Burning
The movie that defines the genre of mystery
WHAT A FUCKING FILM
From the start to the half way point I didn’t get it. It seemed like a film about young friends who seem to meet this dark guy who starts ruining their lives. But no I was fucking shut off after that.
As soon as Ben mentions the green house his manner is out the window and he reveals to the audience this is all a ploy. What a got from Ben is he is a man who manipulates and plays with his victims through the means of psychological torment. He invites women into his life just so he can play with his meals. I feel Jong-Su throughout this whole film is the real victim. A weird outcast who Ben sees as “fun”. Thought the whole film Jong-Su is secretly studied and toyed with.
But this film can be looked at in so many ways. Ben could be innocent we don’t know this film is impossible to come with a conclusion with. That’s what I love about it. This film presents no real answers. I don’t mean memories of murder no no no. I can’t even begin to tell you what the ending of this film means. Were we just played with the whole film.
The way this film conveys its dread so well. Every scene no matter how simple I just get such a sense of unease. Like Ben is just playing with Jong-Su. When he meets his mum I feel she’s in on it because the well existed for her. Little subtle nods show the films true meaning.
I also think This films got a heavy class divide sub plot. I feel Ben is an entitled rich person who just likes to mess around with the disadvantaged people for this amusement.
But enough of the fucking amazing writing this film has more stuff is great.
The dialogue is amazing. Most lines include such crucial info regarding the whole mystery and I love it.
The acting is amazing from Yeun. His characters the opposite of any murderer character. He’s well normal. Yeun just played a human which makes his characters dialogue so much more effective. It helps to build this mystery that is unfolding.
I also like the fact no character is good. I think Jong-Su is a stalker imo. Hae-mi lead Jong-Su on imo letting him become close only to present Ben. Ben is just Ben what a fucking character one of the best villains I’ve ever seen
There’s some lovely shots in the film of nature which also reflect Bens greenhouse monologue.
Bens fucked ain’t he. Just bragging in front of Jong-Su the fucking greenhouse speech is fucking GREAT !!!!
This films got a very quiet but effective score which is so important to creating the tension.
Burning presents a mystery that can’t be solved and that’s such a smart way of showing this story. The whole film you can think one thing and the next it’s changed. I’m genuinely stunned at how smart this film is. I fucking love Korean cinema and this is no exception. No answers no problem what a fucking masterpiece Korean cinema reigns supreme once more unbelievable