Memories of Murder

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Memories of Murder

Released May 2, 2003

2h 9m

Mystery & Thriller

Crime

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

95%

Tomatometer

80 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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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

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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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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

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Josh Larsen

LarsenOnFilm

Dark, with a black wit to match...

Rated: 3.5/4

Jul 13, 2023

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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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Ajay A

Long before Parasite took Bong Joon-ho to the world, Memories of Murder highlighted the filmmaker's vicious style that leaves the main characters sundered from reality. And then there's that final scene -- a stare into the void that reveals a truth long festering.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/08/25

Full Review

Caleb L.

What an amazing amount of character development. This is a great mystery/cat-and-mouse movie. I knew what the ending was going to be, since it’s very well known, but it still gave me insane goosebumps. The only reason it’s not 5 stars is it ran just a little too long for me.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

08/29/25

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Sergio A

Memories of Murder is, without a doubt, the starting point of the genius who would later give us Parasite, one of the greatest films of all time. As I watched it, I couldn’t stop thinking: this story deserves a remake, and only Martin Scorsese could do it justice. Another thought kept running through my mind: Bong Joon-ho is Hitchcock’s true heir. An impeccable script, masterful direction, and a command of suspense that borders on perfection. I need to watch it again, just to find out if it’s even better or worse than my memory allows me to believe.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

08/28/25

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Jordane B

Haletant ! Bien joué, avec une profondeur dans l'écriture et dans le scénario. Un film qui tient en haleine jusqu'au générique de fin.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

08/26/25

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thiago s

Filme fraco, o roteiro é fraco, as cenas são fracas, a história é fraca, o elenco é fraco, e ninguém ajuda a melhorar o filme, os personagens são fracos, e o filme deveria ter cenas bem melhores e relevantes, para fazer o filme ser bom, e o resolução no final do filme, é ruim.

Rated 0.5 out of 5 stars

08/08/25

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Ian H

Funnier than I expected. Dark, painful, scathing. Beautifully shot. Great film

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

08/05/25

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, 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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