Movie spotlight
Memoirs of a Murderer
The movie begins in the year 1995 where there were 5 peculiar murder cases. The murderer would always get someone close to the victim to witness how he would strangle the victim from behind with a rope but he would let the witnesses go and speak to the media on how the murders happened. Ito plays the role of Makimura, the police detective who was in charge of investigating the serial murders but failed to catch the cunning murderer and his respected superior ended up being killed as well. 22 years later in 2017 when the case is nearing its statute of limitations, a man named Sonezaki claims to be the culprit for the 1995 murders and even publishes a book titled "Watashi ga satsujinhan desu" to talk about the cases. Despite the disgust towards Sonezaki's actions, the intensive attention showered on him via the media and SNS makes him become the talk of town.
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Plot Summary
A former detective, now a serial killer, fakes his own death and undergoes plastic surgery to escape capture. He then becomes a celebrated author, detailing his crimes in a best-selling memoir. However, his past catches up to him when a new detective and a victim's parent discover inconsistencies, leading to a dangerous game of cat and mouse.
Critical Reception
Memoirs of a Murderer was met with widespread critical acclaim, praised for its intricate plot, dark humor, and Bong Joon-ho's masterful direction. It was particularly lauded for its compelling performances and its ability to balance suspense with social commentary.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its clever and twist-filled narrative.
Lauded for its unique blend of thriller, dark comedy, and social critique.
Hailed as a masterclass in suspenseful filmmaking with strong character development.
Google audience: Audiences lauded the film's gripping storyline, unexpected twists, and the strong performances, particularly from the lead actor. Many found it to be a highly engaging and thought-provoking thriller that kept them on the edge of their seats.
Awards & Accolades
Won Best Film and Best Director at the Blue Dragon Film Awards, among numerous other nominations and wins internationally.
Fun Fact
The film is based on the true story of the Hwaseong serial murders, which occurred in South Korea between 1986 and 1991, and remained unsolved for decades.
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