The Handmaiden (2016)
The Handmaiden is streaming in South Korea on Netflix, FilmBox+, TVING.
The verdict
The Handmaiden has pulled the kind of numbers most Korean films never see. It's sitting at 8.2/10 on TMDB across 4,491 ratings, which puts it comfortably above average. The 145-minute runtime sits in the comfortable middle. In South Korea you can stream it on Netflix, FilmBox+, TVING.
Should you spend 2h 25m on it?
2h 25m of Korean thriller, leaning drama. A little over the usual, so start it earlier than you think.
- Why
- Currently 8.2/10 from 4,491 ratings, which is a good sign this early.
- Skip if
- you want to relax rather than be wound up
- Best for
- A night you can give it your full attention
Story
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.
Good to know
| Runtime | 2h 25m |
| Watch with family? | 19 · Adults only |
| Genre | Thriller / Drama |
| Language | Korean |
| Best screen | Stream at home |
Director
Park Chan-wook
Cast
Where to watch in South Korea
Included with a subscription — no extra charge on these platforms.
Availability as of 2026-09-20 — platforms may change over time.
More: Everything new on Netflix
Trailer
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