Chugyeokja 2008
South Korea is the shining star of 21st century cinema. Directors like Kim-Ki-duk, Chang-wook Park, Jun-Ho Bong, and Hong-Jin Na have brought unique perspectives to the industry. Na, in particular, has achieved great success with films like Memories of Murder, which challenges the conventions of the serial killer genre. The killer is revealed early on and eventually confesses to their crimes, portraying a different approach compared to traditional serial killer films. The movie does not feature charismatic hero cops, but rather incompetent officers who struggle with everyday life and the influence of their profession. There are no meticulously planned murders, victims shaped by a message-driven fear (like in Seven), or intellectual detective chases. Instead, the film explores the corruption within the South Korean police force and how bureaucracy becomes a tool of political power, all with a subtle sense of humor. It’s worth mentioning that this is the director’s debut film.
