Michael Vilabrera
27Jan13
I think that was due to the conservative nature of Korean society... he couldn't risk the critics slamming his film so he softened it at the end
Wall
Displaying wall posts 1 - 30 of 127 in total
Trolley Freak
10Apr13
This little-known classic is a dark and twisted melodrama that shows a stable family unit torn apart by the machinations of a predatory housemaid. The director gradually builds up the tension until the startling conclusion and then pulls the rug out from under the viewer with a denouement that boldly breaks the fourth wall. The editing and camerawork are exemplary, as is the stunning photography. Highly recommended..
Zachary George Najarian-Najafi
6Apr13
Absolutely brilliant! It's not as weird as Io Island, but it's just as good. Kim Ki-young's vision here reminds me a lot of Sam Fuller's 60s work like Shock Corridor and The Naked Kiss, but he goes above and beyond. By the end it just feels so choking and claustrophobic that I felt like I couldn't breathe myself. The ending, however, is a bit odd. The cheekiness of it recalls what Lang did with The Woman in the Window, but it's the only flaw in what is otherwise one hell of a ride. I can't wait to delve into Ki-young's even wilder works.
TFCHooligan69
1Apr13
A claustrophobic descent into madness and revenge with an unexpected final twist. Lee Eun-shim's one and only film role is this one as the young housemaid. It says something that her performance is still talked about a half century later. The cinematography is top notch. My first viewing of Hanyo, by the way, was right here on Mubi when it was available free of charge some time ago.
Karen Lack
23Jan13
I was so caught up in the that claustrophobic, terrifying household but the ending wanted me to throw my laptop at the wall. All the drama diffused completely in the "it was all a dream" like scenario. I am at a loss at what to rate this film as it was brillant filmmaking with a shocking let down ending.
Sebastian Haselbeck
17May12
whoever is responsible for this one not being available to watch online, should go jump off a cliff or something
willythesalesman
5Jan12
it somehow makes perfect sense out of an absolutely crazy situation. great movie
Mouad Lemoudden
5Jul11
boosting a story about psycho-sexuality, morality and domestic ties, it quietly starts as a realistic look on a 1960 Korean family, then switches into an intense thriller, reaching its summit in a completely melodramatic fashion. the film ends with a killer final scene.
Karina Rosenstein
9Jun11
I think there's also much to be said about south Korean culture, the family let a crazed woman control their lives and only seriously thought of involving the police once their son was murdered. How bad can humiliation be that it's worth risking the safety and mental health of ones family?
Danielkyoto
24May11
There really was a golden era of films and this is a great example. The tension fits the 60's style of psychodrama with a touch of Camus. The photography is fine and is cinema that moves with the story.
Guillaume le Bâtard
20May11
This movie is both sick and amazing at the same time, oh my gosh but it a must see, I think its part every middle aged twisted dudes fantasy turned nightmare..kinda like a fatal attraction set in korea in 1960, REELY GUUD!!
Kyle Lewis
17May11
Way too melo-dramatic for me. The cinematography was nice and the ending is hilarious but overall could not get into it.
Nadin
17May11
I really like the film, though I have to admit I was a bit surprised to see how much the story was changed in the remake, which was a beautifully shot film, though an 'act of god' by the director. Although the original wasn't very striking as for its visuals, I'm a lot more impressed by it. The simplicity reveals more the horror than the remake ever could.
Michael Giotis
16May11
Wild stuff. Great flick, but he ending has me wondering, wat up wit dat? Also, there seemed be a logical out near the end which the filmmaker forced a bit to fulfill the tragedy. Still, certainly within the realm of willful suspension of disbelief. Love the various uses of the piano.
chad bentley
19Apr11
Very gripping story. I can't really add much to the previous comments but I loved the use of the piano throughout the film. In a way it brings everyone together and slowly pulls them apart. Sort of like the Jaws theme the maid creeps her way into scenes with her banging away at the keys. When you hear the piano get ready for the crazy lady to strike again. And don't let her pick up the damn baby!!!
Peter Tran
18Apr11
This is the most bleakest movie I've seen in a long time. I was rather impressed by the nutty maid. Brilliant movie.
Wick
20Mar11
Good movie: it made me feel uncomfortable more than a lot of modern so called horrors. Now I want to watch the 2010 remake!
Mykela likes this
Kalytron
3Mar11
I could say a lot of things about this film. But I'll stick with this only : I'm not sure if it was appropriate of me to laugh at the very end while he addresses the audience.. But I did. There's another review on this stating that the subtitles are bland, but I believe if you've seen enough Asian Cinema, you can recognize the tone. A lovely movie, all around.
Wick likes this
Anthonyontheweb
22Feb11
Never heard about that movie before, well it's a pleasant surprise. That diabolical maid is making every scene real, true. I agree with you guys about that weird last scene, just like nothing happened. I just think the movie's end is on the stairs... ... ...
danhofstra
4Feb11
wonderful, thrilling slice of suspense...the ending is a little bizarre (to put it mildly), but the rest of the film was just amazing. So happy to see this (and for free!)
msmichel
4Feb11
Just watched "The Housemaid" here and am suitably impressed. Have read about the film over the years but never had opportunity to see it before. A fascinating and enthralling melodrama marred by a silly coda. Tag on ending felt almost like a "hollywood style studio ending" to alleviate the drama of what we witnessed. Apart from that an excellent picture well worth discovering.
