Watch The Memory of a Killer

The Memory of a Killer is a 2003 Belgian crime thriller film directed by Erik Van Looy. The movie follows an ageing, skilled and unscrupulous hitman, named Angelo Ledda (Jan Decleir), who is diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. While considering his options for retirement, Ledda is hired by a shadowy organization to assassinate a young woman, but he soon learns that the morality of the group is ambiguous at best. His doubts about their motives are compounded when he discovers that the woman he was hired to kill is the daughter of a former friend and fellow assassin.

Ledda's deteriorating mental state and a resurgence of conscience prevent him from completing the hit, but he soon finds himself being pursued by the group he was working for. Meanwhile, police detective Eric Vincke (Koen De Bouw) is hot on the trail of a serial killer who has been targeting young girls. His investigation leads him to Ledda, as well as his former partner and friend, Serge (Werner De Smedt), who was also involved in the shadowy organization.

As Ledda tries to evade both the police and the organization, he begins to piece together his own fragmented memories of the past, including his violent past as an assassin. With his complicated relationship with his former partner and the group he was working for, he must solve the murders and save the next victim while also battling his own declining mental state.

The Memory of a Killer is a gripping thriller that combines elements of action, drama, and mystery. The performances of the cast are outstanding, especially the portrayal of Ledda's character by Jan Decleir, who captures the complexities and nuances of a man riddled with guilt and remorse. The cinematography is also noteworthy, as it captures the moody and atmospheric urban landscape of Belgium.

Director Erik Van Looy keeps the pace of the film tense and suspenseful, moving the story forward with precision and planning. He also tackles serious and timely issues such as organized crime and corruption in law enforcement agencies without undermining the importance of the story's themes.

Overall, The Memory of a Killer is a highly recommended film for those who appreciate intricate plots, compelling characters, and stylish cinematography. It delivers on both the action front and the emotional front, and ends with a satisfying and thought-provoking conclusion. It is a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll.