South Korean director Ki-young Kim was born in 1919, at a time in which the world was still reeling from the effects of World War I and South Korea was in upheaval over Japan's rule. For much of his early life, he scraped by a meager existence with the goal of eventually becoming a dentist. That never materialized, and Kim became entrenched in the theater community and made propaganda films for the U.S. Army.
The complexity of Kim's own life was reflected in his films. Although The Housemaid is his first full-length, future film, it is very much a reflection of Kim's sensibilities and the time in which it was created. The Housemaid was created, filmed, and released during a period in which government censorship relaxed and the country became more free. Kim took full advantage of this and decided to create a film that challenged the norms of Korean society. Critics say he succeeded, as The Housemaid is regarded as one of the finest Korean films to have ever been created. Likewise, the film's mature themes empowered other filmmakers in South Korea to craft fearless films, ushering in a "golden age" of cinema.
Kim's film (which was self-funded, reflecting his desire to make something new and uncharted) was inspired by western ideals -- particularly Freud. The Housemaid deals with themes of lust and desire, forbidden love, and the nature of truth. Kim's uncompromising artistic vision reflects his unwavering commitment to integrity and telling a good story no matter the consequences. His exploration of femme fatales was likewise revolutionary, as well his desire to look at characters who otherwise would have been marginalized.
