The Handmaiden (2016) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
1930s Korea, in the period of Japanese occupation, a new girl, Sook-hee, 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. But the maid has a secret. She is a pickpocket recruited by a swindler posing as a Japanese Count to help him seduce the Lady to steal her fortune.
Rated R • 2016 • 2h 25m
The Handmaiden is a stylized, R-rated erotic thriller directed by Park Chan-wook, set during the Japanese occupation of 1930s Korea. It tells the story of Sook-hee, a pickpocket who infiltrates the home of a secluded heiress named Hideko to facilitate a con. Parents should be aware of highly explicit sexual content, including sustained scenes of female nudity and simulated sexual acts. The film also features moderate violence… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is The Handmaiden appropriate for kids?
The Handmaiden is a stylized, R-rated erotic thriller directed by Park Chan-wook, set during the Japanese occupation of 1930s Korea. It tells the story of Sook-hee, a pickpocket who infiltrates the home of a secluded heiress named Hideko to facilitate a con. Parents should be… Read more — free account
Content severity in The Handmaiden
What happens in The Handmaiden, moment by moment
- 0:45 ♥ Sex & Nudity 9/10
- 0:58 ⚔ Violence & Gore 6/10
- 1:12 💬 Language 7/10
Sex and nudity in The Handmaiden
The film contains frequent and explicit sexual content. This includes sustained scenes of oral and manual stimulation between the two female protagonists, as well as full frontal nudity and the use of sexual devices. Erotic literature is also depicted in detail.
Violence and gore in The Handmaiden
Violence is moderate but impactful. Scenes include a young woman being repeatedly slapped across the face, a character being hit on the knuckles causing bruising, and the aftermath of sadomasochistic acts showing physical whip marks on the skin.
Language in The Handmaiden
Frequent use of strong profanity is present throughout the film, including uses of the 'f-word', 'c-word', and other vulgar slurs directed at characters during tense confrontations.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in The Handmaiden
Substance use is mild, consisting primarily of characters consuming sake and wine. There is a notable scene where alcohol is given to infants to keep them quiet.
Mature themes in The Handmaiden
Themes are mature and psychologically intense, focusing heavily on manipulation, emotional coercion, child abuse, and the entrapment of characters within a restrictive, abusive household.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Handmaiden appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests The Handmaiden is best for ages 18+. It's rated R. The Handmaiden is a stylized, R-rated erotic thriller directed by Park Chan-wook, set during the Japanese occupation of 1930s Korea. It tells the story of Sook-hee, a pickpocket who infiltrates the home of a secluded…
What age rating does The Handmaiden have?
The Handmaiden is officially rated R. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 18+.
What is The Handmaiden about?
The Handmaiden is a stylized, R-rated erotic thriller directed by Park Chan-wook, set during the Japanese occupation of 1930s Korea. It tells the story of Sook-hee, a pickpocket who infiltrates the home of a secluded heiress named Hideko to facilitate a con. Parents should be aware of highly explicit sexual content…
Is there sex or nudity in The Handmaiden?
The film contains frequent and explicit sexual content. This includes sustained scenes of oral and manual stimulation between the two female protagonists, as well as full frontal nudity and the use of sexual devices. Erotic literature is also depicted in…
How violent is The Handmaiden?
Violence is moderate but impactful. Scenes include a young woman being repeatedly slapped across the face, a character being hit on the knuckles causing bruising, and the aftermath of sadomasochistic acts showing physical whip marks on the skin.
Is the language in The Handmaiden appropriate for kids?
Frequent use of strong profanity is present throughout the film, including uses of the 'f-word', 'c-word', and other vulgar slurs directed at characters during tense confrontations.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in The Handmaiden?
Substance use is mild, consisting primarily of characters consuming sake and wine. There is a notable scene where alcohol is given to infants to keep them quiet.
What mature themes appear in The Handmaiden?
Themes are mature and psychologically intense, focusing heavily on manipulation, emotional coercion, child abuse, and the entrapment of characters within a restrictive, abusive household.
How long is The Handmaiden?
The Handmaiden runs 145 minutes, directed by Park Chan-wook, released in 2016.
Where can I read the full The Handmaiden parent guide?
Create a free Bontent account to unlock the full scene-by-scene notes, filter by your kids' ages, and save titles to your personal watchlist.
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