Rotten Tomatoes
Cancel Movies Tv shows FanStore News Showtimes

Memories of Murder

Play trailer 2:01 Poster for Memories of Murder Released May 2, 2003 2h 9m Mystery & Thriller Crime Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
95% Tomatometer 80 Reviews 92% Popcornmeter 10,000+ Ratings
In 1986, Park (Song Kang-ho) and Cho (Kim Roi-ha) are two simple-minded detectives assigned to a double murder investigation in a South Korean province. But when the murderer strikes several more times with the same pattern, the detectives realize that they are chasing the country's first documented serial killer. Relying on only their basic skills and tools, Park and Jo attempt to piece together the clues and solve the case in this thriller based on true events.
Watch on Fandango at Home Buy Now

Where to Watch

Memories of Murder

Memories of Murder

What to Know

Critics Consensus

Memories of Murder blends the familiar crime genre with social satire and comedy, capturing the all-too human desperation of its key characters.

Read Critics Reviews

Critics Reviews

View All (80)
Kevin Maher The Times (UK) One of the great police procedurals, beloved by the A-list (Tarantino is a fan), this epic crime drama from the Parasite director Bong Joon-ho pulses with horrible authenticity. Rated: 5/5 Mar 29, 2025 Full Review Kristy Puchko Pajiba Memories of Murder is precisely what you'd expect from Bong. Dec 3, 2020 Full Review Barry Hertz Globe and Mail Tracing a long, frustrating, and at times darkly funny investigation into the crimes of a rural South Korean serial killer, Memories of Murder is a thrilling and stomach-churning ride. Rated: 3.5/5 Oct 24, 2020 Full Review Emma Vine Loud and Clear Reviews With its impeccable direction and cinematography, hard-hitting themes, and the devastating true crime story that is recounted throughout the movie’s runtime, it’s no surprise that Bong Joon-ho’s 2000s masterpiece continues to wow audiences. Rated: 5/5 Mar 28, 2025 Full Review Josh Larsen LarsenOnFilm Dark, with a black wit to match... Rated: 3.5/4 Jul 13, 2023 Full Review Brian Susbielles InSession Film Bong Joon-ho’s second film gave him noted recognition around the world with this brilliant crime drama... Mar 6, 2023 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (1000+)
Alexander Sinclair Harrington A Now here lies a motion picture most deserving of the highest praise, verily, the very pinnacle of the cinematic arts. From its masterfully woven narrative, to its richly drawn characters, its haunting atmosphere, exquisite cinematography, stirring music, and deliberate yet gripping pacing... this work chills the soul in the most profound manner. I have indulged in a fair number of films in my time, and I dare say that Korean cinema ranks amongst the finest in the world. Memories of Murder is no mere exception; rather, it stands at the forefront of this remarkable tradition. A true masterpiece in every sense. Real cinema. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/26/25 Full Review James J Bong Joon-ho’s Memories of Murder is one of the most immaculately crafted films ever made. Released in 2003, its direction, pacing, and tonal control feel decades ahead of their time. It shifts effortlessly between grim procedural and quiet existential horror, never losing focus or momentum. Visually, it’s stunning—fog-drenched hills, rain-soaked fields, and oppressive interiors all shot with precision and weight. The script is lean and layered, every scene revealing more about the case and the characters unraveling within it. Song Kang-ho delivers a performance of rare depth and vulnerability, equal parts gripping and heartbreaking. Few films haunt you like this one. It lingers, not because of what it shows, but because of what it refuses to explain. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/18/25 Full Review Anton E One of the finest films blending the genres of detective mystery and dark comedy. What struck me most was how the movie gradually shifts your perception of the characters — you go from resenting them for their obsessive desire to prove the suspect guilty, to feeling utterly helpless alongside them when they realize, too late, that they may have gone after the wrong man. The film’s ending is especially powerful. The use of the final shot — where the main character stares through the screen, as if looking directly at the audience — feels particularly appropriate. It’s as though he’s still searching for the one he’s been hunting the entire film, only to find himself lost, with nothing but uncertainty. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 06/15/25 Full Review Cem Okan Y A truly cinematic depiction of a true event. You will find yourself doing research afterwards. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 06/12/25 Full Review Lucky01 It's a engaging but slow paced movie Rated 3 out of 5 stars 05/25/25 Full Review Audience Member One of the classic Korean cinema and very sad story... Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 05/13/25 Full Review Read all reviews
Memories of Murder

My Rating

Read More Read Less POST RATING WRITE A REVIEW EDIT REVIEW
Mother 96% 89% Mother Watchlist Nameless Gangster 100% 75% Nameless Gangster Watchlist Breaking News 79% 65% Breaking News Watchlist The Zodiac 24% 38% The Zodiac Watchlist Discover more movies and TV shows. View More

Movie Info

Synopsis In 1986, Park (Song Kang-ho) and Cho (Kim Roi-ha) are two simple-minded detectives assigned to a double murder investigation in a South Korean province. But when the murderer strikes several more times with the same pattern, the detectives realize that they are chasing the country's first documented serial killer. Relying on only their basic skills and tools, Park and Jo attempt to piece together the clues and solve the case in this thriller based on true events.
Director
Bong Joon Ho
Producer
Cha Seung-jae, Jong-yun No, Kim Moo-ryung
Screenwriter
Bong Joon Ho, Shim Sung-bo
Production Co
CJ Entertainment, Muhan Investment, Sidus
Genre
Mystery & Thriller, Crime, Drama
Original Language
Korean
Release Date (Theaters)
May 2, 2003, Original
Release Date (Streaming)
Jul 24, 2017
Box Office (Gross USA)
$14.1K
Runtime
2h 9m
Most Popular at Home Now