Burning

Based on a short story by Japanese author Haruki Murakami, Burning mixes thriller and mystery drama to tantalizing effect. Jongsu, a young villager and aspiring writer, meets Haemi, an old friend from his school days. She evokes his fantasies, which turn into burning passion for her after she returns from a stay abroad in company with the rich dandy Ben. Burning combines visual lyricism with mystery, and demands immediate attention, as its very first scene is key to its interpretation. A truly rewarding film experience, and one that will secure new fans for one of South Korea’s foremost directors.

NB! Burning is screened with Norwegian subtitles.

Lee Chang-dong (b. 1954) worked as a teacher and published several acclaimed novels before making his first film Green Fish (Chorok Mulkogi, 1997) at the age of 43. His films have premiered at major festivals such as Cannes and Venice. Lee also served as cultural minister in South Korea in 2003-2004.