Burning
Burning

Movie spotlight

Burning

2018
Movie
18 min
Hindi

'Burning' is a conversation between two young mothers brought together by strange and cruel social realities, at a funeral ghat in Varanasi

Insights

IMDb7.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes95%
Metacritic88
Google Users86%
Director: Lee Chang-dongGenres: Drama, Mystery, Thriller

Plot Summary

Jong-su, a hard-up young farmer, reunites with Hae-mi, a childhood friend who claims to have traveled abroad. When Hae-mi returns, she introduces Jong-su to Ben, a mysterious, wealthy young man she met while traveling. Their lives become entangled in a surreal and increasingly tense manner, culminating in a shocking event.

Critical Reception

Lee Chang-dong's "Burning" was met with widespread critical acclaim, lauded for its masterful direction, ambiguity, and compelling performances. Critics praised its slow-burn tension and its exploration of social class, alienation, and mystery, making it one of the most discussed films of its release year.

What Reviewers Say

  • A masterfully crafted, slow-burn mystery that leaves audiences with lingering questions.

  • Praised for its ambiguous narrative and unsettling atmosphere.

  • Yoo Ah-in, Steven Yeun, and Jeon Jong-seo deliver captivating performances.

Google audience: Audiences generally found "Burning" to be a thought-provoking and unsettling film, appreciating its atmospheric tension and the performances of its lead actors. Some viewers noted its slow pace and ambiguity, while others found these elements to be strengths that contributed to the film's impact.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for the Palme d'Or at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival, won Best Foreign Language Film at the 2018 National Board of Review Awards, and was South Korea's submission for the Best Foreign Language Film at the 91st Academy Awards.

Fun Fact

Steven Yeun learned to speak Korean for his role as Ben, a feat he discussed as being challenging but rewarding for immersing himself in the character.

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