Forgotten(2017) - "Unravel the Mystery, Discover the Truth"

 

Directed and Written by: Jang Hang-jun

Produced by: Park Joon-sik

Starring: Kang Ha-neul, Kim Mu-yeol, Moon Sung-keun, Na Young-hee

Cinematography: Kim Il-yeon

Edited by: Heo Seon-mi

Music by: Kim Tae-hoon

Production Companies: B.A. Entertainment, Baram Pictures

Distributed by: Kiwi Company, Megabox Plus M

Release Date: November 29, 2017 (South Korea)

Running Time: 109 minutes

Country: South Korea

Language: Korean

Plot:

"Forgotten" centers around Jin-seok (Kang Ha-neul), who moves into a new home with his family. Soon after, his older brother Yoo-seok (Kim Mu-yeol) is kidnapped in front of his eyes. Yoo-seok returns after 19 days, but with no memory of his abduction. Jin-seok begins to notice strange changes in his brother's behavior and suspects that Yoo-seok might not be who he claims to be. As Jin-seok investigates further, he discovers shocking truths that challenge his understanding of reality, including the revelation that it is actually 2017, not 1997 as he believed.

Performances:

Kang Ha-neul (Jin-seok): Kang Ha-neul delivers an exceptional performance, capturing the confusion, fear, and determination of his character as he unravels the mystery surrounding his brother's disappearance and return.

Kim Mu-yeol (Yoo-seok): Kim Mu-yeol excels in portraying the duality of his character, effectively conveying both the familiarity and the unsettling changes in Yoo-seok.

Supporting Cast: Moon Sung-keun and Na Young-hee, as the parents, provide strong support, adding depth to the family's dynamic and the overall suspense of the story.

Director's Brilliance:

Jang Hang-jun's direction in "Forgotten" is nothing short of masterful. He skillfully creates an atmosphere of suspense and mystery, keeping the audience on edge throughout the film. The use of tight, claustrophobic spaces and dark, rain-soaked settings enhances the tension, making the viewer feel Jin-seok's growing paranoia and fear. Hang-jun's storytelling is meticulous, with each scene carefully constructed to add layers to the mystery, ensuring that the audience is constantly engaged and guessing until the very end.

One of the standout aspects of Hang-jun's direction is his ability to seamlessly blend different genres. "Forgotten" is not just a thriller but also a psychological drama that delves deep into themes of memory, identity, and trust. Hang-jun's nuanced handling of these themes, combined with his knack for creating compelling plot twists, results in a film that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally gripping. His vision and execution make "Forgotten" a standout in the thriller genre, showcasing his talent as a filmmaker.

Strengths:

Story: The film's plot is intricate and well-crafted, with numerous twists and turns that keep the audience engaged.

Screenplay: The screenplay is tight and well-paced, maintaining suspense and curiosity throughout.

Performances: Top-notch performances from the entire cast, especially Kang Ha-neul and Kim Mu-yeol.

Music: The intense and atmospheric score by Kim Tae-hoon enhances the film's tension and emotional impact.

Direction: Jang Hang-jun's direction is phenomenal, showcasing his ability to blend genres and create a compelling narrative.

Weaknesses:

Lengthy Scenes: Some scenes feel a bit lengthy and could have been trimmed to maintain a tighter narrative.

My Personal Take on This Film:

"Forgotten" is one of the best films I've seen in recent times. It is a masterclass in thriller and suspense, with a well-maintained curiosity that keeps the audience engaged until the very end. The film's themes are deeply explored, and the director's execution is flawless. The performances are outstanding, and the music perfectly complements the intense atmosphere. Despite a few lengthy scenes, the overall impact of the film is exceptional. This movie is a must-watch for anyone who appreciates a well-crafted thriller with psychological depth and emotional resonance.

Rating: 3.75/5