Lee Chang-dong returns with Burning, a low-key mystery that’s generating all sorts of hype during its festival run.
Based on a short story by Haruki Murakami, the film follows a pair of old schoolmates who jump-start their relationship just before the woman leaves on a trip. She returns home with a new lover in tow, leaving everyone to reevaluate their connections. It’s a film with a love triangle, a mysterious stranger, and the potential for violence. In other words, a bunch of good stuff for Chang-dong to let simmer.
Newcomer Jeon Jong-seo plays the woman at the center of this mess, but Chang-dong got much more experienced actors to play the jockeying men. Prolific South Korean actor Yoo Ah-in headlines the film with Steven Yeun portraying the strange newcomer. It’s an odd assortment of performers, and it will be interesting to see how they all work together.
Chang-dong, of course, hasn’t released a film in eight years, much to the chagrin of those who consider him one of our preeminent filmmakers. All reports from its festival run is that the movie is worth the wait, so keep your eye out for this one as it rolls out internationally.
Burning is directed by Lee Chang-dong and stars Yoo Ah-in, Steven Yeun, and Jeon Jong-seo. It will be released in the US on October 26th, 2018 and in the UK on February 1st, 2019. For international release dates, click here.
Are you excited for Burning? Let us know in the comments!
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