madtechventures.com – “Burning” (버닝), a 2018 South Korean psychological thriller directed by Lee Chang-dong, is a masterfully crafted film that explores themes of class, obsession, and the elusive nature of truth. Adapted from a short story by Haruki Murakami, “Barn Burning,” the film unfolds at a deliberate pace, creating a lingering sense of unease and ambiguity.
A Chance Encounter: Rekindling an Old Acquaintance
The film introduces us to Jong-su (Yoo Ah-in), a young aspiring writer struggling to make ends meet. He runs into Hae-mi (Jeon Jong-seo), a childhood acquaintance, who asks him to look after her cat while she travels to Africa.
This seemingly simple request sets in motion a chain of events that will unravel Jong-su’s life. The rekindled connection with Hae-mi sparks a sense of longing and desire within him.
The Arrival of Ben: A Mysterious and Wealthy Figure
Upon Hae-mi’s return from Africa, she introduces Jong-su to Ben (Steven Yeun), a wealthy and enigmatic man she met during her travels. Ben’s presence creates a subtle tension and unease in Jong-su, who becomes increasingly suspicious of his intentions.
Ben’s character is shrouded in mystery. His wealth, his nonchalant attitude, and his cryptic comments about his hobby of “burning down greenhouses” create a sense of foreboding and ambiguity.
A Growing Obsession: Unraveling the Mystery
As Jong-su spends more time with Hae-mi and Ben, he becomes increasingly obsessed with Hae-mi and suspicious of Ben. Hae-mi’s sudden disappearance further fuels his obsession, leading him down a path of investigation and paranoia.
The film masterfully portrays Jong-su’s growing obsession. His anxieties about class, his unrequited feelings for Hae-mi, and his suspicions about Ben intertwine, creating a complex and compelling character study.
The Symbolism of Burning: A Metaphor for Unseen Forces
The recurring motif of “burning down greenhouses” becomes a central symbol in the film. It can be interpreted in various ways: as a metaphor for Ben’s destructive tendencies, as a representation of the unseen forces that shape people’s lives, or as a reflection of Jong-su’s own internal turmoil.
The ambiguity surrounding this symbolism adds to the film’s enigmatic nature, leaving the audience to ponder its meaning long after the credits roll.
A Slow Burn of Psychological Tension: A Masterpiece of Atmosphere
“Burning” is not a fast-paced thriller; it’s a slow burn that builds psychological tension gradually. The film relies on atmosphere, subtle gestures, and unspoken emotions to create a sense of unease and mystery.
The film’s deliberate pacing and its focus on character development create a deeply immersive and unsettling experience. The performances of Yoo Ah-in, Jeon Jong-seo, and Steven Yeun are all exceptional, conveying the complex emotions of their characters with nuance and subtlety.
A Powerful Exploration of Class, Obsession, and Truth
“Burning” is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores complex themes of class disparity, obsession, and the difficulty of discerning truth from illusion. Its ambiguous ending and its lingering sense of unease make it a truly unforgettable cinematic experience. It’s a masterpiece of atmosphere and character study, solidifying Lee Chang-dong’s reputation as one of South Korea’s most important filmmakers.