Memories of Murder (2003)

Memories of Murder (2003)

 

7/10

Starring

Song Kang-ho

Kim Sang-yung

 

Directed by Boon Joon-ho

 

The idea that many people got away with murder in the late 80s and early 90s due to the lack of good DNA records is chilling. This movie takes us back to South Korea during that time, where a man committed a series of rapes and murders targeting women. The story revolves around two detectives deeply engrossed in solving the case, desperate to stop the killings.

The movie’s biggest strength is its setting. It convincingly recreates the 80s, with stellar acting and actors who embody their roles almost perfectly.

The two lead characters, Detectives Park and Seo, are determined to bring the case to a close. Park is the older, more experienced detective, but his methods are crude and outdated. In contrast, Seo is younger and more methodical. Park’s approach involves beating suspects into confessing, which leads him to prematurely accuse a mentally challenged young man. This man vividly describes the crimes as if he committed them, but his behavior makes it clear he lacks the mental capacity to carry out such calculated and cruel acts.

Eventually, Park and Seo realize the man is a witness, not the perpetrator. However, Park’s aggressive tactics and the man’s limited mental abilities make it difficult for him to communicate what he saw. By the time the detectives piece this together, it’s too late to act on his information effectively.

The murders themselves are horrifying. The killer operates during rainy nights, targeting his victims by catching them, tying them up, gagging them with their own underwear, raping them, and finally strangling them.

As the case drags on, the delay in catching the murderer takes a toll on the detectives, as each passing day means more women lose their lives.

The movie is based on a real case that occurred in South Korea during the late 80s and early 90s. At the time, the case remained unsolved for decades. The killer was eventually caught while serving time in jail for a separate rape offense.

Memories of Murder is considered a cult classic in South Korea and one of the finest films to come out of the country. Written and directed by Bong Joon-ho, it is widely regarded as one of his best works, earning him numerous awards across Asia.

Finding good movies to watch can be hard, so when someone drops a good recommendation like this one, it is very much appreciated. So, I too recommend that you go see it.