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Sabu's 'Arrested Memory': A Memory Loss Thriller 20 Years in Making
28 Aug
Summary
- Film development spanned nearly two decades with multiple location changes.
- The director reworked the protagonist's character extensively over time.
- The production involved a diverse cast and crew from four different countries.
After nearly two decades of development, Japanese director Sabu's film "Arrested Memory" is set to premiere at the Venice and Toronto film festivals. The project faced numerous setbacks, with production attempts stalled in Germany, Korea, the U.S., and Japan before finally being shot in Taiwan. Sabu believes the film's protracted journey has enriched it with greater tension and poignancy than originally conceived.
The thriller features a police detective who loses his memory, a concept that allowed Sabu to meticulously reshape the central character over the years. Initially envisioned as a corrupt officer, the protagonist Lee was transformed into a respected judo-trained detective whose humanity is expressed through action rather than words. Memory loss provided a unique avenue to explore identity and human relationships.
Filmed in Taiwan, "Arrested Memory" utilized a cast and crew from Taiwan, Japan, Hong Kong, and France. This collaboration across different filmmaking cultures created a distinctive atmosphere, fueling Sabu's desire for more international productions. Sabu cast Ethan Juan, known for dramatic roles, pushing him into comedy, which he believes enhances the film's tension and release dynamic and adds to the character's poignancy.
With a career spanning three decades, Sabu emphasizes entertainment as his primary goal, aiming to leave audiences in a better mood. He has two completed scripts for future projects, including a love story. International sales for "Arrested Memory" are being handled by Lucky Number.
