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Memories Of Murder
2003
This shocking tale is designed to repulse viewers, chiefly because it's based on a horrific true story. Following the activities of South Korea's first serial killer, MEMORIES OF MURDER tracks the gruesome events through the eyes of the two detectives investigating the case. The murders unfolded in 1986, a time when South Korea .. Read more
| Starring | Song Kang-ho, Sang-Kyung Kim, Roe-Ha Kim, Jae-Ho Song |
|---|---|
| Director | Bong Joon-ho |
| Genres | Drama, World Cinema |
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Memories Of Murder
This shocking tale is designed to repulse viewers, chiefly because it's based on a horrific true story. Following the activities of South Korea's first serial killer, MEMORIES OF MURDER tracks the gruesome events through the eyes of the two detectives investigating the case. The murders unfolded in 1986, a time when South Korea fell under the watchful eye of a military dictatorship, meaning that technological advances were scant, and the detectives had precious little evidence to work from. The victims were all women from various age ranges, and all were raped and slain by the killer. This dramatic reconstruction of events makes for compulsive viewing, and harks back to a time when the innocence of South Korea's citizens was truly shattered.
| Starring | Song Kang-ho, Sang-Kyung Kim, Roe-Ha Kim, Jae-Ho Song |
|---|---|
| Director | Bong Joon-ho |
| Studio | OPTIMUM HOME ENTERTAINMENT |
| Run time | DVD: 2 hrs 11 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Genres | Drama, World Cinema |
| Language | Korean |
| Subtitles | English |
| Released | DVD: 24 Jan 2005 Production year: 2003 |
| Format | DVD |
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Critics' reviews (3)
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Bong Joon-ho's simmering police procedural is inspired by the unsolved crimes of South Korea's first serial killer. The investigation brings together impulsive small-town cop Song Kang-ho and his city superior, Kim Sang-kyung, and it's their relationship that provides the focus here as much as the search for the rapist who has claimed ten victims on a sadistic killing spree. Initially, there's a comic edge to the town versus country posturing, as Song tries to frame a local man with learning difficulties. But the tone grows darker once female officer Koh Seo-hee establishes a link with a radio request show and Kim begins to succumb to the pressures of making an arrest.
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A huge critical and commercial success in Korea, Bong's film fictionalises the search for the country's first... read more on Time Out
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Most helpful member's review
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18 out of 25 people found this review helpful
R is for realism.
Based on the true story of the first serial killings in Korea, Memories of murder is a perfect blend of gritty realism, dark humour and excellent performances which help to create a movie going experience which feels both fresh and original.
The three detectives that we follow on this dark journey are so well performed that it's hard to believe that they are not real detectives doing a spot of acting on the side. You truly believe in the fact that the Korean task force are clearly not prepared for a murder spree of this magnitude, some of their methods of detection are embarrassing at best and that's where the humour comes in to it. Two of our three leads will stop at nothing in order to crack the case, while the other, a more experienced detctive from Seoul, contrast beautifully even if the end results are equally unproductive.
There's no over blown theatrics here, similar in tone to Nowhere to Hide, it's the attention to realism which will have you hooked. Right up until the low key, bleak and rather touching ending. Memories of Murder is a film worth watching. -
Most recent members' review
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11 out of 11 people found this review helpful
A refreshing new spin on the serial-killer genre
Based on the horrifying murders which shocked South Korea between 1986 and 1991, 'Memories of Murder' follows the investigation of two rural cops; Officer Park(Kang-ho Song) and Officer Jo(Roe-ha Kim). This pair of unorthodox cops are having little success with their investigations and a top detective from Seoul(Sang-kyung Kim) is bought into bring his more sophisticated techniques to the case.
Park and Jo are understandably unhappy with this turn of events but, as the killer continue to strike, this trio must put aside their petty differences to solve the case.
This stunning debut feature from writer/director Joon-ho Bong focuses on the police investigation and the mounting panic that took hold of the surrounding community. But carefully balanced against the grisly details of the investigation is a series of hilariously comic scenes(Park's desperate attempt to preserve a crime scene early on or his investigation at the swimming bath are particular highlights) which makes this one of the funniest films of the year. Amazingly, Bong manages to integrate these sequences into the plot without disrupting the dark tone or atmosphere which he has carefully developed elsewhere.
'Memories of Murder' also benefits from a trio of outstanding leading performances. Kang-ho Song carries the film with a superb display as the endearingly clumsy Park, Sang-kyung Kim is a strong presence as detective Seo while Roe-ha Kim's Officer Jo is a memorable creation with his unique interrogation style - a flying kick to the chest.
This is an incredible film, gruesome, tense and thrilling but also managing to be funny, human and thoughtful in its approach. It would be a remarkable achievement for a director of any stature but it clearly marks this first-time filmmaker out as a talent to watch. -
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This shocking tale is designed to repulse viewers, chiefly because it's based on a horrific true story. Following the activities of South Korea's first serial killer, MEMORIES OF MURDER tracks the ... -