Review of Memories of Murder (2003) by Miles H — 04 Apr 2008

I remember when this movie came to Boston for less than a week, and my going to see it based on little more than an interesting looking still photograph from the paper. In short, this movie terrified me to my core.

I couldn't remember being so lastingly creeped out and frightened. There's very little on-screen violence, and even the murder scenes are tame by modern standards, but Bong understands that violence and blood are not scary.

It's the threat of both that's so chilling, and that's what this movie is all about: the chance of blood being spilled and inability to stop it from occurring. It's a depressing film and I can see why it left the US so quickly.

However, it's masterful in terms of atmosphere and character development. The detectives are all wonderfully played, especially Detective Park by Kang-Ho Song. Well meaning brutes who lack the tools to fulfill their intentions.

The setting during the dictatorship is a nice choice and the hunt for the serial killer is a nice parallel to the political waves sweeping the country. But the movie stays focused enough, and it's gripping to the very end, flawless even.

The last shot is blood-curdling for what it suggests. David Fincher tried to go for a similar effect with the grossly overrated "Zodiac" but failed. To see how it's done right, this is the proper film to watch.

Just be warned that you might not be able to sleep for days.