Question 1

What is the Korean title of 'The Handmaiden' and what does it mean?

Accepted Answer

The Korean title 'Ah-ga-ssi' means 'The Lady,' referring to Lady Hideko, while the English title refers to the handmaiden Sook-hee.

Question 2

Which novel inspired 'The Handmaiden' and how did the setting change?

Accepted Answer

It's based on Sarah Waters' novel 'Fingersmith,' which is set in 19th-century London, but the film adaptation is set in 1930s Korea under Japanese occupation.

Question 3

How did the Korean cast prepare for speaking Japanese in the film?

Accepted Answer

Before shooting, the Korean actors were assigned Japanese teachers to study the script and learn to speak Japanese. Kim Min-hee's proficiency was praised by Japanese journalists after Cannes.

Question 4

What was the connection between actresses Kim Tae-ri and Kim Min-hee before filming?

Accepted Answer

Kim Tae-ri was a fan of Kim Min-hee's work before they met. During her Best New Actress speech in 2016, she dedicated the award to Min-hee, saying she 'fell in love with at first sight.'

Question 5

Which major film festivals featured 'The Handmaiden'?

Accepted Answer

The film was featured at the Cannes Film Festival (2016), Karlovy Vary International Film Festival (2016), and BFI London Film Festival (2016), among others.

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The Handmaiden

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