Memories of Murder

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Memories of Murder

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) were 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 Cho 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)

03/29/2025

5/5

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.

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Kristy Puchko

Pajiba

12/03/2020

Memories of Murder is precisely what you'd expect from Bong.

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Barry Hertz

Globe and Mail

10/24/2020

3.5/5

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.

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Emma Vine

Loud and Clear Reviews

03/28/2025

5/5

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.

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Josh Larsen

LarsenOnFilm

07/13/2023

3.5/4

Dark, with a black wit to match...

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Brian Susbielles

InSession Film

03/06/2023

Bong Joon-ho’s second film gave him noted recognition around the world with this brilliant crime drama...

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Nicolas T

@Nikeo Mar 3

One of my favorite movies, I never tire to rewatch it. The rythm, the acting, the story, the images, nothing to throw away. Serious plot and story, yet with a lot of funny moments, even if it's culturally very Korean it transcends and relates to everyone (with a half functioning brain).

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crap R

@trimpingao Feb 28

i am the memories murderer

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MBI M

@MNZGamerX Feb 16

A gripping crime drama that begins with two bamboozling detectives trying to solve the murder of women in a rural locality and who are joined in the investigation by another far more intense and insightful detective from Seoul and it soon becomes clear a serial killer is on the loose and killing women in the most horrific ways imaginable and the inability to catch the killer has a adverse psychological effect on everyone concerned ending in tragedy and a reflection on the banality of evil ...

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Charis T.

@charis33 Jan 12

Mind blowing simple as that

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Uriel F.

@Boitumelo Dec 13

Good movie with a deep ending. The drop kicks were top tier

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Romas M

@Romas Nov 30

Greetings from Lithuania. "Salinui chueok" / "Memories of Murder" (2003) is a great crime mystery drama. It's story that was based on true events, although much here is factionalizes - despite that this is a great movie. Acting was very good by all involved. Music, cinematography, script are first rate. It's superbly paced movie, at running time 2 h 8 min this movie barely drags and is captivating from start till finish. This is not a typical "whodunnit" type of a mystery, and if you are hoping for a one, you might be a bit disappointed by the ending, which in my opinion is great. This is a very grounded and realistic portrayal of police procedural, when detectives were way over the line when interrogating suspects - this movie shows this in a very gritty way. Overall, all in all "Memories of Murder" is a great movie written and directed by a great Bong Joon Ho. This is one is not to be missed by anyone who likes solid mystery, police dramas.

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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

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Byun Hee-bong

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Synopsis

In 1986, Park (Song Kang-ho) and Cho (Kim Roi-ha) were 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 Cho 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: 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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