Originally Posted by neverending (Post 818280)

Memories of Murder (2003)

Korean horror film directed by Joon-ho Bong.

Never heard of this guy before but I'm REALLY glad I watched this. Not your typical Asian horror movie at all. No tall women with long hair. No creepy kids with big eyes. No ghosts.

This is the story surrounding the investigation of Korea's first serial killer case. I don't know where to start here... Perhaps by mentioning the directorial finesse of Joon-ho Bong. He straddles a line between a very dark humor and deadpan seriousness with the assurance of a master. Expert at creating tension and surprise.

At first we're presented with the world's worst criminal investigative team. They trample evidence. They arrest the wrong people and torture confessions out of them. They plant evidence. When a detective from Seoul joins them on the case, they are jealous of his more sophisticated methods and try and discredit him.

There's a real visual flair to this film as well, along with some stunning visual metaphores. Many key scenes take place in the rain at night and they're shot with perfection.

The lead actor, Kang-ho Song, turns in such a nuanced performance I was awed. He portrayed his role, at first that of a bumbling corrupt cop, that transforms into a very sympathetic caring character. It was probably the best performance I've seen in an Asian movie (what ones I've seen, of course).

The story itself moves along at a brisk pace, always kept me interested, and revealed some deft touches, symbolism and depth.

Needless to say- I was extremely impressed.

Ashe- you will love this- check it out.

You too Chrono!

Originally Posted by ChronoGrl (Post 818544)

Maybe I'll get to watching it today and report back. I think we need more action up in this forum. ;) :D

Originally Posted by psycho d (Post 818961)

Juon 2. Great sequel. Even creepier than the original. Loved the bleak atmosphere created here, and the ending was awesome. Great camera-work and disuninted scene sequencing.
Ashe.
d

Originally Posted by neverending (Post 818280)

There's a real visual flair to this film as well, along with some stunning visual metaphores. Many key scenes take place in the rain at night and they're shot with perfection.

The lead actor, Kang-ho Song, turns in such a nuanced performance I was awed. He portrayed his role, at first that of a bumbling corrupt cop, that transforms into a very sympathetic caring character. It was probably the best performance I've seen in an Asian movie (what ones I've seen, of course).

Originally Posted by roshiq (Post 818295)

Instead of focusing on the murder scenes and shocking images like most other conventional serial killer films, the movie puts much more time and details into the story, characters and the situation of the time the incidents took place... Intense humor, brilliant cinematography, excellent character developments with the incredible casts delivered in perfect way by the director Joon-ho Bong.

Originally Posted by ChronoGrl (Post 819179)

Really? I started watching this one a while back, but for some reason it had the feel of a REALLY low budget, cheap horror flick to me (and not a good one). I turned it off when I got bored and had enough - Not your experience? Is it worth turning on again? I honestly loved the original Ju-On, the remake, and Shimizu's Rinne as well... Ju On 2 didn't grab me, though... Maybe I should give it a second chance?

Originally Posted by adamstubbs (Post 820190)

I'd say definitely give it a second chance. Ju-On 2 is actually my favorite of all the Ju-On & Grudge films out there. I just like the odd space/time jumps in the film.

Originally Posted by Angra (Post 820205)

Are you talking about Ju-on 2 or Ju-on:The grudge 2?

Originally Posted by adamstubbs (Post 820222)

Ju-On 2 (Japanese)

I only refer to the American productions as The Grudge.

Originally Posted by Angra (Post 820256)

You do know the japanese series consists of:

Ju-on
Ju-on 2
Ju-on: the grudge 1
Ju-on: the Grudge 2

Right?

And half of Ju-on 2 is pretty much the last half of the first one with about 35 minutes of new ideas added. Which, to me, makes it the worst of the Japanese Ju-ons.