Memories of Murder

South Korea, late 1980s. Two detectives from a small rural town investigate a series of serial murders—the first on record in Korea's history—using opposing methods: the local, intuitive Park Doo-man and the sophisticated Seo Tae-yoon, who arrives from Seoul. In 2003, Bong Joon-ho directed this film based on the real-life Hwaseong serial killer case, blending absurd comedy and genuine horror in a completely unique way.

Memories of Murder is the film that established Bong Joon-ho's distinctive voice: a tone that seamlessly blends comedy and tragedy. The final scene is one of the most studied moments in modern Korean cinema. In essence, it precedes Parasite in every way.