Most of the acting is great, especially the lead, Jang Dong-Kun. The direction is very good, but the fact that this was director Lee Si-Myung’s first film is absolutely stunning. The action scenes may not be anything new, but they’re very well done. There’s lots of Michael Bay style action shootouts, with the occasional John Woo-ism.

The plot is quite interesting in depicting a future in which Japan and the US ally during World War II and atomic bombs are dropped on Berlin instead of Hiroshima & Nagasaki. Japan rises to become a super power, and maintains control of parts of Korea. Aside from the interesting concept, there's also some really good character drama within all the sci-fi action.

I think "2009" becomes an even better film if you are not Japanese or Korean. The most interesting part about watching it for me, as an American, is that I was torn between two countries that I have no affiliation with. As a result, it is hard to decide whose pain is worse and whom you should root for, making both sides equally as human.

2009 Lost Memories is a "what if" movie. What if Ito Hirobumi had never been assassinated? (I actually had to do research to fully understand the importance of this man) The movie depicts a very different Japan whose empire covers the modern day Korean peninsula. Sakamoto (who is Korean) tries to uncover a conspiracy involving a group of Korean Terrorists. However, the plot runs much deeper than that. I cannot say much without ruining any of the unfolding story.

2009 Lost Memories is a fantastic film. Almost a perfect ten. My only complaint is that it may take outside research to fully understand the complexity of the plot. Due to this, the movie may drive away some American audiences away. But if you decide not to do research, at least get it for the action!