Park Chan-wook

‘The Handmaiden’ Review: A Thrilling Romantic Masterpiece
‘The Handmaiden’ Review: A Thrilling Romantic Masterpiece
After making his English-language debut with Stoker, Park Chan-wook returns to his native South Korea for The Handmaiden, a gloriously sensual and impressively layered thriller that’s every bit as Hitchcockian and gothic as its predecessor. In a brilliantly repurposed adaptation of Sarah Waters’ Fingersmith, Director Park changes the setting of the story to Colonial-era Korea, which serves as a nuanced backdrop for what is his most masterful masterpiece to date.
Interview: Park Chan-wook on ‘The Handmaiden’
Interview: Park Chan-wook on ‘The Handmaiden’
After making his English-language debut with Stoker, Park Chan-wook returned to his native South Korea for The Handmaiden, a sensual and gracefully twisted new film that is equal parts clever thriller and, surprisingly enough, romantic drama. To say that this is his best film to date is an astonishing suggestion — this is the man behind Oldboy, after all — but a second viewing validated my belief that it is his masterpiece. As a longtime fan, I was anxious to interview Director Park, who was far less intimidating than I had imagined. He is warm and gracious, and spent the duration slowly pacing around the room (in a great sweater, by the way), speaking his thoughts to a translator with the patient consideration of someone dictating a heartfelt letter.
'Stoker' Director to Helm Lesbian Drama 'Fingersmith'
'Stoker' Director to Helm Lesbian Drama 'Fingersmith'
It was reported last year that Korean director Park Chan-wook had signed on to direct his second English-language film, but it seems that project will have to wait a little longer. The director has begun production on his next film, Fingersmith, based on the 2002 crime novel by Sarah Waters. Although that novel is written in English, Chan-wook’s film will be in Korean.

Load More Articles