Burning

About Burning

"Burning" is a South Korean mystery drama film released in 2018. Directed by Lee Chang-dong, the film is based on a short story called "Barn Burning" by Haruki Murakami. It revolves around the lives of three individuals: Jong-su, a young deliveryman, Hae-mi, a young woman who used to live in Jong-su's neighborhood, and Ben, a wealthy and mysterious man. The film intricately weaves a tale of jealousy, longing, and an underlying sense of tension that builds to a captivating climax.

Explore

• About
• Making / Production
• Actors
• Trivia / Interesting Facts
• Awards
• Quotes
• Music, Soundtrack

About

"Burning" follows the story of Jong-su, who encounters Hae-mi, a girl he grew up with. After spending time together, Hae-mi asks Jong-su to take care of her cat while she goes on a trip. When she returns, Hae-mi introduces Jong-su to Ben, a wealthy and mysterious man she met during her travels. As the three characters become entwined, tensions rise, and Jong-su becomes increasingly suspicious of Ben. The film builds a complex narrative exploring themes of class divide, desire, and the impact of past experiences on present actions.

Making / Production

The film was directed by acclaimed South Korean director Lee Chang-dong, known for his nuanced storytelling and deep character development. The cinematography in "Burning" is meticulous, capturing the subtle nuances of the characters' emotions and the tension that grows throughout the film. The script adaptation from Haruki Murakami's short story is masterfully done, adding layers of depth to the narrative.

Actors

• Yoo Ah-in as Jong-su: Yoo Ah-in portrays the protagonist, a young man grappling with his feelings for Hae-mi and his suspicions of Ben.
• Jeon Jong-seo as Hae-mi: Jeon Jong-seo delivers a compelling performance as the elusive and enigmatic Hae-mi, whose actions drive the plot forward.
• Steven Yeun as Ben: Steven Yeun captivates the audience with his portrayal of Ben, a charismatic and wealthy man whose intentions remain shrouded in mystery.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The film was selected to compete for the Palme d'Or at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival.
• Director Lee Chang-dong took inspiration from Murakami's short story to craft a narrative that delves into complex themes of loneliness and desire.

Quotes

• "Do you know what a metaphor is?" - Jong-su
• "Great hunger can only be satisfied through pain." - Hae-mi

Music, Soundtrack

The music in "Burning" plays a significant role in creating a haunting atmosphere that adds to the film's tension. The haunting soundtrack composed by Mowg enhances the overall mood of the film, underscoring the emotional depth of the characters and the unfolding story.