the Korean New Wave and its legacy within global cinema. Sean points out, “This movie is like the culmination of a lot of his efforts… It's a reflection of both traditional and modern storytelling” (07:06). They examine how The Handmaiden contributed to bringing Korean cinema into the international spotlight, paving the way for subsequent successes like Bong Joon-ho’s Parasite.
Amanda highlights the film’s impact on queer cinema, noting its departure from typical narratives where female relationships are often penalized, instead showcasing a story of rebellion and self-empowerment (14:52).
Availability and Distribution
Sean and Amanda discuss the significance of Amazon Prime Video’s role in distributing The Handmaiden. They reflect on Amazon’s strategic acquisition of independent and international films, which has been pivotal in making such films accessible to a broader audience. Sean mentions, “Amazon retains the rights… you can find this movie on Amazon right now” (32:31), emphasizing the platform’s contribution to the film’s enduring presence.
Conclusion
In wrapping up, Amanda affirms the film’s multifaceted appeal: “In addition to everything we said about how cinematically important and enriching it is, it is just really, really fun. It is quite a ride” (36:58). Sean concurs, highlighting the film’s blend of intellectual depth and sheer entertainment value.
The episode concludes with Amanda encouraging listeners to watch The Handmaiden and explore the rest of the curated list, promising engaging discussions and varied cinematic experiences in future episodes.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- Amanda Dobbins: “If you haven't seen it, please, please turn this off and go watch it.” (02:28)
- Sean Fennessy: “This movie, I think is the culmination of a lot of what he was driving towards… It is quite violent, like Oldboy, in a slightly different way.” (07:06)
- Amanda Dobbins: “They are able to do whatever they want together outside the auspices of men.” (14:52)
- Sean Fennessy: “This is a pure thriller… It is a very layered psychological mind game of power.” (17:37)
- Amanda Dobbins: “It's about sex as power and sex and the way that...” (22:06)
- Amanda Dobbins: “In addition to everything we said about how cinematically important and enriching it is, it is just really, really fun.” (36:58)
Final Thoughts
Sean and Amanda’s discussion offers a deep dive into The Handmaiden, elucidating its complex narrative and rich thematic content. Their engaging dialogue, complemented by pertinent quotes and thoughtful analysis, provides listeners with a thorough understanding of why this film earned its place on their esteemed list of the best movies of the century.