By Robert Yaniz Jr.

DAY 24 OF THE 2018 HOLIDAY BINGE

An aspiring writer is lost within a real-life mystery in this South Korean film from Lee Chang-dong.

THE HYPE

In competition at the Cannes Film Festival, Burning — the first film from director/co-writer Lee Chang-dong in eight years — made such an impact that it permeated 100 markets around the world. Now the film is in contention for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and is the first Korean film to make the shortlist ahead of the nominations’ official announcement. If it does score a nomination, the film faces stiff competition from critics darling Roma, but let’s take a look at what Burning brings to the discussion.

THE STORY

Yoo Ah-in stars as Jong-su, a young man who can’t seem to find his path as a creative writer. When he randomly connects with old classmate Hae-mi (Jeon Jong-seo), Jong-su winds up vying for her affection alongside Ben (Steven Yeun), and the three form a friendship that culminates in a mystery that leaves Jong-su desperate for answers. In that regard, Burning is sure to leave viewers feeling very much the same, as the film isn’t more interested in putting us in Jong-su’s position than solving its central mystery.

THE CAST

Though Jong-su is the protagonist, Yoo very much plays him for the blank slate he is. This is a character whose existence has been defined by those around him and whose arc centers on him finding a direction and pursuing it head-on. Conversely, Jeon’s Hae-mi focuses on her own malleability, shifting who she is and the truths she clings to based on her own whims. Both actors are spot-on in their roles, but Yeun has rightfully earned most of the acclaim, delivering indecipherable nuance that may shift with each viewing.

THE PRODUCTION

Based on the short story “Barn Burning” by Haruki Murakami, the film employs what, appropriately enough, can only be described as a slow burn. That’s no to say that the tale is poorly told, merely that its unfurls with such meticulous attention to detail that viewers may not realize what it’s really saying until hours after it’s over. The film’s message may still strike many as too abstract to warrant a wholehearted recommendation, but the strength of the three lead performances and the level of craft Lee brings compensates for this.

THE VERDICT

If you’re in the mood for an atmospheric, contemplative thriller, then Burning may be right up your alley. If, however, viewers are looking for a film that actually aims to solve the puzzlebox it creates, then maybe save Burning for a day when you can stand the two-pronged frustration/reward of such a daring storytelling approach. Or come to see Yeun in a part that’s vastly different from his signature role on The Walking Dead. If nothing else, Burning could be the beginning of a particularly big phase for the actor’s career.

Burning stars Yoo Ah-in, Steven Yeun and Jeon Jong-seo and is directed by Lee Chang-dong.