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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
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95% Tomatometer 78 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.
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Memories of Murder

Memories of Murder

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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.

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Critics Reviews

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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 Brian Tallerico RogerEbert.com Bong elevates every scene with his unbelievably assured filmmaking. Rated: 4/4 Oct 19, 2020 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 Daisy Leigh-Phippard Screen Queens We should all know by now that Bong's stories are never just what they at first seem to speak in a Parasite analogy, you have to go into the basement. Feb 21, 2022 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Luca D I didn't read any reviews going into the movie and didn't know what to expect. It's a very unsettling movie and the ending will not help settle you. There is lots of anonymity in the ending, and I love every bit of it. The characters had just been chasing the killer for so long with no hard evidence. I like the theme of eye contact and how towards the end he admits he can't really tell who is a criminal just by looks. The characters are so certain and uncertain at the same time you just completely understand their frustration. The cinematography is amazing and also the sound recording really sets the eery mood. Would definitely watch again. One of the best murder mysteries I've ever seen. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 09/18/24 Full Review Some Guy F Great performances, the way it is filmed makes it look like the 80s, the plot is okay. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 07/14/24 Full Review matthieu r Would love to watch it again Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/18/24 Full Review Máté J I wanted to give it 4 at first but the dropkicks made me decide to give it 5. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/14/24 Full Review Evita Pramesti K so so so gooddddd, very recommended, and the fact that the killer in the movie and real life have twin faces makes me more goosebumps, 10/10 obviously Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/11/24 Full Review Cèlia M Good cinematographic shots, good color palette, good story, good characters, very well set, it is much better than many American films about serial killers. An authentic work of art, masterful work. Much better than zodiac than Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/27/24 Full Review Read all reviews
Memories of Murder

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Cast & Crew

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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, Sidus, Muhan Investment
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
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