Memories of a Murder

Korea, 1986. After the body of a woman is found, an investigative team, led by the unscrupulous Sergeant Hee-bong Koo (Byun Hee-bong) is given the case. Our hero isn't the sort of copper likely to rescue cats from trees or help old dears across the road, though. A tough but not very bright cookie, he's a fan of putting the terror into interrogation, beating suspects until he gets a confession. His co-workers aren't much better and while they're busy roughing up local rogues in an effort to find their man, the killer is hard at it on the local populace. The newly emerging science of forensics may hold the key, and a Seoul expert, Detective Seo (Kim Sang-kyun) is despatched to aid the case. Of course, the methods of the cops are so wildly dissimilar that friction is inevitable...

But that's where similarities with most standard issue (sorry) cop thrillers ends, for Bong Joon-ho has not only invested a sizable emotional context to his characters, which he portrays in a darkly comedic light. The characters' faults, especially those of the deeply unprofessional cops, are highlighted ruthlessly, giving the film a sizzling humorous undertone. He knows where to draw the line, however, and the emphasis here really is on the procedural police thriller. The conflict between the schools of thought within the police force is neatly handled, with both of the lead actors investing a great deal of depth to their characters. Give it a go.