Headshot

Headshot

Year: 2012

Runtime: 105 min

Language: Indonesian

Director: Pen-Ek Ratanaruang

DramaThrillerCrime

In contemporary Thailand, a detective framed for a crime is forced to operate as a skilled assassin. Following a severe head injury, his reality is fractured, and he struggles with fragmented memories of a brutal past. As he navigates a world of corruption and violence, he grapples with the moral implications of his actions and seeks a path to redemption, all while being pursued by those who want him silenced.

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Headshot (2012) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of Headshot (2012), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

Tul, portrayed by Nopachai Chaiyanam, is a hitman whose life dramatically changes after a fateful assignment goes awry. While carrying out a task, he is shot in the head, plunging him into a three-month coma. Upon waking, he discovers that his perception of reality has been completely altered—everything he sees is inverted. This surreal experience leaves him questioning the nature of his injury: is it a strange consequence of his trauma, or a form of karmic payback for his violent lifestyle?

As Tul grapples with his new reality, he encounters an enigmatic young woman, played by Chanokporn Sayoungkul, who further complicates his already tumultuous existence. She’s upfront about her attraction to men in uniform, which immediately piques his interest but also raises suspicions about her intentions. Who is she, and how is she connected to the dangerous game that ensnares Tul?

The narrative, based on Win Lyovarins’ novel Rain Falling Up the Sky, unfolds in a complex, non-linear format that reveals the dark transformation of Tul from a dedicated police officer into a ruthless assassin. This descent into the criminal underworld is marked by a series of violent events, including a shocking murder and an encounter with corruption and betrayal that’s all too familiar in the lawless corners of contemporary Bangkok. His moral compass hangs by a thread, and he must navigate through treachery, with each choice heavy with consequence.

As we delve deeper into Tul’s chaotic journey, the film, directed by Pen-ek Ratanaruang, immerses us in a world painted in muted tones, reflecting the bleakness of his path. The haunting score by Vichaya Vatanasapt adds to the sense of an unending spiral downward, echoing Tul’s struggle to reclaim his life and identify amidst the shadows that surround him. Throughout his harrowing ordeal, Tul’s character remains the embodiment of a man caught between duty and a violent reality, constantly seeking redemption—even when faced with the darkness of his past. Ultimately, Headshot challenges viewers with philosophical questions about life, morality, and the law, leaving us pondering the true nature of humanity.

Last Updated: May 12, 2025 at 07:04

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Movies about amnesiac assassins like Headshot

Skilled killers haunted by lost memories, piecing together a violent past.If you liked the gripping story of a lost identity in Headshot, explore these other films that revolve around skilled killers grappling with amnesia. This list features crime thrillers and action dramas where characters piece together a violent past while fighting for survival in the present.

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Narrative Summary

These stories typically follow a protagonist with exceptional combat skills who awakens with little to no memory. As they are forced to use their lethal abilities for survival or under duress, fragmented memories surface, revealing a past filled with violence, betrayal, or tragedy. The plot is often a puzzle, with the protagonist's journey of self-discovery mirroring the audience's uncovering of the truth.

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They are grouped by the powerful narrative hook of an identity crisis within a hyper-competent killer. This creates a unique blend of high-stakes action and deep psychological mystery, where every violent encounter is also a potential clue to the protagonist's true nature and the sins of their past.

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Violent anti-heroes seek meaning and atonement in a corrupt and hopeless world.For viewers who appreciated the heavy themes of karma and redemption in Headshot, this list collects similar movies about anti-heroes seeking atonement. These complex crime dramas feature morally ambiguous characters navigating violent, corrupt worlds in a desperate search for meaning and a way out.

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The narrative follows a protagonist who is complicit in a world of crime and violence, often as a perpetrator. A catalyst—such as a personal loss, a betrayal, or a moment of clarity—triggers a desire for change. Their journey is not about becoming a hero, but about grappling with the weight of their past actions in a world that offers little hope for true salvation, leading to an often bittersweet or ambiguous resolution.

Why These Movies?

They share a core thematic focus on the possibility and price of redemption for those steeped in violence. The experience is defined by a dark tone, heavy emotional weight, and a philosophical examination of guilt and consequence within unforgiving settings.

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Headshot

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Headshot

Headshot Spoiler-Free Summary

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