Memories Of Murder Reviews

[Highly rated reviewer]

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.

the most stupidest way of wasting 131 minutes of your life !

Memories of murder was the most boring detective film i have ever seen ! the cinematography could have made it a good film but the characters are completely ridiculous and the story is slow. The end leaves you with a big regret about watching the entire film for nothing !

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.

Another damn good Korean film.

Really good and realistic take on a true story of a serial killer in a small rural area of Korea. It is long but always intriguing and the humourous parts don't subtract from the bleak and disturbing nature of the subject.

It seems it's just acknowledged fact that the South Korean police force is really corrupt, especially looking at films like this and Public Enemy.

The characters and acting is all spot on and the eighties look like a very bleak time for this nation, captured really well here.

Art House

This is a moderately enjoyable but ultimately unsatisfying film. The plot is very second hand, but the execution is full of art house portentiousness.

Excellent

Memories Of Murder is possibly the best Korean film I've seen to date. The story follows a group of police officers trying to solve a string of murders commited by a serial killer.

Two local detectives more interested in results than facts find it increasingly difficult to operate in their usual manner when another detective is sent down from Seoul to assist them.

The story is gripping and full of twists and turns. The makers cleverly allow you to think you've got the whole thing cracked at various points, before revealing another clue and this keeps you hooked. As emotions run high you are shown various sides to each character, which gives them a more human feel than most movie cops - leaving grey areas where all is usually black and white.

It looks as cool and slick as a Hollywood movie but the ending would almost certainly have been different (and decided by a focus group) had it been made in America. As it is, when the credits role you're left with something altogether more satisfying that you'll have to sit and give some thought to.

It's so good, in fact, I'm not going to send this back. I'm keeping it for at least one more viewing!

Truly brilliant

This actually does live up to it's hype as probably the best serial killer movie ever made (or at least one of the top two next to 'Seven'), taking a completely different approach to the material (a true story) than anything that has gone before. It shows the ineptitude and corruption of the well-meaning but dumb small town cops in truly hilarious terms (indeed it is far funnier than most comedies despite the seriousness of the subject), and then completely upends the viewer with some terrifying, dramatic and exciting sequences as the enormity of the task begins to weigh heavily on the increasingly desperate cops. It's ambiguous open ending is even more chilling. Technically it's practically faultless, with performances, photography, direction and script all spot on razor sharp. This is a genuine masterpiece and as such must be essential viewing.

really good

something completely different, bound to get a re-make in hollywood. the ending is a brilliant realisation of the fact that the real horror of evil is how banal it can be. but before you get there the script never fails to entertain. especially the double act of the two local cops who think that beating a confession out of somebody equals solving the case. the camera work is also fabulous.

Quirky police murder mystery

1980s rural Korea and a horrifying serial killer is confounding the incompetent and violent local police. Enter a young expert city cop who seems to be much-needed hero. But 'Memories', based on real events, follows this case thru to its messy, dark conclusion without recourse to Hollywood silver linings. Think a down-to-earth Seven, or CSI with idiots. All beautifully shot, well-acted and superbly scored, and the story engrosses, but you never really get to know the characters, and the tone is sometimes awkwardly hung between sober realism and dark comedy. Hence it is all a little distancing, especially for westerners with no knowledge of the real-life case (although a good promo doc is included which explains a lot). For fans of the genre or Korean flicks only, sadly, as this is so close to being a terrific film.

warts and all serial killer investigation

Based on the first serial killer hunt on South Korea it serves as a companion piece to the film 'Citizen X'. That film showed a conscientious Russian policeman trying various methods to catch a killer and wins admiration from other forces around the world. This film shows a couple of small town cops begrudging the appearance of a cop from Seoul who disapproves of their methods of beating confessions out of likely suspects. The film charts the investigation through several years and the twists, turns and dead ends that they faced, over that time you also see the changes that the detectives go through. Overall an interesting film in terms of a thriller and some police practices possibly not as different from the west as we would like to think.