Review of Memories of Murder (2003) by Giacomo M — 05 Jul 2013

MEMORIES OF MURDER.

MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS.

Bong Joon-ho's "Memories of Murder" disappoints; I expected good things out of this one. It's a South Korean film based on the first actual recordings of serial murders in the country. There are great films that ask questions rather than giving answers and it works; "Memories of Murder," to me is a film that would have worked better if it gave answers instead of asking questions, it deprived me of a satisfying experience. I don't think I am spoiling much because the film's opening subtitles already tell you it's based on "an unresolved criminal investigation." It has three major flaws in its story: it takes too long for the detectives to revisit the mentally challenged boy regarding a murder, to me it was obvious. Also since it is believed that the serial killer murders women who are wearing red on rainy nights, why were the last two victims not wearing red? The first, older woman leaves her red jacket at home and for the latter of the two it did not rain. I am guessing the detectives' information was false regarding this killer, but I still consider it a flaw because these amending observations are never mentioned by the detectives or anyone else. The last issue I have is of one of the detective's wife crossing paths with a girl that is going to be murdered; why didn't the wife mention this to her husband? Throughout the film we see the husband and wife talk to each other about various things regarding his work, about suspects and what not; why don't they mention this to each other? I also found the investigations to be tiresome where the detectives beat up the suspects and it's also somewhat predictable.

The director is able to build suspense and its actors provide good performances, especially Song Kang-ho as detective Park. It also can be quite funny at times. Even with its flaws and it eventually faltering, it still is an enjoyable crime-drama, especially the chase scene. I see where the director was going with this but to me the point was not clearly informed.

P.S. How stupid are these women to be alone so late at night? Couldn't they find any other means to reach their destination? I found it baffling, one or two in particular obviously were aware that there are killings taking place.