Renowned Korean director Park Chan-wook is set to strike back this year at the 2016 Cannes Festival with periodic film “The Handmaiden” — based on Welsh novelist Sarah Waters’ controversial novel, “Fingersmith.”
The adaptation is set in the Japanese colonial era (1910-45) and portrays the most lavish costumes of the era in Korea.
The film’s distributor, CJ Entertainment recently released several stills of actress Kim Min-hee — set to star as a bourgeoisie heiress — looking poised in different costumes by designer Sang-gyeong Jo.
“All costumes in ‘The Handmaiden’ are results of effort put into every detail including the design, color, and texture. It was fun because it was also an intriguing experience,” the designer said.
Actress Kim Min-hee also complimented the quality of the couture-like fashion. “I was able to approach my character better because of the costumes that immaculately revived the feel of the 1930s,” she said.
“The Handmaiden” plot revolves around an heiress and her acquaintances conspiring to get their hands on her personal fortune. Alongside actress Kim Min-hee, actor Ha Jung-woo will take on the role of a count eyeing the money.
“The Handmaiden” will compete for an award at this year’s Cannes Festival before its nationwide release in early June.
– Park Sa-lim, Seoul