The Housemaid 1960
"Do you have mine too?"
Korean masterpiece *The Housemaid (1960)* by visionary director Kim Ki-young unfolds in the quiet desperation of a composer's family struggling to keep their heads above water.
Director: Kim Ki-young
Cast
Lee Eun-shim
Oh Myeong-sook
Kim Jin-kyu
Kim Dong-sik
Ju Jeung-nyeo
Mrs. Kim
Um Aing-ran
Cho Kyung-hee
Go Seon-ae
Factory Matron
Gang Seok-je
Factory Woman
Wang Suk-rang
Factory Woman
Ra Jeong-ok
Dormitory Supervisor
Ahn Sung-ki
Kim Chang-soon
Lee Yoo-ri
Kim Ae-soon
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Housemaid (1960) about?
*The Housemaid (1960)* follows a struggling piano composer's family who hire a housemaid after the mother collapses from overwork. But as financial pressures mount, the housemaid's presence stirs up unexpected tensions, secrets, and a cascade of unforeseen consequences that threaten to unravel the household.
Who directed The Housemaid?
The film was directed by the legendary Kim Ki-young, one of Korea's most provocative auteurs whose films often probed the darker corners of society.
Who stars in The Housemaid?
The cast includes Lee Eun-shim as the housemaid, Kim Jin-kyu as the composer, Ju Jeung-nyeo, Um Aing-ran, and Go Seon-ae, each delivering a memorable performance.
Is The Housemaid (1960) worth watching?
*The Housemaid (1960)* is a must-see for fans of psychological thrillers and bold social commentary. Its gripping narrative, strong performances, and atmospheric tension make it a standout in Korean cinema, even decades later. While not widely rated, its reputation speaks volumes.
How long is The Housemaid?
The Housemaid runs for 112 minutes, immersing viewers in its tense, claustrophobic drama from start to finish.
🎥 Trailer
About The Housemaid (1960) — Korea's chilling tale of class and obsession
Korean masterpiece *The Housemaid (1960)* by visionary director Kim Ki-young unfolds in the quiet desperation of a composer's family struggling to keep their heads above water. When the pianist's wife collapses under the weight of domestic labor and financial strain, hope arrives in the form of a new housemaid—only for tensions to simmer beneath the surface of an ordinary household. As loyalties fracture and secrets unravel, Kim Ki-young crafts a chilling portrait of class, desire, and the simmering violence lurking in domesticity.
With its sharp social commentary and unnerving atmosphere, this 112-minute crime-drama thriller blends psychological tension with the claustrophobic dread of a gilded cage. Lee Eun-shim delivers a career-defining performance as the enigmatic housemaid, while Kim Jin-kyu anchors the film as the tormented composer torn between duty and chaos. A foundational work of Korean New Wave cinema, *The Housemaid* remains a haunting exploration of power, corruption, and the human cost of survival.
