Why Bong Joon-ho’s ‘Memories of Murder’ Outshines ‘Parasite’ in Every Way

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Following some significant delays, we are now eagerly anticipating a fresh film from the talented Bong Joon-ho, who is renowned for his exceptional skill in blending tones and delivering both heartrending tragedy and witty comedy. Since his worldwide success with Parasite, he has introduced countless Western viewers to the richness of Asian cinema that has too often been overlooked. One such example is Bong Joon-ho’s Memories of Murder, a remarkable fusion of suspenseful police procedural and biting comedy. This film showcases his exceptional ability to manipulate tones, creating an unsettling sense of impending doom more effectively than Parasite. While Parasite, Bong Joon-ho’s Oscar-winning masterpiece, is undeniably brilliant and flawless in its own right, when compared to Memories of Murder, the latter demonstrates a masterful execution of dark comedy that elevates an already gritty procedural into one of the finest comedic tragedies of the 2000s.

In a different, straightforward manner: The film “Memories of Murder” does not offer a sense of release for its viewers, unlike “Parasite.” Although neither movie concludes neatly, “Memories of Murder” gradually escalates the tension, while “Parasite” tends to present it more overtly. Both techniques work effectively, but “Memories of Murder” stands out by skillfully influencing its audience beyond the limitations of its genre. The ambiguity between heroes and villains in both movies intensifies the contrasting feelings evoked by the violent scenes that Joon-ho creates. However, the raw intensity of “Memories of Murder” gives it a sense of urgency that “Parasite” keeps more personal or internal.

‘Memories of Murder’ Is a Unique Crime Thriller

The movie titled “Memories of Murder” revolves around two investigators chasing a serial rapist and murderer, with the storyline inspired by actual crimes committed by Lee Choo-jae. However, what makes this film stand out is its unique approach to the genre, as it skillfully blends elements of darkness with humor, creating an unsettling yet comical atmosphere. The movie’s strength lies in its ability to juxtapose the broader societal implications of these heinous crimes with the personal torment felt by the detectives when the culprit evades their grasp. In essence, Memories of Murder deftly explores both the external and internal impacts of the crime on those involved in its investigation. Similarly, the film “Parasite” employs a similar narrative device, but its internal struggles don’t resonate as effectively with the larger context as seen in Memories of Murder.

In simpler terms, “Parasite” holds off on revealing its message until the last part of the film. Although the internal relationships among the characters are fully explored, the critique of social classes may not get as much focus as it could during the climactic party scene. On the other hand, “Memories of Murder” consistently introduces doubts in the investigation process by reducing tension and keeping viewers emotionally detached from the characters. The impact of “Memories of Murder” turns out to be stronger because it keeps its audience at a distance.

‘Memories of Murder’ Balances Comedy and Drama

In a subtle yet profound manner, the skill of maintaining two contrasting moods frequently operates on a subconscious and subliminal level. You might not always recognize when the tension mysteriously dissipates from a scene, and this principle applies to the film “Memories of Murder“. The movie doesn’t portray heroes in any form, be it on one side or the other, and as the boundaries between good and evil become increasingly hazy, “Memories of Murder” derives pleasure from its masochism. If a development occurs in the case, director Joon-ho pulls us back 10 steps. When there’s an awkward moment of discomfort or dark humor, Joon-ho compels us to endure it, to feel its intensity. “Memories of Murder” is not designed to be a comfortable or effortless experience for viewers.

In this crime drama, tension escalates so intensely that there seems little room for respite. From the beginning, it’s clear that lives are at stake, but as the characters delve deeper into the case, their personal involvement increases, making it less about saving lives and more about preserving their fragile masculinity. Director Joon-ho cleverly undermines the two main detectives from the outset, ensuring that when they have their heroic moments, they fall flat when reminded of the complex web of events beyond their control. This drama is exceptionally well done, demonstrating a subtle lack of bias even when the ‘heroes’ don’t emerge victorious.

Bong Joon-ho Wants His Audience to Be Uncomfortable

In the films “Memories of Murder” and “Parasite”, Bong Joon-ho skillfully balances villainizing and sympathizing with his characters. However, he does this in an unconventional manner, always including nuanced caveats. The movie “Memories of Murder” immerses its characters in challenging predicaments, even though we maintain a certain distance from them, the tension permeates throughout the story. This is achieved by avoiding a typical narrative structure and portraying the murders as impersonal.

As a film enthusiast, I find that while “Parasite” may have a more intense pace and less focus on psychological aspects compared to other works, it still shares a common trait: both present characters grappling with the unyielding realities of their environments and their positions within them. There’s always someone above or holding more power, and as the main characters strive for change, Joon-ho masterfully places hurdles in their path to thwart their attempts. This isn’t necessarily about preserving the status quo, but rather accentuating the ruthless nature of our world.

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2025-03-09 21:05