“There are people in this world who simply disappear.”
synopsis
Jong-su, a quiet aspiring writer, reconnects with a childhood acquaintance who soon leaves on a trip to Africa. When she returns, she introduces him to Ben, a wealthy and enigmatic young man. As the three spend time together, Jong-su becomes increasingly uneasy about Ben’s strange hobbies and the possibility that something far more sinister lies beneath his calm exterior.
pairs well with ...
mini-review
Director Lee Chang-dong crafts a hypnotic slow-burn mystery inspired by a short story from Haruki Murakami. Burning unfolds gradually, allowing tension and ambiguity to build until the audience begins questioning everything they see. It’s a haunting film about obsession, class resentment, and the unsettling feeling that some mysteries may never truly be solved.
A quiet late-night viewing and the lingering feeling that something important happened… even if you’re not entirely sure what it was.
Absurdist's Corner
A man casually admits he enjoys burning abandoned greenhouses for fun… and everyone somehow continues hanging out with him like that’s a normal hobby.
fun facts
The film is loosely based on Haruki Murakami’s short story “Barn Burning.”
Steven Yeun’s performance as the mysterious Ben earned widespread critical acclaim.
Burning appeared on numerous critics’ lists as one of the best films of the 2010s.