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Memories of Murder

Play trailer 2:01 Poster for Memories of Murder 2003 2h 9m Mystery & Thriller Crime Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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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.
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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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Kevin Maher The Times (UK) Mar 29
5/5
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. Go to Full Review
Kristy Puchko Pajiba 12/03/2020
Memories of Murder is precisely what you'd expect from Bong. Go to Full Review
Barry Hertz Globe and Mail 10/24/2020
3.5/5
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. Go to Full Review
Emma Vine Loud and Clear Reviews Mar 28
5/5
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. Go to Full Review
Josh Larsen LarsenOnFilm 07/13/2023
3.5/4
Dark, with a black wit to match... Go to Full Review
Brian Susbielles InSession Film 03/06/2023
Bong Joon-ho’s second film gave him noted recognition around the world with this brilliant crime drama... Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Romas M Nov 30 Greetings from Lithuania. "Salinui chueok" / "Memories of Murder" (2003) is a great crime mystery drama. It's story that was based on true events, although much here is factionalizes - despite that this is a great movie. Acting was very good by all involved. Music, cinematography, script are first rate. It's superbly paced movie, at running time 2 h 8 min this movie barely drags and is captivating from start till finish. This is not a typical "whodunnit" type of a mystery, and if you are hoping for a one, you might be a bit disappointed by the ending, which in my opinion is great. This is a very grounded and realistic portrayal of police procedural, when detectives were way over the line when interrogating suspects - this movie shows this in a very gritty way. Overall, all in all "Memories of Murder" is a great movie written and directed by a great Bong Joon Ho. This is one is not to be missed by anyone who likes solid mystery, police dramas. See more Jeff P @jeffperu Nov 20 Memories of Murder follows a group of detectives in rural South Korea as they investigate a series of disturbing crimes that leave the community terrified. With limited resources and mounting pressure, they struggle to uncover the truth while facing their own frustrations, doubts, and moral compromises. The case becomes an obsession, exposing just how difficult — and devastating — the search for justice can be. This film is an unbelievable story that captivates you from beginning to end. Director Bong Joon-ho masterfully balances tension, emotion, and even dark humor to keep you fully engaged throughout the investigation. The performances are powerful across the board, especially in how the detectives’ desperation and humanity unfold over time. And the ending… it is one of the best in cinema history. It lingers with you, forcing you to reflect long after the final shot. Memories of Murder is haunting, gripping, and a must-watch film that stands tall as one of the greatest crime thrillers ever made. 91/100 See more Chawal I Nov 13 I see why Tarantino spoke about him :) Bong is a genius! See more sussy i Oct 25 Top 3 movie ez, not even close this was a pretty good movie. The drop kick at the start of the movie sold me lmao. See more Kristopher C. @KristopherC Oct 11 Bong Joon-ho's true genius lies in his ability to synthesize heavy subject matter into a masterpiece that resonates with a mix of sadness, terror, and surprising comedy, ultimately capturing the true human condition. See more fro99y h Oct 4 masterpiece. glad i saw it and i think everyone should too See more Read all reviews
Memories of Murder

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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
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
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