A film that has captivated the hearts of viewers worldwide, ‘The Handmaiden (2016)’, is a cinematic marvel that beautifully fuses a compelling narrative with stunning aesthetics. Its unique style is a blend of traditional Korean motifs and a touch of Victorian-era charm. The film’s characters, each richly drawn and complex, make for a fascinating study in character development and costume design, each contributing to the film’s overall visual impact.
I have always been intrigued by the way fashion can reflect and amplify the inner workings of a character. In ‘The Handmaiden’, the meticulous attention to detail in the costumes, the way each piece is chosen to reflect the character’s personality and journey, is nothing short of extraordinary. This article aims to offer a comprehensive Character Analysis and Style Breakdown for each key player in the film, providing a deeper understanding of their roles and the aesthetic sensibilities that the film encapsulates.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into the world of ‘The Handmaiden’ and uncover the layers of style and substance that make this film a treat for fashion enthusiasts and movie buffs alike.
Overview of ‘The Handmaiden (2016)’ Aesthetic
Directed by Park Chan-wook, ‘The Handmaiden’ is set in 1930s Korea during Japanese occupation. The film is a visual feast, with its stunning cinematography and lavish production design creating a captivating backdrop for the thrilling narrative to unfold. The film’s aesthetic is a unique blend of traditional Korean and Japanese influences, with a dash of Victorian-era England thrown in for good measure.
- Traditional Korean Hanbok: The film features an array of beautiful Hanboks, traditional Korean dresses, that are rich in color and texture.
- Victorian-era Influence: The Victorian-era influence is evident in the western-style gowns and suits, the intricate lace details, and the grandeur of the English-style mansion where most of the story takes place.
- Japanese Kimono: The presence of Japanese culture is also apparent in the stunning kimonos, complete with intricate embroidery and delicate floral patterns.
The film’s aesthetic is not just about creating beautiful visuals; it also serves to enhance the narrative and provide deeper insights into the characters and their journeys. Now, let’s delve into each character’s style and what it reveals about them.
Kim Tae-ri as Sook-Hee
Kim Tae-ri plays the role of Sook-Hee, the handmaiden, with a captivating mix of innocence and cunning. Her style is simple yet striking, reflecting her humble origins and her resilience. Here’s how to dress like Kim Tae-ri as Sook-Hee:
- Basic Hanbok: Sook-Hee is often seen in a basic hanbok, typically in earthy tones. The simplicity and practicality of her outfits mirror her straightforward and hardworking nature.
- Minimal Accessories: Sook-Hee’s style is devoid of any unnecessary frills. A simple hairpin or a modest pair of earrings is all she needs to complete her look. This minimalism underscores her practical and unpretentious personality.
- Key Elements: The key elements of her outfit are the jeogori (jacket) and the chima (skirt). The colors are usually muted, and the patterns are simple, reflecting her modest background.
Yong-nyeo Lee as Bok-soon
Yong-nyeo Lee, in the role of Bok-soon, brings a quiet strength to the screen. Her style is practical and unadorned, much like her character. Here’s how to dress like Yong-nyeo Lee as Bok-soon:
- Practical Hanbok: Bok-soon’s hanbok is practical and fuss-free. She prefers solid colors, and her outfits are devoid of any intricate patterns or embellishments, reflecting her simple lifestyle.
- Minimal Makeup: Bok-soon’s makeup is minimal, with a focus on natural beauty. This aligns with her character’s no-nonsense approach to life.
- Key Elements: The key elements of her outfit are the otgoreum (knot) and norigae (pendant). These elements, though subtle, add a touch of femininity to her otherwise plain outfits.
Min-chae Yoo as Ggeut-dan
Min-chae Yoo plays the role of Ggeut-dan, a character who embodies elegance and sophistication. Her style is a mix of traditional and modern elements, reflecting her dynamic personality. Here’s how to dress like Min-chae Yoo as Ggeut-dan:
- Elegant Hanbok: Ggeut-dan’s hanbok is elegant and refined. She opts for rich colors and intricate patterns, showcasing her taste for luxury and sophistication.
- Statement Jewelry: Ggeut-dan’s style is all about making a statement. She is often seen wearing elaborate jewelry pieces that add an extra layer of glamour to her outfits.
- Key Elements: The key elements of her outfit are the binyeo (hairpin) and the durumagi (overcoat). These elements are usually adorned with elaborate designs, reflecting her extravagant lifestyle.
Dong-hwi Lee as Goo-gai
Dong-hwi Lee portrays the character of Goo-gai, a man of wealth and power. His style reflects his status, with an emphasis on luxury and refinement. Here’s how to dress like Dong-hwi Lee as Goo-gai:
- Luxurious Western Suits: Goo-gai is often seen in luxurious western suits, reflecting his high social status and wealth.
- Statement Accessories: Goo-gai’s style is all about showcasing his wealth. He is often seen with a pocket watch, a symbol of his status and power.
- Key Elements: The key elements of his outfit are the waistcoat and the pocket watch. These elements, combined with his tailored suits, reflect his opulent lifestyle.
Kim Hae-sook as Miss Sasaki
Kim Hae-sook plays the role of Miss Sasaki, a character who exudes elegance and authority. Her style is a blend of Japanese and Western influences, reflecting her complex character. Here’s how to dress like Kim Hae-sook as Miss Sasaki:
- Elegant Kimono: Miss Sasaki is often seen in elegant kimonos, showcasing her connection to Japanese culture.
- Subtle Western Influence: The Western influence in her style is subtle yet evident in the form of structured blouses and skirts.
- Key Elements: The key elements of her outfit are the obi (belt) and the haori (jacket). These elements, combined with her elegant kimonos, reflect her refined taste and cultured lifestyle.
Kim Min-hee as Lady Hideko
Kim Min-hee delivers a riveting performance as Lady Hideko, a character who is at once vulnerable and strong. Her style is a mix of Eastern and Western influences, reflecting her complex character. Here’s how to dress like Kim Min-hee as Lady Hideko:
- Luxurious Hanbok and Kimono: Lady Hideko is often seen in luxurious hanboks and kimonos, showcasing her wealth and status.
- Victorian-era Gowns: The Victorian-era influence in her style is evident in the grand gowns she wears, reflecting her exposure to Western culture.
- Key Elements: The key elements of her outfit are the wonsam (royal robe) and the ho-ok (phoenix crown). These elements, combined with her extravagant outfits, reflect her royal status and complex personality.
Ha Jung-woo as Count Fujiwara
Ha Jung-woo brings to life the character of Count Fujiwara, a man of charm and deceit. His style is sophisticated and refined, reflecting his cunning nature. Here’s how to dress like Ha Jung-woo as Count Fujiwara:
- Tailored Western Suits: Count Fujiwara is often seen in tailored western suits, reflecting his suave personality and cunning nature.
- Luxurious Accessories: Count Fujiwara’s style is all about showcasing his wealth and charm. He is often seen with a pocket watch, a symbol of his status.
- Key Elements: The key elements of his outfit are the waistcoat and the pocket watch. These elements, combined with his tailored suits, reflect his opulent lifestyle and deceptive nature.
Styling Tips for Different Occasions Inspired by ‘The Handmaiden (2016)’ Characters
Having delved into each character’s style, let’s now explore how you can incorporate elements from their outfits into your wardrobe for different occasions:
- Formal Events: For formal events, take inspiration from Lady Hideko’s Victorian-era gowns or Count Fujiwara’s tailored suits. These outfits exude elegance and sophistication, perfect for a black-tie event or a formal dinner.
- Casual Outings: For casual outings, draw inspiration from Sook-Hee’s simple hanboks or Bok-soon’s practical outfits. These outfits are comfortable and stylish, ideal for a day out in the city or a casual lunch with friends.
- Festive Occasions: For festive occasions, consider Ggeut-dan’s elegant hanboks or Goo-gai’s luxurious suits. These outfits, with their rich colors and intricate designs, are perfect for adding a touch of glamour to any celebration.
How to Include Handmaiden-Inspired Elements in Daily Outfits
Including elements from ‘The Handmaiden’ in your daily outfits is all about embracing the blend of traditional and modern aesthetics. Here are some tips on how to do so:
- Incorporate Traditional Accessories: Incorporate traditional Korean accessories like hairpins or pendants into your outfits. These can add a unique touch to your look and serve as a conversation starter.
- Play with Patterns and Textures: Experiment with patterns and textures inspired by the film’s costumes. For instance, you could wear a blouse with a floral pattern similar to the ones seen on the kimonos in the film.
- Embrace Layering: Embrace layering, a key aspect of Korean fashion. For instance, you could layer a blouse under a dress, similar to how a jeogori is layered over a chima in a hanbok.
Get the Look: Summary of Outfits and Where to Buy Them
Now that we’ve broken down each character’s style and provided tips on incorporating elements from their outfits into your wardrobe, let’s summarize the key outfits and where to buy them:
- Sook-Hee’s Hanbok: You can find simple and affordable hanboks online on platforms like Etsy or in local Korean boutiques.
- Bok-soon’s Practical Outfits: Similar outfits can be found in most clothing stores or online platforms like ASOS and Zara.
- Ggeut-dan’s Elegant Hanbok: For a more luxurious hanbok, consider checking out specialized Korean boutiques or online platforms like Hanbok Lynn.
- Goo-gai’s Luxurious Suits: High-quality suits can be found in stores like Hugo Boss or online platforms like Mr Porter.
- Miss Sasaki’s Kimono: Authentic kimonos can be found in Japanese boutiques or online platforms like Ichiroya.
- Lady Hideko’s Victorian-era Gowns: For Victorian-era inspired gowns, consider checking out online platforms like Unique Vintage or Victorian Choice.
- Count Fujiwara’s Tailored Suits: High-quality suits can be found in stores like Brooks Brothers or online platforms like Suitsupply.
Conclusion
In conclusion, ‘The Handmaiden (2016)’ is a cinematic masterpiece that provides a rich tapestry of characters, each with their unique style that reflects their personalities and journeys. By examining each character’s style and breaking it down, we can gain a deeper understanding of their character and the film’s overarching aesthetic.
Whether you’re a fan of the film, a fashion enthusiast, or just someone looking for style inspiration, I hope this article has provided valuable insights and practical tips. Remember, fashion is all about expressing your individuality, so don’t be afraid to experiment and incorporate elements from your favorite characters into your wardrobe.
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