The Handmaiden is a movie directed by Park Chan-wook, set in period of Japanese occupation in Korea.

Plot:
A maid named Sook Hee is hired as handmaiden in an isolated estate for a Japanese heiress called Hideko. The Lady lives secluded in the estate away from the society since she was a child in company of her autocratic uncle Kouzuki.

Under the maid's veiling Sook Hee keeps inside a dark secret: she's a young crook who's been enrolled by a conman posing as a Japanese count, Fujiwara.
His plan is to steal away the heart of the young Lady, and, after robbing her of her property, lock her up in a mental hospital.

One night, curious about the charismatic Count Fujiwara, Hideko decides to ask to her maid what is it the men do search in women after marriage.
Sook Hee is reluctant but after more insistence decides to show her what passion is about, given her Lady is practically a child who didn't have the occasion to learn about said things.

Personal thoughts:
The story is really well written and combines dark setting with erotic romance with some luminous scenes framing lots of greenery and vivid panoramas.
The ambience is mostly gloomy and presents some outright scenes such as violence, torture, nudity and BDSM. (Not recommended for family watching nor for minors!)
All the main leads are interesting and well-described, in fact, the first part of the movie is dedicated to Sook Hee's point of view, second part is about Hideko's past and outlooks and the third part is an epilogue for everyone.
The three parts are made in a way to complement each other bit by bit, replenishing the empty spaces in the story.
Presents some interesting plot twists and I recommend it to psychological & mature drama enthusiasts.