The Handmaiden (2016)

Hideko, a sheltered heiress, is targeted in a convoluted scheme to seduce and secretly marry her for her fortune. Key to the plan is Sook-Hee, a young pickpocket employed to be Hideko's handmaiden, but whose role is to convince her to fall for "The Count," a persistent suitor.

Very early on, I realized that I knew this story as I'd seen the British miniseries Fingersmith. Once I had that comparison in my mind, this one just couldn't measure up. The sordid side plots of Hideko being trained in the art of softcore reading sessions and as an eventual mate for her elderly uncle were especially nasty. But, for all that, it is still a visual feast & extremely well-acted.

B-