Forgotten (Korean: 기억의 밤; RR: Gieokui Bam): The unforgettable South Korean movie!

This movie viewing was serendipitous and extremely exciting, thanks to the keen eye of  the Swede. I'll never forget my awe on watching this movie, projected on a white wall by his phone!!

As you might tell from the movie name, you can expect something to do with memory. I would say this is a psychological thriller. In the first few scenes we see a happy family of 4. Mother, father and 2 sons. But something doesn't seem right.. like recalling a dream, you know it, but cannot put a finger on it. As we progress, there are more things to ponder about. The movie leads you to it's warm, twisty embrace...

There are so many twists and turns, that it's a guessing game with yourself. What is going on? Who is being truthful? Who is lying? Is anyone staring at the frayed ends of sanity? Where is the dream and where does reality begin?

Source.

The mood in the first half is always tense. Strange sounds, unexplained behaviour, questioning whom to trust, there is a lot going on. At no point did I feel the suspense drop or the story lag. And, it's generally gloomy, always raining, and there is just enough light to illuminate the important portions of the scene. It really draws your attention. In the second half, the mood changes after the turning point, and I felt I had to pay more attention to understand what is going on. 

The acting! Wow! You'll feel something is set up until the turning point. As if there is a plot within a plot. As if the protagonist is somehow being framed everywhere. After the turning point, the acting and mood of the movie change completely. This is top - class. 

The interplay between light and shadow here is something to behold. It's a masterclass in setting up the scene and lighting. I could watch and appreciate each scene multiple times without getting bored. The camerawork is just out of this world. It's like stepping into a dream.

The background music is some of the best I have ever heard till date. It amplifies the tension and anticipation by a factor of 10 or more, I think. Trailer. Closing credits.

Source.

I really don't know what to say about the story. How is it even possible to conjure up something like this? What inspirations, reading, travel, experiences and memories have resulted in the storyline? I read that the director was inspired after listening to his friend speak about his cousin who returned home after a month, a completely different person. Earth - shattering, beautiful, poignant are some of the words I'd associate with this movie. 

THE song. Man, before watching this movie if you had listened to this, the feeling might have been something else. After seeing this movie, the feelings are completely different. It now creates an eerie atmosphere. Wow, it's so haunting to listen to, now. See how the king makes the subjects go weak in the knees in this song. It's a glimpse of the true effect of the drug called music, pure and sublime.

The last portion of the movie tore my heart to shreds. It has been visualized so breathtakingly and drips with sadness. I remembered how I felt after watching peppermint candy, another stunning work of art from the South Korean movie industry. 

I love movies to do with memory, forgetting etc. or anything to do with the mind. So I totally tripped on this one. Anyone who loves a good storyline, and who can appreciate the thought that has gone behind the cinematography, music and screenplay must not miss this. 

(Thanks, Krips, for the insights and for proofreading ;) )