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Action thriller

Memoir of a Murderer (2017): Cast, Ratings, Box Office & Plot

Memoir of a Murderer (2017) movie poster

Memoir of a Murderer is a 2017 action thriller directed by Shin-yeon Won, starring Seol-Hyun Kim as Eun-hee, Kyung-gu Sol and Nam-gil Kim. It is based on Diary of a Murderer by Kim Young-ha and Krys Lee. It runs 1 hour 58 minutes and earned $19 million worldwide on a $125,000 budget. IMDb users rate it 7.2/10.

IMDb rating
7.2/10
worldwide gross
$19M
Echo Score
87
budget
$125K
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Memoir of a Murderer (2017) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 58m (118 min)
Director
Shin-yeon Won
Genres
Action , Drama , Thriller
Original language
Korean
Budget
$125K
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Memoir of a Murderer About?

The premise of Memoir of a Murderer without spoilers, adapted from Diary of a Murderer by Kim Young-ha and Krys Lee. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

A retired assassin struggling with Alzheimer's is forced to confront his dark past when his daughter becomes the target of a dangerous stalker. As his memories deteriorate, he must fight to protect her, battling both the stalker and the fading grip on his own sanity. Loyalty and love are tested in a suspenseful fight for survival and a chance at redemption.

Memoir of a Murderer Themes & Keywords

· 39 tags
  • fight
  • dementia
  • car crash
  • dead body
  • memoir
  • police
  • death
  • serial murder
  • father daughter relationship
  • tunnel
  • haircut
  • murder
+27 more
  • pool of blood
  • strangulation
  • house
  • hit on the head
  • breaking a bottle over someone's head
  • two endings
  • photograph
  • confusion
  • fistfight
  • typing
  • bound
  • vigilante
  • forest
  • prison
  • narration
  • marriage proposal
  • laughter
  • literature
  • apron
  • doubt
  • blood
  • abusive father
  • serial killer
  • veterinarian
  • serial killer crime
  • psychological thriller
  • snow
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Cast & crew

Memoir of a Murderer Cast & Characters

Seol-Hyun Kim leads the cast as Eun-hee, with Kyung-gu Sol and Nam-gil Kim. Directed by Shin-yeon Won.

From the director

More from Shin-yeon Won

One more film directed by Shin-yeon Won: The Suspect.

Full filmography
Ratings

Memoir of a Murderer Reviews & Ratings

IMDb users rate Memoir of a Murderer 7.2/10. Our Echo Score gives it 87/100, strongest in art & craft (92) and weakest in sensory experience (80).

87 /100

Memoir of a Murderer Echo Score Breakdown

Memoir of a Murderer excels in sustained tension and character portrayal while weaving a memory-driven thriller that balances suspense with emotional depth. Critics and audiences noted the film’s precise direction and sharp editing that maintain engagement, even as its non-linear narrative introduces occasional complexity. Performances by the lead cast anchor the story with convincing emotional stakes. The combination of strong craft and immersive pacing results in a compelling experience that rewards attentive viewing.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 92

    In terms of art and craft, the film’s direction and cinematography stand out for their clarity and purpose. Reviews highlight precise camera work and an understated color palette that reinforce the tense atmosphere. Editing is noted for its sharp transitions that sustain narrative drive. Overall, the visual composition and technical execution effectively support the film’s thriller elements.

  • Character & Emotion 92

    When it comes to character and emotion, the lead performances are frequently praised for depth and authenticity. Viewers commend the central portrayal of a former serial killer grappling with memory loss and the chemistry with supporting roles. Emotional resonance emerges from nuanced acting choices that convey vulnerability and tension. The strong performances anchor the narrative’s psychological stakes.

  • Story & Flow 83

    In terms of story and flow, the film offers a consistently engaging thriller with inventive twists that sustain suspense. The non-linear structure and variable pacing deliver emotional impact, though a few segments feel overly complex or momentarily fragmented. Reviews note original thematic exploration of memory and identity that deepens the narrative. Overall, the plot’s unpredictability fosters ongoing intrigue despite occasional clarity challenges.

  • Sensory Experience 80

    When it comes to sensory experience, the film’s sound design and score create a measured atmosphere that underpins the tense narrative. Subtle audio cues enhance suspense without overwhelming the dialogue, while the visual style employs muted tones to reflect memory’s fragility. Observers note a cohesive audiovisual approach that deepens immersion. The balanced soundscape and visual consistency contribute to the film’s mood.

  • Rewatch Factor 88

    In terms of rewatch factor, the narrative’s layered reveals and thematic depth encourage repeat viewings. Many note that revisiting the non-linear structure uncovers additional nuances in character motivation and plot twists. Occasional complexity prompts closer examination on subsequent watchings, enhancing appreciation for editing choices. The film’s capacity to reveal new details on each viewing supports lasting appeal.

Plot

Memoir of a Murderer Plot Summary

What happens in Memoir of a Murderer from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 5-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

As the years went by since extinguishing the flames of his troubled youth, Byeong-soo, played by Sol Kyung-gu, had settled into a quiet life as a veterinarian. Here, the most violent encounters involved caring for stray or injured animals. Yet, within him, the shadows of his past simmered, creating a chilling belief that certain people were fated for extinction. His dark obsession led him to a secretive string of killings, where he would bury his victims deep within a hidden bamboo grove, an unnerving reflection of his dance with death.

Full summary

The whole story of Memoir of a Murderer, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Box office

Memoir of a Murderer Box Office & Budget

Memoir of a Murderer grossed $19 million worldwide on a $125,000 budget. $91,335 came from the US and Canada and $18.9 million (100%) from the rest of the world.

2017 box office

Worldwide gross

$19M

US & Canada
$91.3K
International
$18.9M
Budget
$125K
US & Canada 0% Rest of the world 100%
Videos

Memoir of a Murderer Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Memoir of a Murderer.

MEMOIR OF A MURDERER (2017) Official Trailer
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Memoir of a Murderer?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

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  4. Question 4: not answered
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  10. Question 10: not answered

What profession does Byeong-soo have?

Cars

Cars in Memoir of a Murderer

25 cars on screen, including the 1992 Hyundai Galloper and the 2015 Hyundai Sonata.

All 25 cars
  • 1992 Hyundai Galloper in Memoir of a Murderer 1992 Hyundai Galloper Main role
  • 2015 Hyundai Sonata in Memoir of a Murderer 2015 Hyundai Sonata Main role
  • 1982 Keohwa Korando in Memoir of a Murderer 1982 Keohwa Korando Important role
  • 2002 Kia Optima in Memoir of a Murderer 2002 Kia Optima Important role
Details

Memoir of a Murderer Also Known As

20 alternative titles, including “A Murderer's Guide to Memorization” and “Another Memory”.

Also known as
  • A Murderer's Guide to Memorization
  • Another Memory
  • Salinjaui Gieokbeob
  • 살인자의 기억법: 새로운 기억
  • 살인자의 기억법
  • Memorias de un asesino
  • La Mémoire assassine
  • 杀人者的记忆法
  • Człowiek bez Pamięci
  • Воспоминания убийцы
  • Bir Katilin Anıları
  • Спомените на един убиец
+8 more
  • Memória de um Assassino
  • 殺人者的記憶法
  • Egy gyilkos emléke
  • Мемоари убице
  • Hồi ức Kẻ Sát Nhân
  • 殺人者の記憶法
  • ความทรงจำของฆาตกร
  • Щоденник зі спогадами вбивці

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FAQ

Memoir of a Murderer FAQ: Cast, Box Office & Runtime

Runtime, release date, director, cast, box office, ratings, the book behind it and post-credit scenes of Memoir of a Murderer, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Memoir of a Murderer?

Memoir of a Murderer runs 1 hour 58 minutes (118 minutes).

When was Memoir of a Murderer released?

Memoir of a Murderer was released on September 8, 2017.

Who directed Memoir of a Murderer?

Memoir of a Murderer was directed by Shin-yeon Won.

More films by Shin-yeon Won

Who is in the cast of Memoir of a Murderer?

Memoir of a Murderer stars Seol-Hyun Kim as Eun-hee, Kyung-gu Sol and Nam-gil Kim.

How much did Memoir of a Murderer make at the box office?

Memoir of a Murderer grossed $19 million worldwide ($91,335 domestic, $18.9 million international) on a budget of $125,000.

How is Memoir of a Murderer rated?

Memoir of a Murderer has 7.2/10 on IMDb, 74% on TMDB, 3.7/5 on Letterboxd and 2.3/5 on Movie Insider.

Is Memoir of a Murderer based on a book?

Yes. Memoir of a Murderer is adapted from Diary of a Murderer by Kim Young-ha and Krys Lee.

Does Memoir of a Murderer have a post-credit scene?

No. Memoir of a Murderer has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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