Film review
Lee Chang-dong’s Burning and its persistent dubiousness
Based loosely on the short story The Elephant Vanishes by Haruki Murakami, filmmaker Lee Chang-dong (Peppermint Candy, 2000; Oasis, 2002; Poetry, 2010) presents a mystery thriller that is difficult to stop watching thanks to its enigmatic storytelling and the peculiar characters. It’s not surprising that it acquired worldwide acclaim and was selected as the South Korean entry for Best Foreign Language Film at the 91st Oscars.
The three of them
Aspiring writer Lee Jong-su (Yoo Ah-in) has several low paid jobs and meets by coincidence childhood friend Shin Hae-mi (debutant Jeon Jong-seo); an energetic dreamer girl who follows pantomime lessons. Both of them start to hook up until Hae-mi meets wealthy and mysterious Ben (Steven Yeun). Intrigued by Ben’s attitude, Lee Jong-su delves into Ben’s life, as he suspects that he could be a dangerous person.
The uncertainty that lingers
Yoo Ah-in (#Alive) delivers an outstanding performance as Lee Jong-su, as he becomes one with the character and shows once again his versatility in roles. An award-worthy performance. From walking peculiarly -almost lumping- to becoming suspicious of every move, Lee Jong-su forms one of the three characters that show that something is not usual in this story.
To be sure in Burning means to play a detective game in which the director gives clues to the viewer through dialect and actions of the characters. The enigmatic and impossible to make cry Ben borders between illegal and legal. It’s his confidence and calmness à la American Psycho that bring out his oddness. Through the brilliant narrative, the viewer also questions Ben’s actions and remains unfamiliar with this character.
Each protagonist is an enigma, creates a gap between them and emphasises the mistrust that their class-division creates. Leaving Hae-mi, and especially Jong-su, questioning his economic circumstances and disbelieving Ben’s motives for spending time with Hae-mi. He senses that something is off, but cannot place it.
An intriguing narrative guided by the peculiarity of each protagonist makes Burning a hook that doesn’t let go. The increasing distrust that Jong-su experiences creates the question of whether Ben is a dangerous person or not.
The masterful details in the settings and each shot accompany the steady pace of the film. This pace, however, is not infuriating or frustrating, is a natural one that marks every step until the grand finale.
In short
The mind game that Lee Chang-dong plays with the viewer is one that doesn’t let go until the end. And even after the film finishes, the ghosts of these protagonists and their circumstances linger around — asking for certainty, and the truth. It is the persistent dubiousness that extends during the entire film and even after it ends that make Burning a must-watch.
