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FLICKS: The Handmaiden, Spooky Empire & Fright Asylum

Posted on 27 October 2016 by LeslieM

By “Cinema” Dave

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

Next Valentine’s Day, the 50 Shades of Grey sequel opens, a popular film and DVD that no one in public admits to enjoying. After seeing the trailer for The Handmaiden, which opens tomorrow in select theaters, I thought I was going to see the Asian version of 50 Shades of Grey. Instead, I was surprised to watch a gothic romance along the lines of Wuthering Heights and Dangerous Liaisons.

With English subtitles, this Korean film is divided into 3 parts. The handmaiden dominates part one. Sook-Hee is the handmaiden who goes to work for Lady Hideko, who owns a large mansion with a big library. Working with the scoundrel, Count Fujiwawa, the Handmaiden seeks to rob Lady Hideko.

Part 2 presents another side of the relationship between Lady Hideko and Count Fujiwawa. We learn about some of the kinky secrets from the library, which both disgusts and inspires the protagonists and antagonists. Part 3 wraps up the plot threads with either a beautiful climax or a kinky climax, depending on one’s point of view.

The Handmaiden is likely to be nominated for an Oscar for best foreign language motion picture. The cinematography and texture is full of detail, which enhance the story. There are many ugly moments in The Handmaiden, but there are many beautiful, aquarian scenes. It is a full artistic experience.

Being Halloween weekend, Dan Brown’s Inferno opens tomorrow, including a limited release at the Ft. Lauderdale Museum of Discovery IMAX Theater. Set in Florence, Italy and featuring clues gleaned from Dante’s Inferno, director Ron Howard has admitted that he directed scenes in the mode of a horror movie.

Thanks to Hurricane Matthew, Spooky Empire was forced to close their annual October horror convention in Orlando on Oct. 8. In order to recoup their losses, founders Petey and Gina Mongelli have rescheduled the convention to Dec. 2nd weekend and are recruiting celebrities to return. Thus far, original headliners “Weird Al” Yankovic, Kane Hodder and Nature Boy Ric Flair have committed to return.

For the latest updates of Halloween events this weekend, check out www.FrightAsylum.com. While mostly a horror movie review show, creator Woody Meckes does like to “trip the light fantastic” with special episodes. This week’s Fright Asylum celebrates monsters, mayhem and comedy, full of tricks and treats. Happy Halloween!

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