2009: Lost Memories (2002)
A bold South Korean alternate-history thriller imagining a 2009 where Korea never won its independence from Japan.
2009: Lost Memories - Movie Information
- Original Title: 2009 로스트메모리즈
- Release Year: 2002
- Directed by: Lee Si-myung
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Thriller, Action, Drama
- Runtime: 2h 16m
- Original Language: Korean
- Spoken Languages: Korean, Italian, Japanese
- Release Date (Theatrical): February 1, 2002 (South Korea - 12), May 10, 2002 (United States), July 10, 2003 (Germany - 18)
- Alternative Titles: 2009, Lost Memories (FR), 2009 Lost Memories (US), 2009 로스트메모리즈 (KR), ロスト メモリーズ (JP)
- Production Companies: Indecom Cinema, Tube Entertainment, CJ Entertainment
- Production Countries: South Korea
2009: Lost Memories - Plot
There are breakpoints in the history, the result of a single event may change the whole course. In 1909, an assassination attempt of a Japanese governor fails. Now, in 2009, Korea is just another state of Japan's Empire & Seoul has become a major city. A Korean resistance group fights for liberty, independence & the restoration of true history. Two cops, Japanese & Korean, investigate the group.
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2009: Lost Memories - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Lee Si-myung
Main Cast
- Jang Dong-gun
- Toru Nakamura
- Seo Jin-ho
- Shin Gu
- An Kil-kang
- Kim Gyu-ri
- Jo Sang-geon
- Cheon Ho-jin
- Miki Yoshimura
- Masaaki Daimon
Writers
- Lee Si-myung
- Lee Sang-hak
Producers
- Kim Ik-sang
- Kim Yoon-young
- Shinichiro Nakata
2009: Lost Memories - FAQs
What is 2009: Lost Memories about?
2009: Lost Memories is set in an alternate timeline where a failed 1909 assassination attempt leaves Korea as part of the Japanese Empire. In 2009, a Korean resistance group fights for independence while two detectives — one Japanese, one Korean — are assigned to investigate them.
Is 2009: Lost Memories based on a true story?
No, 2009: Lost Memories is not based on a true story. It is an alternate-history science fiction thriller adapted from a Korean novel. The premise reimagines what might have happened had the 1909 assassination of Itō Hirobumi failed, resulting in Korea never gaining independence from Japan.
Who are the main actors in 2009: Lost Memories?
The film stars Jang Dong-gun as Masayuki Sakamoto and Toru Nakamura as Shojiro Saigo, playing the two central detective partners. The supporting cast includes Seo Jin-ho, Shin Gu, An Kil-kang, Kim Gyu-ri, Jo Sang-geon, Cheon Ho-jin, Miki Yoshimura, and Masaaki Daimon.
What is the alternate history premise of 2009: Lost Memories?
The film's central conceit is that Itō Hirobumi survived the 1909 assassination attempt by Ahn Jung-geun, altering the entire course of East Asian history. As a result, Korea never achieved independence and by 2009 remains a province of the Japanese Empire, with Seoul transformed into a major imperial city.
When was 2009: Lost Memories released?
2009: Lost Memories was first released in South Korea on February 1, 2002, with a rating of 12. It reached the United States on May 10, 2002, and was later released in Germany on July 10, 2003, where it received an 18 rating.
Where can I watch 2009: Lost Memories?
2009: Lost Memories is available to buy or rent on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, and Google Play Movies. Availability may vary by region. You can compare all current viewing options on JustWatch for the most up-to-date streaming and rental information.
Who directed 2009: Lost Memories?
2009: Lost Memories was directed by Lee Si-myung, who also co-wrote the screenplay alongside Lee Sang-hak. It stands as one of the most ambitious South Korean genre films of the early 2000s, blending alternate history with action-thriller elements on a substantial production budget.
How long is 2009: Lost Memories?
2009: Lost Memories has a runtime of 2 hours and 16 minutes (136 minutes). The film uses its extended running time to develop both its alternate-history world-building and the evolving relationship between its two lead detective characters across a politically charged narrative.
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