Memories of Murder | Rotten Tomatoes

Memories of Murder

Released May 2, 2003

2h 9m

Mystery & Thriller

Crime

Drama

TRAILER

for Memories of Murder: Trailer 1

List

95%

80 Reviews

Tomatometer

92%

10,000+ Ratings

Audience Score

In 1986, Park (Song Kang-ho) and Cho (Kim Roi-ha) are 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 Jo 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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Kristy Puchko

Pajiba

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

Dec 3, 2020

Full Review

Barry Hertz

Globe and Mail

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.

Rated: 3.5/5

Oct 24, 2020

Full Review

Brian Tallerico

RogerEbert.com

Bong elevates every scene with his unbelievably assured filmmaking.

Rated: 4/4

Oct 19, 2020

Full Review

Josh Larsen

LarsenOnFilm

Dark, with a black wit to match...

Rated: 3.5/4

Jul 13, 2023

Full Review

Brian Susbielles

InSession Film

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

Mar 6, 2023

Full Review

Daisy Leigh-Phippard

Screen Queens

We should all know by now that Bong's stories are never just what they at first seem to speak in a Parasite analogy, you have to go into the basement.

Feb 21, 2022

Full Review

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matthieu r

Would love to watch it again

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/18/24

Full Review

Máté J

I wanted to give it 4 at first but the dropkicks made me decide to give it 5.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/14/24

Full Review

Evita Pramesti K

so so so gooddddd, very recommended, and the fact that the killer in the movie and real life have twin faces makes me more goosebumps, 10/10 obviously

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/11/24

Full Review

CÃ¨lia M

Good cinematographic shots, good color palette, good story, good characters, very well set, it is much better than many American films about serial killers. An authentic work of art, masterful work. Much better than zodiac than Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/27/24

Full Review

Alec B

There are plenty of movies about the terrible weight of trying to catch a serial killer, but few deal with the slew of mistakes that result from that desperation as "Memories of Murder" does.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

02/22/24

Full Review

Kitty K

Beautifully written, it kept me guessing as to who the real murderer is, only to be slapped with a hard-to-swallow ending.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/02/24

Full Review

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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

Song Jae-ho

Sgt. Shin Dong-chul

Byun Hee-bong

Sgt. Koo Hee-bong

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3:31

Memories of Murder: Trailer 1

2:01

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Synopsis

In 1986, Park (Song Kang-ho) and Cho (Kim Roi-ha) are 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 Jo attempt to piece together the clues and solve the case in this thriller based on true events.

Director: Bong Joon Ho
Producer: Lee Kang-bok
Screenwriter: Bong Joon Ho, Shim Sung-bo
Production Co: CJ Entertainment, Sidus, Muhan Investment
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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