Memoir of a Murderer

Memoir of a Murderer, directed by Won Shin-Yon, is a gripping South Korean thriller from the year 2017 featuring an exceptional cast including popular actors Sol Kyung-gu, Nam-gil Kim, and Seol-Hyun Kim. The film takes audiences on an intriguing journey through a labyrinth of suspense, mystery, complex characters, and twists that keep viewers guessing until the very end.

The narrative primarily revolves around the life of a man named Byung-soo, played by Sol Kyung-gu. A former serial killer, Byung-soo is now living a quiet life as a vet while suffering from Alzheimer's disease. As he struggles to deal with his deteriorating memory, he grapples with haunting past memories of the brutal murders he has committed and resigned himself to a life of atonement. His disease, however, has thrown an unpredictable wrench into his quest for redemption.

Byung-soo’s situation is further complicated with the appearance of a mysterious figure, Tae-ju, a character compellingly portrayed by Nam-gil Kim. Tae-ju is a police officer who has moved into the same town, and Byung-soo suspects him of being a killer. With his past knowledge of how a serial killer operates, he finds Tae-ju's mannerisms and actions suspiciously familiar, birthing a tingling sensation of doubt and suspicion that won't go away.

Further intensifying the narrative is Byung-soo's loving relationship with his daughter, Eun-hee, played by Seol-Hyun Kim. The bond between father and daughter is incredibly touching and adds an emotional layer to the story. Eun-hee is unaware of her father's past, and Byung-soo will do anything to ensure it remains so, with her safety and happiness his paramount concern.

Complications ensue when Tae-ju starts dating Eun-hee, creating an alarming unease for Byung-soo. The angst heightens as he wrestles with his mind, trying to remember the crucial details required to protect his daughter while his memory plays spoilsport. His struggle between the past and the present makes for a captivating watch.

The narrative plays out like a relentless cat-and-mouse game, oscillating between Byung-soo's inner chaos, his desperate attempts to piece together his fragmented memory, his profound love for his daughter, and his unnerving suspicion about Tae-ju, weaving a story that is steeped in tension and suspense.

Director Won Shin-Yon beautifully challenges the conventional storytelling of the thriller genre. Moving beyond the simplistic 'good versus evil' setup, the movie deals with the complex nature of memory, both as a weapon and a weakness. As Byung-soo battles the looming darkness of his past and the unsettling shadows of his Alzheimer's, viewers are prompted to reflect on the unreliable nature of memory and the haunting power of one's past.

The performances of the cast elevate the film to new heights. Sol Kyung-gu, playing a serial killer-turned-father, delivers a haunting performance, acing the character's oscillation between violent tendencies and fatherly concern. His portrayal of Byung-soo provides an empathetic lens through which to understand this complex and layered character.

Nam-gil Kim as Tae-ju manages to keep the audience on their toes, his performance brimming with enigma and subtlety. Seol-Hyun Kim endears herself to the audience as Eun-hee, her innocence adding a contrasting hue to the film's grim overtones.

The film also boasts of some magnificent cinematography. The visual storytelling beautifully captures the bleak mood of the narrative and the duality of Byung-soo's life. The scenic locales of South Korea provide a stunning backdrop that juxtaposes the chilling and tense atmosphere unfolding throughout the movie.

In conclusion, Memoir of a Murderer is a compelling, thought-provoking thriller that promises not just an intense storyline but a deeper exploration of memory, past, and how they shape our present. Its exceptional cast of characters and performances, combined with Transcendental cinematography and storytelling, will keep viewers hooked till the end, leaving an impression that lasts long after the screen has faded to black.