Directed by: Lee Chang-dong

Screenplay by: Oh Jung-mi, Lee Chang-dong

Based on: "Barn Burning" by Haruki Murakami

Produced by: Lee Joon-dong, Lee Chang-dong

Starring: Yoo Ah-in, Steven Yeun, Jeon Jong-seo

Cinematography: Hong Kyung-pyo

Edited by: Kim Hyeon, Kim Da-won

Music by: Mowg

Production companies: Pinehouse Film, Now Film, NHK, Finecut

Distributed by: CGV Arthouse (South Korea), Twin Co., Ltd (Japan)

Release dates: May 16, 2018 (Cannes), May 17, 2018 (South Korea), February 1, 2019 (Japan)

Running time: 148 minutes

Countries: South Korea, Japan

Language: Korean


Plot:

"Burning" follows Lee Jong-Su (Yoo Ah-in), a young aspiring author, who reconnects with his childhood friend, Shin Hae-mi (Jeon Jong-seo). Hae-mi introduces Jong-Su to Ben (Steven Yeun), a wealthy and enigmatic man with a bizarre and disturbing hobby. As Jong-Su gets entangled in their lives, he discovers unsettling truths that lead to a tense and chilling climax.


Performances:


Yoo Ah-in (Lee Jong-Su): Yoo Ah-in delivers a strong performance, capturing the nuances of a character who is both vulnerable and intense.

Steven Yeun (Ben): Steven Yeun's portrayal of Ben is compelling and mysterious, adding depth to the character’s unsettling charm.

Jeon Jong-seo (Shin Hae-mi): Jeon Jong-seo brings a captivating presence to her role, effectively portraying Hae-mi's free-spirited yet troubled nature.

Supporting Cast: The supporting actors perform adequately, contributing to the overall narrative.


Technicians:

Direction and Writing: Lee Chang-dong’s direction, while meticulous, may not appeal to all audiences due to its slow pacing and ambiguous storytelling. The screenplay, adapted from Haruki Murakami's short story, expands on the original premise but feels prolonged.

Cinematography : Hong Kyung-pyo's cinematography is a highlight, capturing the eerie and atmospheric tone of the film.

Editing: The editing by Kim Hyeon and Kim Da-won maintains a deliberate pace, which might feel sluggish to some viewers.

Music: Mowg's score is minimalistic and haunting, complementing the film’s gloomy and tense atmosphere.

Strengths:


Performances: The lead actors deliver noteworthy performances, with Yoo Ah-in and Steven Yeun standing out.

Atmosphere: The film effectively creates a sense of unease and tension through its cinematography and music.

Weaknesses:


Pacing: The film’s slow pace and extended runtime can make it feel drawn out and lagging.

Narrative Depth: The story, while intriguing, may come across as thin when stretched into a 148-minute film, feeling forced at times.


My Personal Take on This Film:

"Burning" is a complex and atmospheric thriller that delves into themes of obsession, mystery, and existential dread. While the performances are strong and the film succeeds in creating a tense atmosphere, its slow pacing and ambiguous storytelling might not resonate with all viewers. The extended runtime makes the narrative feel stretched, losing some of its impact along the way. Despite its artistic merits, "Burning" might be more appreciated by those who enjoy contemplative and slow-burn cinema rather than mainstream thriller enthusiasts.


Rating: 1.5/5