Burning
aka Beoning
First screened in September 2018 / Most recently screened in December 2018

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Director: Lee Chang-dong. Cast: Yoo Ah-in, Jeon Jong-seo, Steven Yeun, Choi Seung-ho, Ban Hye-ra, Mun Seong-kun, Cha Mi-Kyung, Lee Bong-ryeon, Min Bok-gi, Lee Soo-jeong. Screenplay: Lee Chang-dong and Oh Jungmi (based on the short story "Barn Burning" by Haruki Murakami).

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Twitter Capsule: Rural-inchoate man circles city-slick man, in elliptical pursuit of female will-o'-the-wisp. Engrossing but suspicious.

Second Capsule: So solid in so many respects, but I'm not convinced that what's elliptical and what's blunt in this film serve each other?

Third Capsule: I admire the overall visual and sonic tonality, but specific images don't always excite me. Best part is Yoo Ah-in's prodigious performance.

VOR: ③  Adapting Murakami is always tough, especially with a tale this elliptical. Lee builds story in unique ways but several stops on this tour feel familiar.

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Photo © 2018 Sony Pictures Classics/Mooz Films

Not yet reviewed in full. Grade: B

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Awards:
	Cannes Film Festival: FIPRESCI Prize; Vulcain Prize (Shin Jum-hee, art direction)
	Los Angeles Film Critics Association: Best Supporting Actor (Yeun); Best Foreign Language Film (tie)
	National Society of Film Critics/i>: Best Supporting Actor (Yeun)

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