Beoning

South Korea, 2018

Korean with Czech and English subtitles

Director: Lee Chang-dong

Starring: Yoo Ah-in, Steven Yeun, Jeon Jong-seo

Distributor: Finecut

Based on: Haruki Murakami – Barn Burning

Aspiring writer Lee Jong-su (Yoo Ah-In) is going through an ambiguous romance with Shin Hae-mi (Jeon Jong-seo) only to gradually become obsessed with wealthy mystery man and love rival Ben (Steven Yeun).

Burning is a re-interpretation of a short story Barn Burning by Haruki Murakami from acclaimed South Korean director Lee Chang-dong. He has received plaudits worldwide for such previous works as the satirical Green Fish, or the structurally audacious Peppermint Candy. Burning is a hypnotic experience concerning an infinite absence, economic inequality, strange habits, and the search for creative inspiration. At once deliberately empty yet full to the brim, it’s a thrilling screen adaptation that leaves ample space for the viewer’s interpretation while playfully subverting crime story conventions.