Bong Joon-ho’s immaculate direction and thorough exploration of characters and themes make Memories of Murder a masterclass of the crime genre.
Director: Bong Joon-ho
Genre: Crime Thriller
Run Time: 132′
U.S. Release: July 15, 2005
U.K. Release: August 13, 2004
Where to Watch: On digital & VOD
It’s scary to think that when Bong Joon-ho’s thriller Memories of Murder was released in 2003, the real-life serial killer the film is based on was still at large. Similarly, it’s infuriating to learn that it took thirty-nine years to identify the perpetrator of the crimes.
In 1986, the town of Hwaseong, South Korea, was thrown into disarray when a series of murders began taking place. When the bodies of the victims, who were all women, were found, it was discovered that the offender not only sexually assaulted them but gagged and bound them with their own clothing. This was one of the first serial killers in the country, and these senseless acts enraged the nation.
In Memories of Murder, multiple detectives are assigned to the case, though as the crimes escalate and the details become more complex, viewers realize just how in over their heads these cops really are. Detective Park Doo-man (Song Kang-ho, of Parasite) relies on brute force and intuition to find answers, reflecting his naivety and lack of training as a cop in a small town. He believes solutions will emerge on their own, but he’s never handled a case of this magnitude and frequently pressures potential suspects into coerced confessions. Then there’s Detective Seo Tae-yoon (Kim Sang-kyung), who is sent to Hwaseong from Seoul to help with the investigation. Compared to his impulsive colleague, Seo has a much more professional and logical approach. However, it’s only a matter of time before the absence of solid leads in the case begins to unnerve him, causing his calm exterior to crack.
Memories of Murder tells the story of one of South Korea’s most prolific serial killers to date and sheds light and awareness on the harrowing real-life case. It also demonstrates the abuse of power in the police force, systematic corruption, the challenges and lack of resources during a period when DNA resources were limited, and the effects of the psychological trauma inflicted on the detectives assigned to the investigation.
As weeks turn into months, and months turn into years, their quest for truth and justice for the victims never arrives, as the case remains unsolved. As a result, Park and Seo grow increasingly frustrated and are tortured by guilt throughout the process. Time marches on, and they wonder what they could have done differently or what might have led them to their prime suspect. The lack of closure leaves the pair mentally shattered, exhausted, and driven to the point of obsession. By the film’s end, we see Park and Seo’s roles reversed as Park becomes the voice of reason, and Seo’s overwhelming need for answers drives him to his breaking point.
Bong is a master at effortlessly blending themes, genres, and tones in his films without disrupting the core narrative, and Memories of Murder is no exception. The subject matter is devastatingly bleak, yet the director still interjects moments of dark humor into the mix. The formula works, giving viewers comic relief when they need it the most. Similarly, Bong showcases each of the film’s themes without the story becoming cluttered and unfocused. Every element within the narrative serves a purpose and intertwines seamlessly while conveying its intended message.
One hurdle the detectives face is the lack of leadership, training, and direction they receive during this time. This hinders effective law enforcement and leads them to take matters into their own hands and make questionable decisions. While viewers become increasingly frustrated with the methods used to solve the crimes, we grow to feel a deep sense of empathy for the characters as we realize their limitations in the field. As Memories of Murder progresses, viewers experience the hopelessness and frustration the detectives feel and their inability to find closure. Alongside Bong’s flawless direction and vision is cinematographer Kim Hyung-koo, who creates a haunting, eerie atmosphere that instills a feeling of emptiness. Wide shots of vast landscapes throughout the film highlight how the detectives are merely crucial pieces of the puzzle without a place.
Although it’s been twenty-one years since Memories of Murder was released, no matter how many times you rewatch the thriller, its poignancy never fades. 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 and is considered by many to be one of the greatest films of all time.
Memories of Murder: Movie Plot & Recap
Synopsis:
In 1986, the residents of Hwaseong, South Korea, are thrown into turmoil after a series of murders occur, leading to years of unanswered questions and an inability to identify the perpetrator.
Pros:
- Flawless direction by Bong Joon-ho, as he reflects the film’s compelling themes and the frustration of the cops involved in the case.
- Masterful cinematography that highlights the bleak subject matter and the helplessness felt by those working tirelessly to gain answers.
- A relatively straightforward structure that balances each of the film’s elements effortlessly and educates viewers on the harrowing true-crime story.
Cons:
- There aren’t any. It’s a perfect film.
Memories of Murder is now available to watch on digital and on demand.
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