Memories Of Murder on DVD (2003)

R is for realism.

adiw from Leicestershire [Highly rated reviewer] , 09/03/2005

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.

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

MrMiguel from Bolton , 02/12/2007

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 !

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A refreshing new spin on the serial-killer genre

Philip Concannon from London , 06/02/2005

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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Another damn good Korean film.

Sambadly from East Sussex , 11/04/2005

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.

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R is for realism.

adiw from Leicestershire [Highly rated reviewer] , 09/03/2005

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.

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Art House

A customer from reading , 13/08/2008

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

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