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Not to be confused with the 2017 Japanese film 'Memoirs of a Murderer'.

A very clever script delivers a nail-biting movie, with a great premise. 'Memoir of a Murderer' is an interesting mystery thriller that will keep you guessing until the end. The fact that Byung-su - excellently portrayed by Kyung-gu Sol - suffers from dementia, adds to the suspense. As the film progresses one wonders whether the reality is indeed as he perceives it to be. Is Buyung-su's mind really playing tricks on him, or does he actually remember events as they happened? This mystery intensifies towards the end as the film is filled with twists and surprises.

'Memoir of a Murderer' is another perfect example of great South Korean cinema. I enjoy the unpredictability of their films, and this is no exception. Brilliant!

Memento meets Dexter which at times reminds of The Wailing and Insomnia. Byung-Su is a former serial killer who is living with his daughter and has got Alzheimer's disease. When new killings start to happen he suspects a young police inspector to be the culprit but not sure if he himself has been doing the murders and forgetting it. Sul Kyoung-Gu gives an incredible performance as Byung-Su and carries the whole film. The film keeps the audience guessing what's actually happening, a bit too much. The effect of domestic violence and relationships are touched upon. The mysterious mood is kept throughout the film which was effective in engaging the audience.

Honestly, like I said, it's a good film but could've been better.

A good storyline combined with even better storytelling will make you feel totally hooked to the plot. You'll find yourself asking "Wait what?! Now happens next??" - after all, that is what we all like about good mystery thrillers, right? Well, this one is no exception. Good news is, there are multiple twists in it - making it even more watch worthy.

But unfortunately, although the plot that was being developed initially would seem perfectly balanced and flawless, it eventually loses the flow somewhere in the second hour - and continues to do so until the end. I was questioning myself throughout the first one hour "This one surely should've had a higher rating. Why this low?" Well, my take is that the disrupted flow is to blame for that.

Anyway, it's still a good watch. Definitely worth trying! Happy watching :)

One of the biggest reasons other than availability in OTT that this classic has been missed en large by Indian audiences is that it is confused with Bong Joon-ho's immortal 2003 blockbuster Memories of Murder.

While Won Shin-yun's 2017 tale does not rise up to that level, it is nevertheless a compelling, gut-wrenching tale of deceit, violence and outright blatant evil that will constantly keep you guessing.

The brilliant Sol Kyung-gu plays a retired serial killer who is suffering from bouts of dementia and the onset of Alzheimer's Disease. He encounters another serial killer in the city only to have no one believe him because of his illness and to add insult to injury, the same killer starts to pursue his daughter as a love interest.

The story moves at breakneck speed from there, constantly throwing up unexpected surprises and twists till the audience is as confused and disoriented as the lead character with his constant memory lapses.

Following the same non-linear narrative as Memento (2000), the director excels at building up the suspense without ever dragging the narrative, threading the needle and keeping the audience on a knife edge.

A masterclass in storytelling among Korean thrillers. Watch the full director's cut if you want your mind blown again.

Highly recommended!

I can only assume that to be true - I only watched the theatrical cut. Which is more than fine - don't get me wrong, but from what I've read about the Directors cut ... that is where the money is at. Or the cuts ... or the action ... or the extended ending for that matter.

Having said all that, the movie is another great example of an excellent (thriller) movie from South Korea. I am almost surprised I haven't heard anything about an American Remake yet. They probably can't keep up remaking those great movies ... sometimes getting them (somewhat) right, but also often just plainly failing in getting to the core that made movies like this one great.

Excellent performances and a moral complexity that will make your head spin. And that is without all the narration, the what is real and what is not. Just when you think you've guessed everything right ... another twist will sweep you of your feet. But it is the humanity of the story, it is the character driven (great) acting that will keep you on the edge of your seat. And scenes where a match lights up the dark revealing ... something "sinister". And being more shocking (as in horror) than your average horror movie from the States.

So while I have unfortunately not seen the Directors cut (yet), I can only imagine I would like it even better and go the full 10/10 on it ... be it as it may, this is an excellent watch as well.