Watch Memories of the Sword

Memories of the Sword is a 2015 South Korean historical action movie directed by Park Heung-sik. It stars Lee Byung-hun, Kim Go-eun, and Jeon Do-yeon in lead roles. The plot revolves around the story of three swordsmen who unite to overthrow a corrupt ruler and avenge the death of their master. The movie begins with a flashback to the Goryeo Dynasty, where a group of warriors, led by legendary swordswoman Hong-yi, are entrusted with the duty of protecting a powerful and magical sword named 'Sujin-Kim'. The Sujin-Kim is believed to have mystical powers that can grant immense strength and invincibility to its wielder. However, as power corrupts, it brings chaos to the country, leading to the death of Hong-yi and the loss of the Sujin-Kim sword.

Fast forward to the Joseon dynasty, the now-elderly Yeon So-ha (Jeon Do-yeon), who is loyal to Hong-yi's teachings, trains a gifted warrior named Seol-rang (Kim Go-eun) in the art of sword fighting. Seol-rang is the daughter of Hong-yi and is now determined to avenge her mother's death and reclaim the coveted Sujin-Kim sword. She is helped by her friend and fellow warrior, Deok-gi (Lee Byung-hun).

The three swordsmen unite to take on corrupt officials, who are using the Sujin-Kim sword to further their selfish agenda. The trio must overcome various challenges, fights, and political chess moves to uncover the real conspirators behind the chaos that has engulfed the nation.

Memories of the Sword offers an engaging and intriguing storyline, packed with intense action scenes, political subterfuge and a range of well-defined and likable characters. The attention to detail in recreating the historical backgrounds, locations, and costumes is impressive, and the fight sequences are well choreographed, making for a satisfying viewing experience.

Lee Byung-hun delivers a convincing performance as the sharp and resourceful Deok-gi, who holds his own against the corrupt officials. Kim Go-eun, with her agility and impressive swordplay, exudes the swift and graceful martial arts skills of Hong-yi that she employs to the hilt throughout the movie. Jeon Do-yeon, although limited in screen time, leaves a lasting impact on the story with her poignant portrayal of the wise and determined Yeon So-ha.

The movie engenders a sense of atmosphere through its use of period-appropriate lighting, music, and sound effects. The pallet of the film's cinematography, the costumes, and the sets all authentically replicate the historical Goryeo and Joseon period of Korean history.

In conclusion, Memories of the Sword is a well-executed movie that successfully intertwines action, drama, and history to deliver an engrossing viewing experience. The storyline is engaging, the acting performances are commendable, and the technical aspects of the production are done with great attention to detail. Overall, it is a movie worth watching for anyone looking for a thrilling historical epic that doesn't disappoint.

Memories of the Sword is a 2015 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 1 minute. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.3 and a MetaScore of 47.