Burning

My whole life I have only ever read two of Murakami's work that is Norwegian Wood and The Elephant Vanishes. The first time reading Barn Burning (The Elephant Vanishes) I wouldn't have thought it would be possible to adapt the short story onto big screen, until "Burning" arrived and was so captivating that it paved its way to Oscar 2019's shortlist.

Based on Murakami's work, it came as no surprise that the story is tangled with puzzle of uncertain structures, hidden messages, and ambiguity. A kind of film where nothing happen, yet, there's a palpable menace brimming at the same time. It is best to not take every dialogue literally as they might represent clues to reveal the final mystery. I know how frustrating it is to read a review of something so vague, but even at its most abstract, i couldn't help myself to look away. There's soemthing about the way the details are constructed and how it eventually unfolds from little sparks into an all out flame, that makes the film explosive climax so, for lack of a better word, rewarding!!

Its mesmerizing script surely won't work without the magnetic performance from the three leads, although many other chacarters appear for single scenes, as if they appear for no reason other than to support the characters. Some also feel the stories the characters tell are far too blurry that it became unclear if they are real or just a figment of the imagination. Whatever that is with the 3 incredible leads (Yoo Ah-in doe eyes, tho!), poetic methapors (koreans..), and hypnotizing imagery, BURNING SUCCESSFULLY HOOKS ME IN AND REFUSES TO LET GO. . . . . I love it when a film gave me the aftermath feeling even after weeks of watching it. All in all with all the pluses and (next to nothing) minuses, what everyone can agree on is that it's a masterpiece and IT'S LIT!!!(pun very superly intended)

Oh! one more thing I THINK is important to apprehend about this film is that it wasn't trying to sell bombastic full-of-plot-twist story or never-ending suspense and tension. It was only trying to bring you to feel the loneliness, to understand especially how toxic and fragile male insecurities can be, and above all the jealousy the poor main lead feel towards a mysterious heartless rich guy who snatches every possible good thing from his life.

Go go see it! Although it is clear that this one is not for 'everyone' but I really hope you like it!