The Cocktail Hostesses
The Cocktail Hostesses

Movie spotlight

The Cocktail Hostesses

1973
Movie
80 min
English

Toni is a secretary who is tired of not making much money, even though she is sleeping with her boss. Her girlfriend convinces her to take a job as a cocktail hostess, where she can make a lot of money in tips, and meet a lot of men.

Insights

IMDb6.7/10
Director: Kim Ki-youngGenres: Drama, Horror

Plot Summary

A wealthy businessman takes an interest in the young women working as hostesses at a bar, leading to a series of disturbing events. The film delves into themes of exploitation and psychological manipulation within the setting of a dimly lit establishment. As the businessman's obsession grows, the lives of the hostesses become increasingly entangled in a dark and dangerous web.

Critical Reception

While not widely released internationally, 'The Cocktail Hostesses' is recognized within Korean cinema for its unsettling atmosphere and director Kim Ki-young's characteristic exploration of dark human desires. It is often discussed in the context of his more famous works for its raw portrayal of societal issues and psychological tension, though it is considered less accessible than some of his other films.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its disturbing psychological depth and atmospheric tension.

  • Noted for its exploration of exploitation and the darker aspects of human nature.

  • Often viewed as a challenging but significant work within Kim Ki-young's filmography.

Google audience: Information on specific Google user reviews for this film is not readily available.

Fun Fact

The film is notable for its early appearance of Yoon Yeo-jeong, who later became the first South Korean to win an Oscar for acting in the film 'Minari'.

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