Memories of the Sword 2015
Directed by
Heung-Sik Park
Made by
Well Go USA Entertainment
Plot Summary
In the chaotic times of Goryeo, three brave swordsmen — Poong-cheon, Seol-rang, and Deok-gi — bravely stood against the oppressive regime, their pursuit of freedom and justice within reach. However, treachery struck when Deok-gi’s betrayal led to Poong-cheon’s tragic demise, forcing Seol-rang to flee with the infant Hong-ee in her arms. As he cemented his treachery with a chilling curse, Deok-gi ominously proclaimed:
“You, no, not just you, but both of us shall fall at the hands of Hong-ee.”
This catastrophic event left a lasting mark on the future.
Fast forward eighteen years, Seol-rang has transformed into Wallso, a blind yet indomitable matriarch, tirelessly running a quaint tea house at Byukran port. Her daughter, Hong-ee, who now goes by Seol-hee, has grown indifferent to her father’s tragic legacy. Nevertheless, Wallso’s relentless longing for revenge fuels her determination to teach Seol-hee the ancient art of sword fighting — a task embraced by Seol-hee with all the enthusiasm of a leaf being swept away by an autumn gale.
A turning point emerges when Deok-gi, now disguised as Yoo-baek, proclaims a spectacular martial arts tournament in the bustling marketplace. Against her mother’s better judgment, Seol-hee enters the competition, only to face off against Yull, an incredibly skilled swordsman. As the duel unfolds, Yoo-baek recognizes a striking resemblance between Seol-hee’s fighting techniques and those of his long-lost love, Seol-rang. In a desperate attempt to reclaim what he believes is his, he sends his men after Seol-hee, but she manages to escape with daring agility.
That very evening, Wallso discloses the horrifying truths behind Poong-cheon’s death, cautioning her daughter that two formidable enemies await her: Yoo-baek and, surprisingly, herself. Stunned by this revelation, Seol-hee leaves her home, embarking on a tumultuous journey of vengeance that would unfold over the years ahead.
Timeline
The Rise of the Swordsmen
During the tumultuous era of Goryeo, three swordsmen emerge as symbols of hope and bravery. Poong-cheon, Seol-rang, and Deok-gi challenge the oppressive regime, fighting for freedom and justice.
Betrayal Strikes
The fragile alliance among the swordsmen disintegrates when Deok-gi betrays Poong-cheon. This treachery culminates in a tragic confrontation, resulting in the death of Poong-cheon under devastating circumstances.
A Mother's Flight
In the aftermath of the betrayal, Seol-rang flees with her infant child, Hong-ee, seeking safety from the chaos and the impending doom foretold by Deok-gi's chilling words. Their escape symbolizes a desperate grasp for survival amid chaos.
Deok-gi's Ominous Curse
Before parting ways, Deok-gi delivers a haunting curse, predicting the downfall of both himself and Seol-rang at the hands of Hong-ee. This curse casts a shadow over their fates and foreshadows future events.
Eighteen Years Later
Fast forward eighteen years, Seol-rang, now known as Wallso, has adapted to life as a blind matriarch. She diligently runs a tea house at Byukran port, continually burdened by the memories of her past.
Hong-ee's Indifference
As the years transform Hong-ee into Seol-hee, she grows indifferent to the tragic legacy of her father, Poong-cheon. Despite her mother's enduring sorrow, Seol-hee remains detached from her family's history.
The Teachings of Revenge
Driven by her relentless desire for vengeance, Wallso begins to teach Seol-hee the ancient art of sword fighting. However, Seol-hee approaches this daunting task with little enthusiasm, as if swept away by a mere breeze.
The Martial Arts Tournament Announcement
A significant event unfolds when Deok-gi, now disguised as Yoo-baek, announces a grand martial arts tournament in the busy marketplace. This announcement stirs excitement and sets the stage for inevitable clashes.
Seol-hee Enters the Tournament
Against Wallso's wishes, Seol-hee decides to enter the tournament, fueled by her burgeoning ambitions. This decision sets her on a path that intertwines her fate with her family's dark legacy.
The Duel with Yull
During the tournament, Seol-hee faces Yull, a formidable swordsman known for his exceptional skills. The intensity of their duel captures the attention of the crowd and signifies a clash of destinies.
Recognition of the Past
As the battle rages on, Yoo-baek observes that Seol-hee's fighting style resembles that of his long-lost love, Seol-rang. This shocking realization ignites a desire in him to reclaim what he believes belongs to him.
Seol-hee's Daring Escape
Following the duel, Yoo-baek dispatches his men to pursue Seol-hee, prompting a courageous escape. Utilizing her skills, she navigates through danger, demonstrating her agility and determination.
A Revelation from Wallso
That evening, Wallso reveals the horrifying truths surrounding Poong-cheon's death. This shocking disclosure prepares Seol-hee for the enemies she must confront: Yoo-baek and herself.
Seol-hee's Journey Begins
Stunned by her mother's revelations, Seol-hee decides to leave her home. This marks the beginning of a tumultuous journey toward vengeance and self-discovery as she seeks to confront her past.
Characters
Wallso
Wallso, formerly known as Seol-rang, emerges as a resilient matriarch who has faced immense loss and betrayal. Blinded by both grief and a desire for revenge, she dedicates her life to running a tea house while training her daughter in the art of sword fighting, symbolizing the struggle between nurturing and vengeance.
Seol-hee
Seol-hee, the daughter of Wallso, grapples with her identity and her father's legacy. Initially indifferent to her past, she finds herself drawn into a world of martial arts and conflict, revealing her inner strength and potential as she confronts trials that challenge her character and beliefs.
Deok-gi (Yoo-baek)
Deok-gi adopts the guise of Yoo-baek, a character shrouded in complexity. His past betrayal haunts him and drives his obsession with Seol-hee, as he struggles between the love he once lost and the need to regain control over his life, portraying a conflicted figure torn between remorse and ambition.
Setting
Time period
18 years after Goryeo
The story transitions from the tumultuous times of Goryeo to eighteen years later, when the characters navigate the consequences of past betrayals. This time period reflects a significant evolution in the characters' lives, particularly as they grapple with the shadows of their legacies and the quest for vengeance.
Location
Goryeo, Byukran port
Goryeo is known for its chaotic political climate and rich historical significance, serving as a backdrop for the struggle against oppressive regimes. Byukran port is a quaint locale, where a tea house run by Wallso becomes a sanctuary of memories and revenge, symbolizing the intertwining of personal and historical narratives.
Themes
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Vengeance
The theme of vengeance is central to the narrative, driving characters like Wallso and Seol-hee to confront their painful histories. As Wallso seeks retribution for her lost love, the cycle of revenge complicates their lives, showcasing the personal cost that follows a desire for justice.
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Mother-Daughter Bond
The relationship between Wallso and Seol-hee reflects a profound connection shaped by trauma and ambition. Wallso's desire to teach her daughter sword fighting symbolizes an attempt to pass on not just skills, but the weight of their family's legacy and the burdens they carry.
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Betrayal
Betrayal is a pivotal theme, as Deok-gi’s actions set off a chain of tragic events that haunt the protagonists for years. His treachery not only leads to personal loss but also shapes the destinies of the main characters, intertwining their fates in a complex web of conflict.
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