Set during the Japanese occupation of Korea in the 1930s, a young handmaiden called Sookee is hired by Hideko, an eccentric Japanese heiress, who lives a strange secluded life on a large countryside estate under the watchful eye of her domineering Uncle Kouzuki. But Sookee has a secret: she leads a sordid double life as an expert pickpocket who has been covertly recruited by Fujiwara, a degenerate con artist posing as a Japanese Count. This charlatan plans to seduce the Lady Hideko, convince her to elope with him, rob her of her fortune and then lock her up in a madhouse. The con all seems to be proceeding according to plan, until Sookee and Hideko discover some unexpected emotions for each other, and must come up with a scheme of their own.

Inspired by Sarah Waters' best-selling novel 'Fingersmith', visionary director Park Chan-wook (Oldboy, Thirst, Stoker) comes a ravishing, epic and sensual rollercoaster ride which will leave you hungry for more.

This special one-off preview of the Director's Cut of Park Chan-wook's critically lauded thriller contains 22 minutes of never-seen-before footage. With thanks to Curzon Artificial Eye.

The Handmaiden returns to the Cube's screen on May 16th and 17th.

"Elegant, intensely romantic... The visual equivalent of drinking three glasses of champagne in the bath." **** Time Out

Even if a screening is sold out, tickets are often available 30 minutes before the start of the film at the box office

F-Rated