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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%

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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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

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

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Audience Member

One of the classic Korean cinema and very sad story...

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

05/13/25

Full Review

chris h

Perfect crime drama...maybe the best of all time.The blend of humor,horror,drams is on point.Probably never see one this great again.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

05/11/25

Full Review

Malik abdullah M

I think the girl was the turning point for me

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

04/26/25

Full Review

b s

18年标记想看，终于在25年的进修中把这部电影看完。一开始感觉是一种喜剧与犯罪的结合，总在各种警察无能的闹剧里回到真凶的追查，中间穿插了军政府的各种80年代的管制，虽然仅仅是一瞥，像是新世纪对于当年的回眸。导演的剪辑也很创新，一个场景连接另一个场景，往往充满了断层，给人一种震颤，又有一种意外之喜。推至电影最后，那种绝望感已经蔓延出来，之前的插科打诨也烟消云散，当那幕经典的望穿银幕的凝视出现时，哪怕心中已有所准备，但依然被震撼到，所有的郁闷都汹涌而出，如果这个镜头持续超过10秒，我一定会眼泪夺眶而出。

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

03/19/25

Full Review

Dani G

There's a reason why this is considered among the best from this century, and the one that put Bong Joon-Ho on the cinematic world map.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

03/18/25

Full Review

Priyan B

Finest thriller. Rating: 8.7/10

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/20/25

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

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Byun Hee-bong

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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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