Burning

Synopsis & Film Details

Filmworks presents South Korea’s 2019 Oscar selection for Best Foreign Language Film, “Burning,” based on the highly regarded Haruki Murakami short story, “Barn Burning.” Master filmmaker Lee Chang-dong beautifully balances suspense and serenity through cinematic metaphor in this dramatic mystery/thriller. “Burning” is the searing examination of an alienated young man, Jongsu, an introvert whose already difficult life is complicated by the appearance of Haemi, a spirited woman who offers romantic possibility, and Ben, a wealthy and sophisticated young man Haemi returns from a trip with. When Jongsu learns of Ben’s mysterious hobby and Haemi suddenly disappears, his confusion and obsessions deepen, culminating in a stunning finale. The film tackles the effects of consumerism on the working class and the deep-seated compulsion to control. In Korean and English, with English subtitles.
Assistive listening services are not available for this film.

Director: Lee Chang-dong
South Korea • 148 minutes • Not Rated
Distributor: Well Go USA Entertainment