Wow! For a 20 year old movie with an overused serial killer trope, this still has the power to shock. It’s not just a catch-the-killer thriller but a harsh comedic takedown of the police at that time. They must have loathed it when it first came out. It seems their investigative technique barely changed from the Joseon era. Besides being hopelessly inadequate to find the killer, they created a host of secondary victims.

The plot is well done with many unexpected twists. Those who have seen Bong Joon Ho’s other film “Parasite” will have an idea. I especially liked the opposite trajectories for the two main cops. One becomes more aware of his weaknesses and tries to work more scientifically. The other gets increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress and becomes more and more undisciplined. And then there is the third sidekick cop. Let’s just say his fate was completely fitting for his character.

Finally the ending scene. I won’t give anything away. It was perfect.