Memories of Murder

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Memories of Murder

Released May 2, 2003

2h 9m

Mystery & Thriller

Crime

Drama

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Popcornmeter

95%

Tomatometer

78 Reviews

92%

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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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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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Kristy Puchko

Pajiba

Memories of Murder is precisely what you'd expect from Bong.

Dec 3, 2020

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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

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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

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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

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S R

Something very different from your usual serial killer movie. Korean 80s culture and simpleton detectives to boot make for an oddball humorous at times mystery. I appreciated its uniqueness, but it was not my favorite overall with its moments of harsh violence and crudity. Saw on Tubi.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

12/27/24

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Melinda C

I kept waiting for the movie to get good, it never did. What a waste of time! I loved Parasite but this movie just wasn’t good.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

12/16/24

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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

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Bong Joon Ho

Director

Song Kang-ho

Det. Park Doo-man

Kim Sang-kyung

Det. Seo Tae-yoon

Kim Roe ha

Det. Cho Yong-koo

Song Jae-ho

Sgt. Shin Dong-chul

Byun Hee-bong

Sgt. Koo Hee-bong

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Memories of Murder: Trailer 1

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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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