This morning I watched Memories of Murder, a 2003 drama (dramedy in parts) about the murders of several young girls in South Korea. Directed by Bong Joon-Ho, better known for 2006's The Host, it is based on the true events of a spate of 10 similar murders in the late 1980's.
Firstly, I should point out I was directed towards this film by Edgar Wright, and as he described it as "criminally unseen", I felt I should check it out.
It stars Joon-Ho regular Song Kang-Ho, whom you may recognise as the father in The Host, or as a vampire in Park Chan-wook's Thirst. Kang-Ho absolutely commands the screen, putting in an unforgettable performance, going as far as including a fantastic drop-kick. The support cast is also phenomenal. Kim Sang-Kyung is excellent as the cold Detective Seo, and Kim Roe-ha gives an attention grabbing performance as the aggresive Detective Cho.
I can also not talk about this film without mentioning the cinematography. It is filled with stunning, silent long shots of the paddys, which are the site for some of the murders. There are lots of haunting shots of the detectives from afar, implanting a fear that the killer is constantly one step ahead, and almost definitely still on the prowl. One particularly memorable scene follows a girl walking along an overgrown path, with shots from all angles, providing instant paranoia. Another scene that spring to mind include a shocking violent outburst in a restaurant, which left me with my mouth gaping.
This is, without a doubt, an absolute masterpiece. I am shocked at myself for not instantly looking for it after seeing The Host, as I also love that film. Everything about Memories of Murder is fantastic, and it has rather fantastically smashed it's way into my favourite films of all time.
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