Burning
Burning

Burning

2022Movie86 minCantonese

Lam, a doctor, puts his family in mortal danger from a one-night stand.

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Insights

IMDb7.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes94%
Metacritic84/100
Google Users87%
Director: Lee Chang-dongGenres: Drama, Mystery, Thriller

Plot Summary

A mysterious young woman, Hae-mi, reconnects with her childhood friend, Jong-su, and introduces him to Ben, a wealthy and enigmatic man she met while traveling. When Hae-mi disappears, Jong-su becomes convinced that Ben is involved and embarks on a desperate search for the truth, blurring the lines between reality and paranoia.

Critical Reception

Burning was met with widespread critical acclaim, lauded for its masterful direction, complex characters, and ambiguous, thought-provoking narrative. Critics praised its slow-burn tension and exploration of class disparity and existential dread, making it one of the most discussed films of its year.

What Reviewers Say

  • A brilliantly crafted, unsettling mystery that delves into class struggle and psychological tension.
  • Praised for its ambiguous narrative and powerful performances, leaving audiences with lingering questions.
  • A slow-burn masterpiece that is both intellectually stimulating and emotionally resonant.

Google audience: Audiences found 'Burning' to be a captivating and thought-provoking film, appreciating its atmospheric tension and the nuanced performances of its cast. While some found the ambiguous ending to be frustrating, many lauded its intellectual depth and unique storytelling.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for the Palme d'Or at the 2018 Cannes Film Festival; Won Best Foreign Language Film at the 2018 National Society of Film Critics Awards.

Fun Fact

The film is based on the short story 'Barn Burning' by Japanese author Haruki Murakami, which itself was inspired by William Faulkner's 1939 short story of the same name.

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