Review of The Housemaid (2010) by Amilcar A — 19 Feb 2011
Another remarkable movie that 4 people will see. Some of the new Korean movies are just excellent.
The housemaid is further proof that a great movie does not need a ton of money or a marketing blitz. It does need that the filmmaker take some risks. This story is well thought out, controversial and defiant.
While most Americans are sheltered about the realities of class stratification, the housemaid proves how even mature and developed societies like Korea still have numbing societal fragmentation.
The film revolves around a young woman that starts working for a very rich family. She is going to be the nanny and care for the kids while the older housekeeper will run the house.
As she starts her job we meet the wife, a very young & useless socialite expecting twins. She is probably 24-25 years old at most and is sitting around like a leech. The father is a young businessman who plays the piano and gets what he wants. The third character, is the wife's mother who is a lower echelon or noveau rich woman with a very clear sense of what needs to be done to climb in society.
The story evolves into a series of nefarious affairs, pregnancies and attempted murders. What is amazing is how unprotected this young lady is. She keeps getting paid off and when she refuses, almost pays with her life.
The finale is one of the most shocking scenes I have seen in a long time. While not the most bloody or violent it is certainly one of the most psychotic scenes in recent history.
The housemaid is a great movie and it's a pity it will only play in a handful or art house theaters.
This review of The Housemaid (2010) was written by Amilcar A on 19 Feb 2011.
The Housemaid has generally received positive reviews.
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