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THE HOUSEMAID Send This Review to a Friend
This engrossing Korean import is a new version of the acclaimed 1960 film by the same title directed by Kim-Ki-young. This time Sang-soo is the writer-director, and once again the result is a potent story about class differences and the emotional upheavals that can result.
Jeon Do-yeon plays Eun-yi, who has been working at a noodle shop but goes to work as a maid in a wealthy household. It consists of the master, Hoon (Lee Jung-jae), a businessman who enjoys playing the piano, his wife, who is pregnant and expecting twins, their daughter and Hoon’s mother-in-law. There is also a housekeeper in charge, the officious Mrs. Cho (Youn Yuh-jung).
Predictably, Hoon seduces the new maid, using his power as the master to get a willing response. Eun-yi both enjoys the relationship and ponders how she can take advantage of it. The class difference is clear, but the maid has her agenda. What she must face, however, is jealousy and anger on the part of the women.
The circumstances are ripe for an explosion, and indeed hell is unleashed before this dance of desire and destruction can end.
“The Housemaid” is a strong, revealing tale of power plays fueled by sex and class. It is well acted by all and effectively directed. An IFC Films release.
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