Burning

Burning is a South Korean thriller film directed by Lee Chang-dong, based on the novel 'Burnng' by Ciege Choi, although it actually is based on a 1998 novel 'Come, Come, Byoung-Ho' and the actual novel 'Burning' was based upon a story by a Japanese, Haruki Murakami, ' Barn Burning' which was not used in the film. The film begins showcasing the mundane life of Jong-su (played by Yoo Ah-in), a deliveryman who is seen trudging through the city streets on his motorbike, his face a picture of boredom and apathy. His life is devoid of excitement, his days blending mercifully into each other. His interactions with his coworkers are stilted, and he spends most of his free time lost in thought. However, his life takes an interesting turn when he runs into Hae-mi (played by Jeon Jong-seo), a girl who once lived in his neighborhood but had moved away sometime ago. She catches up with Jong-su when she asks him a favor. She's going on a trip to Africa and wonders if he'd mind keeping an eye on her cat while she's away. Jong-su agrees, and the film takes a slight detour into the world of Hae-mi's whimsical life. However, this brief respite from the monotony of his life is short-lived. Before Jong-su can even process the strange world of Hae-mi, she's back, this time with an enigmatic figure named Ben (played by Steven Yeun), whom she met during her trip. As it turns out, Ben is charismatic and confident, with a swagger that leaves Jong-su feeling awkward and out of place. The dynamic between Ben and Hae-mi is intriguing, to say the least. It seems to suggest a deep emotional connection between them, one that is both intense and suffocating. As Ben settles in, he begins to reveal aspects of his personality that Jong-su finds intriguing. The film takes on a slightly voyeuristic tone, with Jong-su acting as a fly on the wall, observing the interactions between Ben and Hae-mi. One day, Ben tells Jong-su about his 'hobby.' He talks about how he works in a publishing house, but his true passion lies in writing a novel. What's interesting is that he's obsessed with the concept of arson. His idea is to set fire to an old barn in an abandoned farm on one of the rural islands off the coast of Korea, just to see the world burn. Intrigued by this, Jong-su finds himself drawn to Ben, much like Ben has been drawn to Hae-mi. He begins to observe Ben more closely, trying to understand the intricacies of his personality. There's a certain sense of awe that Jong-su feels when he's in Ben's presence. However, as the days go by, Jong-su also begins to notice the darker side of Ben's personality. Ben is moody and brooding, with flashes of anger that are hard to ignore. The tension between Ben and Hae-mi becomes increasingly palpable, leaving Jong-su feeling caught in the middle. Despite his growing unease, Jong-su finds himself drawn deeper into Ben's world. He begins to question his own existence, and the choices he's made in life. In a way, Ben is like a catalyst, forcing Jong-su to confront the emptiness of his life. The film's climax is both intense and heartbreaking. It's like watching a train wreck in slow motion – you can't look away, even though you know it's going to end in disaster. Without giving too much away, Ben sets fire to the barn, and the consequences are catastrophic. As the film unfolds, Lee Chang-dong raises questions about the meaning of life, and the impact we have on others. Jong-su is forced to confront the emptiness of his existence, and the choices he's made in life. In a way, Ben is like a warning sign, a reminder of the destructive power of obsession. In the end, the film leaves us with a haunting sense of unease, as we reflect on the consequences of our actions. Burning is a film that will leave you disturbed, but also introspective – forcing you to confront the darker aspects of human nature.