Why is Santa have so many names? Santa Claus, Old Saint Nick, Kris Kringle? BS! Don’t explain, just ranting, already googled answer! Burning was a great movie 😀
@@e1dsd720 He did say that he feels the need to burn them and that they're waiting to be burned. But in Hae mi's case he said that he felt jealous because she told him that jong su is really important to her. That kinda explains his motivation to kill her but I don't understand his reasoning for killing the other women. Should I just narrow it down to him being a creep? Would appreciate it if you simply it in your own words. I might've completely misunderstood everything.
Just watched this movie after seeing Parasite. I won’t lie. After the movie ended, I was filled with a bit of rage. I was actually angry that I sat around for two hours to have nothing answered. Then I watched this review and realized that is the same rage that Jung-so carried with him for a majority of the film looking for answers in all the wrong places. I suppose that was part of the directors intention. I think this one will sit with me for a long time.
Exactly, the movie has very long scenes that slow the viewer down. you get caught up in the scenery and talks and that's why lots of people say they were bored. i get that but after the movie my head started spinning once i understood all the metaphors and what Ben did! Great movie but definitely not for people who expect a lot of action.
@@MyHandle4455 same! I feel intrigued. Those kinda movies are rare and soooo good! Let me know if you find any movies that are similar and from Korea!
Almin M I’m still looking. Have been on a binge of Korean cinema ever since. Have been blessed to see a great variety of movies, but none that strike in the same vein as Parasite and Burning. Beginners luck, I guess?
When Jong-Su was checking Hae-Mi's apartment or inspecting the greenhouses, I was expecting him to find something undesirable there. When Ben turns around in his bathroom, I was expecting the 2nd girlfriend's body in the bathtub. Whenever Ben moved closer to Jong-Su, I expected Ben to stab Jong-Su. It was constant anxiety. Yet, the only murder in the film came right at the end, from the guy I was not expecting it from.
@@BlackRedGray don't call me stupid this is my opinion. I've watched a lot of movies and this movie literally had nothing in it. Tell what is so special you find in this?
@@swaroop7021 it's about thinking of the questions that not have been answered. It's like an abstract picture where you try to find out what the artist tries to tell you. It's about believing in something when we don't know for sure. Maybe it's also about the search for the meaning of life. Some people are afraid to ask themselves this questions and think about it intensively...
Also worth mentioning is that the film is an adaptation of Haruki Murakami's short story 'Barn Burning' found in his book - collection of short stories - 'The Elephant Vanishes'. It's a great read, for anyone who might be interested.
And Barn Burning is itself a reinterpretation of another story also called the same title, by, yes, William Faulkner. That's why the characters reference Faulkner so much.
@@m____s I would highly recommend reading anthologies such as Blind Willow Sleeping Women and Birthday Stories along with his classical works like Norwegian Wood , Sputnik Sweetheart etc
You don’t realize how heavy this movie is until the very end. Even then you’re still floored. So much depth here. I will give it a disciplined re-watch one day.
The acting in this movie is so good. Jung soo's body language is so lax during the time period, his face has a display of confusion all the fricking time. And I think it's commendable. Ben's Korean is awkward, I noticed it too but I thought maybe it was because of Steven Yeun but no. You're right, it was intentional maybe because he was rich so he didn't take much effort or rather pleasure in speaking Korean? Just like most people, rich ones in India don't want to speak the native language but English because that's what makes them classy. Or look classy and educated.
All my teenage life, I’ve been questioning my purpose, and when, or if, my life will be full, or “complete” like everybody else, but as time goes by, and as I continue to wait, there still is no answer to be brought back to me. Everyday, I question my life, and its meaning; I want to mean something - to be known, but I have no clue as to what I want to do, or who to be. I’m simply just here, living my life as it goes, but feeling like I am wasting my life in the process.
try looking up Jordan Peterson's videos on youtube he has profound advice that really made me rethink the path I was heading. If you want to read a helpful book read 12 rules of life by Jordan.B.Peterson. Please just give it a look, luckily there are various videos of him on different topics so I'm sure you'll find something worth watching.
I don’t recommend Jordan Peterson. He’s obviously a great critical thinker and debater, but he focuses too much on being a contrarian that he often leads his supporters astray. I recommend doing everything you can to manage spending most of your time doing what you love. For me, that’s cooking for my family and talking to my friends. When I do these things, I feel close to what makes my life meaningful.
the only meaning to life is to know Jesus, who is God's son who LOVES YOU and DIED for you; hope you are doing better, when i forget my meaning in life, i cling to God who gives me meaning and purpose. You can pray to Jesus and just ask him to reveal himself to you and he will!
Ben is a organ harvester. Jung-so and Haemi both had serious debt, as mentioned by Haemi's sister, re-credit cards and through the random reappearance of Jung-so's mother who was in debt trouble. when he says he will take care of it, she looks away uncomfortable. This is alluded to in other scenes, for example the airport scene when Ben first says he know the best restaurant to eat tripe, which is obviously an organ. Also organ harvesting is jokingly referenced by Jung-so mother as a means of paying off her debt, but she is too old she says, thus Ben is the next target offered for her debts. Greenhouses are a metaphor for humans and what we grow inside us - they grow life giving food, humans grow life giving organs. This also explains Ben's his riches, he is a debt collector and clearly also a psychopath. I know this is true because Steven Yeung came to me in a dream after watching this movie and being confused and told me. LOL.
This video answers all of my questions and yet none of them at all. Brilliant given the context of the video and the movie I suppose, yet I am left with a “great hunger” haha
I remember right after I finished watching this movie, I can't wake up from my bed, my body aches, I got stressed and depressed to the point I got cramped on my leg. I really can't stop thinking about this movie, I feel frustrated because I think too much, watch and read reviews but still couldn't find any answer. I don't know why, but I love when a movie makes me in pain.
I feel the same tbh, this is the first film that has made me feel like this. I would say the director's intention was to make the audience question and have so many interpretations and yet feeling that something is missing even after you figure out the answer. I think this movie should have been recognised more than it did.
@@rimpa4598 glad I'm not the only one! I still remember how miserable it felt at that time. Hahaha. Have you read the book? I never try reading Murakami, maybe I should try
@@georgelloyd5551 I have same feeling watching Yoo Ah In in Secret Love Affair. His character is too pure and raw that left me depressed for like 2 weeks after the final episode.
One of my favorite films from the decade, and perhaps, ever. Please review more Korean films. Your poignant understanding of the Korean culture brilliantly brings out easily missed aspects about these films. Thank you so much.
Ive been left with confusion but not bad confusion. More like something feels unresolved even though I feel I understand everything that happened. I think what I can't really get is why is this one of your favorite films? My confusion might be because I don't know if I liked it or not.
In Bens final moments it seems like he hugs Jung-So. Maybe this is Ben showing his gratitude to Jungsoo for freeing him from the cycle of “short term fun” and the dishonesty of his life. He no longer has to fight to ignore his lack of meaning. He is for one brief moment truly content.
I think Haemi is not really Haemi. Like she said, she had plastic surgery. Also she is in debt, so going to Africa, not so believable. To me, Ben kills girls, and replace them renting actresses just to win money, like she said not everyone can be an actor. Also, the mother is a little bit suspicious. Or maybe i'm just overthinking and Ben is a psychopath.
I might be wrong but it seemed like Jung-so was becoming a greenhouse for Ben. Ben might have thought of Jung-so as a greenhouse initially but soon realized they Jung-so could help satiate his hunger so he kept him around. Until eventually, as you said, happened
@@fleurarmelle929I think there's something to this theory because I feel that burning might be a euphemism for killing. That's why Ben said I burned something very close to you & you haven't noticed. Then he says he burned something every 2 months I think he's talking about his killing people schedule
I also feel like the scene at 15:15 was a foreshadowing of the ending, and how he burned his clothes was the same as how he burned his mother’s clothes - then, to forget her and now, to forget himself with Hemi and Ben.
This movie was first of all just gorgeous to look at, and the bleak just-barely-suspenseful vibe was captivating. And even not being Korean, and knowing nothing of Korean culture, it was able to communicate the theme of class power dynamics to me, because it was so evocative and thorough. But I think the most brilliant thing about this film is how it achieves all of this from the framework of a bizarre, minimalist short story - it adds tons of context and material, and repurposes everything for its themes, but it somehow still feels totally faithful to the original. I watched this movie because of Murakami, but became a fan of Korean cinema because of it.
Throughout his entire life, his shallow, short-term satisfaction has prevented him from seeing the depth of life, being, understanding. When faced with death, Ben finally recognizes life’s significance. Him hugging Jong-su is the most clear gesture to suggest a diminished social, economic, and intelectual barrier. They are both human.
@Carbyne Whether or not Ben is actually a serial killer, the movie seems pretty unconcerned with him being a serial killer. Ben is certainly never portrayed as evil. And while he is sometimes portrayed as cold, he acts warmly towards Jong-su, at least on the surface. He even reads Faulkner in response to Jong-su saying that's his favorite writer. I don't even know if I could convince people who care about me to read Faulkner just because I said he's my favorite writer. He seems genuinely interested in Jong-su's writing.
@@Garrett1240Hellbound, Alive, Chicago Typewriter, Seoul Vube etc are some of his works But sadly he was accused of using drugs and was arrested. But was indicted without any detention. Idk if he will continue to work in flim anymore cz knetizens criticised him so much. Still would love to see more of his works
Dense, like the thickest fog that won't let you see what's ahead, a fog so intense, that leaves you full of uncertainty and questions, "what else is ahead?". In this case, what lies ahead is an incredible landscape that is only intensified by the intense fog that precedes it. Thank god I found this channel, every youtuber pretending to analyze a film just started numbingly reading the plot and I was so tired of it.
I appreciate this video, especially coming from someone who understands Korean culture way more than I do and who can pick out and contextualise the little nuances that non Korean speakers would miss. I have been getting into south Korean cinema much more reccently and I'm happy to have stumbled across your channel. Hello from Tasmania!
Most immediately: Oldboy, thirst, and the handmaiden by Park Chan wook. Oldboy being my favourite movie of all time. The director has a nearly perfect filmography. Avoid Stoker Memories of murder, the host, and mother by Bong Joon Ho. His American movies and parasite are also amazing. If you like burning then you absolutely must check out Secret sunshine. It's Lee-chang Dong's masterpiece. I'm also a big fan of The chaser by Na Hong-Jin. Train to Busan is deadass one of the best zombies movies I've ever seen I saw the devil by Kim Jee-Woon is amazing. He has also done a tale of two sisters and the very good a bittersweet life. There's alot of stuff. But I appreciate them all. Hope it's helpful
Second that, and I've been hooked on SK film for a decade or more. I too have found this channel adds hugely to my understanding and enjoyment; benefits which apply every bit as much to the earlier films, those I'd already watched God knows how many times.
I just knew those photos had some significance but since I don’t speak and can’t read Korean I just bookmarked it in my mind in hopes of finding out what it was later. I found it very interesting that to Ben and his family the photos of people burning and dying was a simply nice place to eat but to everyone else in the gallery it was significant enough to require attention. Your interpretation summed up what would’ve taken my brain a long time to find out if it ever even did, thanks!
This was such an enlightening analysis. Taking in not only the camera work and the visual language, but the cultural subtext and the philosophical ideas... I wish I had seen this movie before watching but I wouldn’t have known about this movie if I had not watched your review, so thank you for introducing this fantastic piece of art to me.
The film's notions of the little and big hunger sort of translate to its interpretations I see from viewers: some prefer to focus on whether a murder was committed and on screen proof for this, engaging with the thriller aspect of the movie, while others find that reading to be surface level and would rather strive to consider what themes and ideas are suggested through the characters and plot itself.
Love this. It's kinda cool how the more you analyze the film to try and figure out the "murder mystery" the more questions you end up with, which leave you feeling even further from the truth. But it also leads us to discover, as you say, the other themes and ideas in the film. In other words: by trying to feed out little hunger, we end up with a big hunger! How cool is that!?
I just watched this movie and I was awestruck by the performances (especially steven yuen's) and by how much thought was packed into even the smallest amounts of dialogue. I honestly consider this movie to be deeply philosophical in the right ways, and it's something I know I'll be thinking over for weeks
Just realised you can’t watch this movie without looking at brilliantly explained reviews like these. At first i was trying to find clues to connect the dots (much like Jung) but after clearly understanding the story i see that we are Jung going through this film. We try to find hints to bens metaphor but only concluded his actions through assumptions. This movie is made to be questioned. If you leave this movie with a conclusion then you have not really understood what was being told. Nothing can be confirmed in this movie. Not one thing.
I agree with some of the things you said, but i completely disagree with you about trying to find hints and only leading to assumptions. It’s clearly evident that Ben has severe mental illness. He has the traits. For instance. He has never shed a tear, he enjoys burning things, and has never once felt jealousy until he met Hae Mi. All of which are stated in the movie.
It’s pretty suspicious how suddenly Hae Mi’s Watch appears in Ben’s restroom after her sudden disappearance. And how he told Jong that it’s like “She vanished like a blow of smoke.” How ironic of him to say that because Ben enjoys burning greenhouses.
Wilflow but then once again we are never shown any of the traits but are only left to believe him. We only see him cry after dying and we never actually see him burn any greenhouses
@@wilflow959 I thought this and then thought also maybe jong is so disillusioned he is imagining it differently than what it is, there are so many possibilities and truly no answers but I suppose we can come up with our own if we like, but I enjoy the unknown of this movie it has be battling with:) glad I seen these comments too!
Does anyone else notice the deep sense of isolation in this movie? That they the characters decend into such depravity and are exposed to this accute danger is because of the great nothingness that exists within their lives. It's almost like the 3 characters are wandering, existing in this great wasteland of abyss-darkness without ever knowing or enjoying the sun.
The female character can also be seen as a reference to young koreans who feel isolated and in constant search for the meaning of life trapped in a society that sets the standard of beauty according to their perspective. It can also mean to the fact that the young generation of Koreans are in this phase where they are doubtful about erotic love, who can't seem to find a partner and has given up on the idea of Love. In fact, studies have suggested that the population of South korea is decreasing in a very rapid manner due to this stigma of love and relationship.
Not sure if this is also a detail, but when the characters are having a discussion about crying and being sad, when the camera focuses on Ben he's all alone in the frame. Then when it shifts to Jongsu, there are people in the background
I fell in love with this film immediately on first watch. I never felt bored because I was so interested in seeing if this would be a romance film or just a drama about Jong-su, but It almost turned out to be a horror film towards the end, which is why it’s so engaging.
How are people finding this boring? I was engaged throughout. The way the director sprinkles clues throughout the film is masterful. Due to that, after the movie ended i was left with 3-4 theories of my own which compels me to rewatch the film and i can't stop thinking about it. That's what great movies do.
I didn't know this movie was based on a short story written by Haruki Murakami in 1983 when I first watched. But now I really understand Hae-mi is VERY Murakami novel kind a woman!!
So the question everyone keeps asking is, "If Ben really did kill Haemi, why would he go out and meet Jongsoo?" Well, for me, I think he was still playing dumb, like all the other times. All the other times when the two boys met, he just keep playing this innocent young rich man who "burns greenhouses," but he's not. He's a psychopath who is so rich that he kills women for pleasure. He preys on young woman who "interests" him, but really those type of women are women who don't have people that care for them. A really great example is Haemi (literally her mom and sister did not care about her and called her a lair when Jongsoo brought up the well). He knew no one would look for her. But see, thats where Ben went wrong because Jongsoo cared for Haemi and he continued to look for her until the very end.
But why didn’t he defend himself when jungsoo stabbed him? His first instinct after being attacked was trying to run away. At the last scene when camera zoomed on him, he shed tears while firmly hugging Jungsoo. This is just sooo confusing.
@@DriedPersimmon-pys You're reading too much into it.He didn't run away because he was just stabbed and he was mentally shocked for it to have happened so unexpectantly
I think that the last scene isn't real , it's a fantasy that the protagonist has come up with . In fact we can see in the scene before he is writing something on a typewriter which I suppose is the story of him getting revenge
Really great breakdown of Burning. I found that critic's interpretation that the ending of the film was just part of Lee Jong-su's story to be really fascinating and not something I ever would have thought of. We just did an hour + discussion of Burning on our channel, and it's crazy how just talking about the film with other people really shows all the ways it can be interpreted.
Thank you for adding so much cultural insight to this masterpiece. It fills ME with rage that BURNING is written so well. The film juggles it's themes so effortlessly! I wish this film got half the attention PARASITE did. I'm gladly subscribing. Keep up the great work!
Parasite is much more accessible than this movie. Literally anyone can enjoy Parasite. But this movie, despite being equally great, only appeals to a certain section of the audience. That's why it's kinda underrated
@@amanms1999 unfortunately I think you're right. Personally I think this movie is much better than Parasite but it is definitely going to be hard to get into for many, whereas Parasite is not
@@tylergalligani6450 Yeah I mean you can't beat a movie with no explanation, no killer, no victim, no logic, amateur subversion, annoyingly boring chase scenes were the annoying lead actor is chasing greenhouses (no binoculars then I guess, in 2018) leaving itself open to be interpreted an infinite number of ways by people whose father's money is paid to educate them to keep them "ahead". Inbreds.
I believe a great analysis is not merely one that delivers defintive, undisputable insights, but one which gives the audience the tool- and mindset to follow one interpretation while also opening the avenues for altenate views. In that light, your video does an outstanding job. Frankly, I saw this movie yesterday, and your thoughts have made it so that I could give some semblance of structure to my own feelings about the movie. It's an exercise where I feel I got to know better how I think...by proxy of following your thoughts. This is the first video of yours I've ever seen but it certainly won't be the last. On that note, I'd love to hear your thoughts on Midsommar, if you've happened to see that one. Otherwise, I'd strongly recommend it.
A structured review of the review! Thank you for that- happy to see someone who catches my intent. I did see Midsommar but felt like I missed the timing for it- I was planning to pergaps discuss it when Aster's new film comes out, or on podcasts/extra contents i plan to do on patreon and whatnot! Definitely enjoyed it so one way or another, Ill be discussing it ;)
Burning is my third favourite film. It embodies so many incredible contradictory emotions at once. Haunting yet sublime. Poetic yet insidious. Beautiful yet existentially terrifying. Subtle yet incendiary. Slow and patient yet also restless and immediate. A true cinematic masterpiece in my opinion and one destined to be a classic in future. Thanks for the brilliant analysis!!
Fantastic analysis. I lean towards Ben being a serial killer, considering his lack of human empathy, his way of making food as an offering to himself, the collection of womens' items, and his metaphor about greenhouses probably referring to broken women. Haime did say she wanted to disappear, so I suppose it is possible Haime killed herself, as her story about being stuck in a well could be a metaphor for depression. But then that writing sequence at the end made me wonder if all of it was fictional afterall :)
Interesting., falling into a well could mean being stuck on her debts and made to disappear by Ben and as we see the only person who is looking for her is Jongsu
I saw a quote on the internet that is credited to Abbas Kiarostami: “I prefer the films that put their audience to sleep in the theater. Some films have made me doze off in the theater, but the same films have made me stay up at night, wake up thinking about them in the morning, and keep on thinking about them for weeks.” This absolutely rings true for me for this film. Thank you for the beautiful analysis. I can now think about something else.
I have been searching for an answer to this incredible film. It was quite tedious to get through but towards the end you are left with so many questions. Such a beautifully made, written and acted film. Even though this film is Korean, it resonated well within my own culture.
This is by FAR the best video essay out there on this brilliant movie. Most people barely scratch the surface, I think this film could be taught and analyzed for years to come.
Just found this channel recently and started binging. This video is the best one so far. I will admit that I was truly confused by Burning. This video not only make me trace what was represented, but also want to revisit the film. Great job!
Wow, I thought I was Smart enough for picking up some puzzle pieces, but your analysis is on another level and makes me want to immediately rewatch this masterpiece!
The cat could not be Boil because the cat is supposedly shy around strangers and didn't even show itself once to Jonsu.. This cat was very friendly and shows itself.
I think when Ben talks of burning greenhouses once every 2 months, it’s a metaphor for killing girls. I think he’s a serial killer. He kills girls and keeps a piece of their belonging as some sick trophy. Hae-mi was his most recent victim. She went missing after Ben realizes that he hasn’t burned (killed) in 2 months. He had her cat and her watch. Her room was spotless just like Bens house is spotless. That’s enough probable cause in my book.
This is the obvious interpretation of what happened, the movie implies it, but there's enough clues in the movie to make interpretation of the viewer more complex than that, as said in this essay
I agreed with this comment. Hae-mi once mentioned that she will not let her cat `boil` moves from her house. Thus, `boil` in Ben's house implied somethings bad happened to Hae-mi
Wouldn't it be weird for Ben to show up at the end sequence saying that Jongsu told him that both Hae-mi and Jongsu would be there if he knew he killed Hae-mi?
The scene with the cow, being the last symbol of what his family has left him, really hit hard with me. We know he has a fondness for animals and taking care of the cow but when he gave it away to be slaughtered it showed his state of mind and just how unhinged he was before the end.
i didnt think the movie was so great while watching but i thought about it for days after, coming up with my own story for it. never did thatt with a movie before, it's really nice
I noticed that the first time Jong-Su visits Haemis apartment (with her) there is a pink hair straightener on the table next to her bed, when he comes back the first time alone to feed the cat the straightener is moved and there is a red blow dryer in its place. Two weeks later when he visits the second time to feed the cat...... the blow dryer is gone and the pink straightener is in its place. She never went to Africa, she liked to make up stories like him calling her ugly and the well. She liked to "disappear" because she was too afraid to die....... maybe lol
@@SpikimaMovies let me know what you think after rewatching! The ghost phone calls could have well been her calling to make sure he was home so she could go home and shower without being caught.
@@gibbybessa3711 her also never actually going to Africa would support the idea that the cat never existed. She could have been the one removing the food. Thus showing that the cat Ben has isn't Boil which disproves Jongsu's final needed assurance. This film has so much to unravel its fantastic
If she never went to Africa, then how at the airport, Ben and she claimed that they met there and become the only 2 Korean in the trip..so she and Ben are making story about Africa thingy? Omg..I'm suffocated for answer 😂
I also thought that his mom was just a "imagination" of him to verify the girls story. Also I could consider her just saying yes to the well question because she feels his urgency to know it and verifys it so that he also got something from her since she needs the money, meening that she doesn't really care about the question the same way she doesn't cares about her son
I also think it's possible that she's not his mother at all and is just some lady paid by Haemi to verify the story. We see the knives in the father's shed and the fact that he burned her clothes is a hint that perhaps she was murdered rather than just ran away. When viewing the scene this way it paves the way for the interpretation that Haemi was the one manipulating jongsu all along.
@@Droxal Haemi was kind of manipulating him from the very start for her own ends. Winning the watch just so she could get it, sleeps with him then suddenly she is not invested and is riding off into the sunset in Ben's porsche. She didnt really care much about Jongsu, doesnt even ask of what problems are happening at his home. I believe she had some kind of deal with Ben because their relationship doesnt make sense, she also seems to be both in some relationship with Ben and Jongsu at the same time lol. When Jongsu says he loves Haemi, Ben simple laughs it off meaning maybe he knows she just manipulating him. I think they both visited Jongsu house on purpose because she knew its the last time they'll see each other. She really was a strange one, she even manipulated and lied about Jongsu calling her ugly, which he had zero memory of because surely he wouldnt have forgot something like that. I doubt she even went to Kenya travelling while having huge debt and pretty broke, she been there the whole time confusing Jongsu, clearing the cat food and putting cat poo under the bed lol. Her apartment is small no way a cat was hiding where he cant find it. But why???
This analysis was very well done, I especially like your take on ending It's very much possible that maybe heami never had a boyfriend and jongsu was just writing his novel at her apartment, at this point I really just don't there are way too many ways this movie can be interpreted, but the thing I loved the most about this vid is u pointing out how there is a possibility that heami might have just killed herself, cuz greenhouse catch fire very quickly, which was shown in the movie itself But anyway amazing review loved it
i loved this movie but i didn't know why, so i sought out a good review/analysis for it and this one exceeded all expectations. the nature vs nurture comparison earned my sub
Great video! I love the ambiguity in the ending of this film. I think it’s also important to note that because we sympathise with jong-su and are in his shoes throughout the film we never actually question whether haemi just decided to never speak to him again after what he says to her when she leaves with Ben. Or if he was in fact responsible for her possible suicide
excellent video bro! Thank you. Burning one of my favorite films and I'm currently working on this it for a school project and I found your analysis and point of view to be really interesting and relevant! Take care.
That was a brilliant essay! One thing that I picked up on while watching the film is that fading light is often used to symbolise the beginning of a new chapter (normally a worse one) in the main character's life. When he's having sex with Hai Min (or Hai Mei I'm not sure what her name was), he sees a strangely beautiful light hitting the wall, and then it quickly fades away. Their relationship felt like a _blink and you'll miss it_ moment, and the light reflected that. And then it was gone, and she came back with Ben. Similarly, the _only_ two sunsets shown in the movie show a much more major development in his life, the first being the weed scene, a longer, more sinister and drawn out sequence, that leads into the disappearance of Hai Min. And then finally the shot of him writing in Hai Min's room. Regardless of whether you think he actually murdered Ben or simply moved on with his life, separated/distanced himself from the memory of Ben and Hai Min and his father, they both mark major changes in his character, and his life moving forward.
I am so grateful for your channel.. I never would have caught the intended awkwardness of Steven Yuen’s accent and the symbolism behind it as a non-Asian non-Korean speaking person.
I watched this movie back when it was released, and love it so muvh that i challenged myself to restrain from any form of information or analysis on ghe movie so that i make my own interpretation of it. Through all the years, i simply believed that the protagonist was a writer who romanticised a huge chunk of his life because of his rather dull, monotonous life. Meeting Ben and the girl , getting riled up in their lives made me believe that he finally has a stimulation for his ever-romanticised way of seeing things. He's a writer, ofc and that tends to make him observe and see things in a much deeper way than the rest like us. I just simply believed that the girl flee to another country, and that ben is just a regular, rather strange but a normal lad who was just messing around with the author's head when he said he burnt barns. Years later i decided to finally read the short story inspired by it, and see some analysis made on it as well. I am a huge fan of symbolism and now looking from a different light, it's just so amazing how i missed so many small details and i think my previous stance might shift a tad bit. However, i find it so difficult to think that the girl was murdered and that Ben was a serial killer, just because i interpret it that way. Art is just so vast and beautiful.
Your video could be a class in film making and how interpretations can be made with the help of so many technical aspects of movie making. Thank you. It’s definitely worth watching your video and the movie. ❤
This is the first time a movie is just stuck in my head after parasite....like I have been researching about it a lot, but couldn't find anything quite relevant. This video is just awesome!!! Wonderful!!!👍
You absolutely nailed this analysis. Burning remains my favourite movie til this day for a reason that I cannot explain. That's exactly why this movie encapsulates me so much: it is full of meaning yet devoit of meaning at all. Thank you!
Thanks for the brilliant analysis. You are incredibly genius! I'm not sure if I'm the only one checking at the time passed by several times while watching Burning. Not because of boring but the plot really fueled my curiosity. After an hour, I was like.."what they are trying to convey really.. It almost intermission.", then when there is 15 minutes left, I was like.."please, don't torture my feeling. Its reaching the end, come on!" And after seeing the end.."no way..what did I just watched". Hahahah. I struggle to find the meaning behind it. I make my own expectation, theory and possibilities. In an interview, The casts mentioned that they do it as per directed by director and the director left it to the audience to interpret it. Hahaha. I found it intriguing. This movie even more mysterious than Parasite. At least, in Parasite, we can see the rough message on the surface. But in Burning, I struggle a lot. Rather than "how he/she..", I instead, questioned "what is she/he symbolize?". The suspen elements facade to the fore along the way. I was quivering, murmuring and got frown. There is a lot of questions inside my head from the very beginning toward the end 1. Is Hae Mi really exist or is she a legit human being? 2. when Jong Su meets Hae Mi's acquaintance at the restaurant, I certain, Hae Mi do exist but is it possible that the girl whose Jong Su have been meeting with is just stranger who claimed and pretending herself to be Hae Mi? 3. Is Ben exist or is he an imaginary friend of Jung soo who creates his own non-existent self. Ben might be Jong Soo himself. In fact Ben not even exist. 4. Is Jong Soo the one who commit all odd hobby which is arson? But he see that Ben who the one burning the greenhouse And the list goes on.. Omg..if I'm a lecturer, I'm gonna torture my students letting them operate and analyst this movie and see them suffering together with me 😂😂
I have just watched this movie and recently discovered your channel. You put into words the things I felt while watching these films. I feel the themes but can't put into words to explain it fully. Your videos make me feel like I have truly watched the movie. Thanks 😊
I thought I hated this film until I realized I couldn’t stop thinking about it.
How arty. Shave your hair at the sides, get a pair of brown circular glasses and get a half sleeve tattoo. You're cool.
Same
Why is Santa have so many names?
Santa Claus, Old Saint Nick, Kris Kringle?
BS!
Don’t explain, just ranting, already googled answer!
Burning was a great movie 😀
I loved this movie and I couldn’t stop thinking about it.
@@itistime467 makes no sense dude
here's something telling: the word 'makeup' in korean is the same as the word 'cremation.' so when ben puts makeup on the girl...
Damnnnn thank you for the info
mind blowing...
I still don't understand the rich guy's (Ben's) intentions for killing the girls every two months.
@@PraneethChittimilla2002 rewatch the 'greenhouse' dialogue sequence, that is basically the most of an answer he gives to that question
@@e1dsd720 He did say that he feels the need to burn them and that they're waiting to be burned. But in Hae mi's case he said that he felt jealous because she told him that jong su is really important to her. That kinda explains his motivation to kill her but I don't understand his reasoning for killing the other women. Should I just narrow it down to him being a creep? Would appreciate it if you simply it in your own words. I might've completely misunderstood everything.
Just watched this movie after seeing Parasite. I won’t lie. After the movie ended, I was filled with a bit of rage. I was actually angry that I sat around for two hours to have nothing answered. Then I watched this review and realized that is the same rage that Jung-so carried with him for a majority of the film looking for answers in all the wrong places. I suppose that was part of the directors intention. I think this one will sit with me for a long time.
I think this movie as a whole is better than Parasite, at least in storytelling.. Parasite has better acting...
I actually watched this film right after Parasite as well. Great introduction into the world of Korean Cinema.
Exactly, the movie has very long scenes that slow the viewer down. you get caught up in the scenery and talks and that's why lots of people say they were bored. i get that but after the movie my head started spinning once i understood all the metaphors and what Ben did! Great movie but definitely not for people who expect a lot of action.
@@MyHandle4455 same! I feel intrigued. Those kinda movies are rare and soooo good! Let me know if you find any movies that are similar and from Korea!
Almin M I’m still looking. Have been on a binge of Korean cinema ever since. Have been blessed to see a great variety of movies, but none that strike in the same vein as Parasite and Burning. Beginners luck, I guess?
This movie felt like a fever dream.
agreed, especially due to the anxiety from the awkwardness in Jong Su’s behaviors
I know... and the whole thing made me so uncomfortable but I loved it.
When Jong-Su was checking Hae-Mi's apartment or inspecting the greenhouses, I was expecting him to find something undesirable there. When Ben turns around in his bathroom, I was expecting the 2nd girlfriend's body in the bathtub. Whenever Ben moved closer to Jong-Su, I expected Ben to stab Jong-Su. It was constant anxiety. Yet, the only murder in the film came right at the end, from the guy I was not expecting it from.
This is a really great, thorough analysis. Thank you.
Good to see you here Thomas! Glad you enjoyed it!
Crossover!!!!
@@davidmeneses712 of what ??
Two titans of the industry
the movie is extremely beautiful piece of art with complete emptiness with a literal schrodinger cat
This movie is absolute garbage. There was literally nothing in this stupid shit film. 1/10
@@swaroop7021 you're the one who's really stupid. Practice analytical thinking.
@@BlackRedGray don't call me stupid this is my opinion. I've watched a lot of movies and this movie literally had nothing in it. Tell what is so special you find in this?
@@BlackRedGray yea buddy you got nothing huhn
@@swaroop7021 it's about thinking of the questions that not have been answered. It's like an abstract picture where you try to find out what the artist tries to tell you. It's about believing in something when we don't know for sure. Maybe it's also about the search for the meaning of life.
Some people are afraid to ask themselves this questions and think about it intensively...
A boring movie that I could not stop watching. When it was over I could not stop thinking about it.
bruh! perfectly described.
Same Here... :)
I..............
i know its boring but mmm i was so interested in it all i was not bored at all
I agree
this is an extremely good video essay, i dont know why it doesnt have more views
It’s long
Answers like that confirm that life is no longer a mystery to me either.
well the guy is reading his own stuff into it ... and is not that convincing but hey whatever
Has to do with the (lack of) popularity of the movie, in part
@@Mr.Jasaw13 ...That’s how art works... it’s an incredibly metaphorical, open ended movie.
He dealt with that in exactly the right way
Also worth mentioning is that the film is an adaptation of Haruki Murakami's short story 'Barn Burning' found in his book - collection of short stories - 'The Elephant Vanishes'.
It's a great read, for anyone who might be interested.
I read it it felt like a dream
murakami is the reson i watched this movie ahahha im trying to read more of his books
And Barn Burning is itself a reinterpretation of another story also called the same title, by, yes, William Faulkner. That's why the characters reference Faulkner so much.
Was just reading this
Essential to Murakami's story : cats and ethereal, elusive, dissapearing women
True ! And not to forget the ever running writer protagonist who is always working on a novel
@@kushagrapant9280 Did kafka on the shore had that?
@@m____s we can always count in some exceptions!
@@kushagrapant9280 Any other work of Murakami you would suggest after that? I have only read kafka on the shore.
@@m____s I would highly recommend reading anthologies such as Blind Willow Sleeping Women and Birthday Stories along with his classical works like Norwegian Wood , Sputnik Sweetheart etc
You don’t realize how heavy this movie is until the very end. Even then you’re still floored. So much depth here. I will give it a disciplined re-watch one day.
This movie is about a blind man leading us the way... deeper...... deeper.......and we all followed...A masterpiece.
Never before have I left a film and realized it had fooled me entirely, up until the very last moment.
yay great descriptiom
The acting in this movie is so good. Jung soo's body language is so lax during the time period, his face has a display of confusion all the fricking time. And I think it's commendable. Ben's Korean is awkward, I noticed it too but I thought maybe it was because of Steven Yeun but no. You're right, it was intentional maybe because he was rich so he didn't take much effort or rather pleasure in speaking Korean? Just like most people, rich ones in India don't want to speak the native language but English because that's what makes them classy. Or look classy and educated.
It's a big (class) thing in Korea.
All my teenage life, I’ve been questioning my purpose, and when, or if, my life will be full, or “complete” like everybody else, but as time goes by, and as I continue to wait, there still is no answer to be brought back to me. Everyday, I question my life, and its meaning; I want to mean something - to be known, but I have no clue as to what I want to do, or who to be. I’m simply just here, living my life as it goes, but feeling like I am wasting my life in the process.
I literally feel the same.
try looking up Jordan Peterson's videos on youtube he has profound advice that really made me rethink the path I was heading. If you want to read a helpful book read 12 rules of life by Jordan.B.Peterson.
Please just give it a look, luckily there are various videos of him on different topics so I'm sure you'll find something worth watching.
while you wait for life, life passes. sums it up pretty good i guess
I don’t recommend Jordan Peterson. He’s obviously a great critical thinker and debater, but he focuses too much on being a contrarian that he often leads his supporters astray. I recommend doing everything you can to manage spending most of your time doing what you love. For me, that’s cooking for my family and talking to my friends. When I do these things, I feel close to what makes my life meaningful.
the only meaning to life is to know Jesus, who is God's son who LOVES YOU and DIED for you; hope you are doing better, when i forget my meaning in life, i cling to God who gives me meaning and purpose. You can pray to Jesus and just ask him to reveal himself to you and he will!
Ben is a organ harvester. Jung-so and Haemi both had serious debt, as mentioned by Haemi's sister, re-credit cards and through the random reappearance of Jung-so's mother who was in debt trouble. when he says he will take care of it, she looks away uncomfortable. This is alluded to in other scenes, for example the airport scene when Ben first says he know the best restaurant to eat tripe, which is obviously an organ. Also organ harvesting is jokingly referenced by Jung-so mother as a means of paying off her debt, but she is too old she says, thus Ben is the next target offered for her debts. Greenhouses are a metaphor for humans and what we grow inside us - they grow life giving food, humans grow life giving organs. This also explains Ben's his riches, he is a debt collector and clearly also a psychopath. I know this is true because Steven Yeung came to me in a dream after watching this movie and being confused and told me. LOL.
Wow.
wow
I'm speechless, great theory, I think this one is definitely up there
I took Ben as a sex traffickers. Like Jong-su said that Ben is a great gatsby, he is definitely earning by burning someone's life.
definitely possible
This video answers all of my questions and yet none of them at all. Brilliant given the context of the video and the movie I suppose, yet I am left with a “great hunger” haha
Awesome comment. That's exactly what this video and ultimately the film itself is going for.
Me too now I'm left with a great hungry aswell .
This channel is so underrated. pls dont stop making videos
Thanks for enjoyin them! Will never stop.
On GOD my mans is a legend !
literally the best movie channel
It really show Steven Yeun's range with a character so morally opposite from Glenn on The walking dead.
I remember right after I finished watching this movie, I can't wake up from my bed, my body aches, I got stressed and depressed to the point I got cramped on my leg. I really can't stop thinking about this movie, I feel frustrated because I think too much, watch and read reviews but still couldn't find any answer. I don't know why, but I love when a movie makes me in pain.
Did it really have that affect on you? Can you name any other films that had this same effect? I'm really intrigued
I feel the same tbh, this is the first film that has made me feel like this. I would say the director's intention was to make the audience question and have so many interpretations and yet feeling that something is missing even after you figure out the answer.
I think this movie should have been recognised more than it did.
@@rimpa4598 glad I'm not the only one! I still remember how miserable it felt at that time. Hahaha. Have you read the book? I never try reading Murakami, maybe I should try
@@georgelloyd5551 I have same feeling watching Yoo Ah In in Secret Love Affair. His character is too pure and raw that left me depressed for like 2 weeks after the final episode.
I understand what you mean by liking the pain. Sometimes I cut myself to feel the pain, and it relaxes me and helps me sleep.
One of my favorite films from the decade, and perhaps, ever. Please review more Korean films. Your poignant understanding of the Korean culture brilliantly brings out easily missed aspects about these films. Thank you so much.
I do love me some Korean films so I do plan to do more. Thanks for that! :)
Ive been left with confusion but not bad confusion. More like something feels unresolved even though I feel I understand everything that happened. I think what I can't really get is why is this one of your favorite films? My confusion might be because I don't know if I liked it or not.
Have you seen Park Chan-wook’s Decision to Leave? I watched it this week. I loved it. Highly recommend it.
In Bens final moments it seems like he hugs Jung-So. Maybe this is Ben showing his gratitude to Jungsoo for freeing him from the cycle of “short term fun” and the dishonesty of his life. He no longer has to fight to ignore his lack of meaning. He is for one brief moment truly content.
Idk, there’s no allusions to Ben yearning for that feeling throughout the film.
I think Haemi is not really Haemi. Like she said, she had plastic surgery. Also she is in debt, so going to Africa, not so believable. To me, Ben kills girls, and replace them renting actresses just to win money, like she said not everyone can be an actor. Also, the mother is a little bit suspicious. Or maybe i'm just overthinking and Ben is a psychopath.
😂
I'm loving these theories
It's similar to how the Protagonist comes to a conclusion to get a closure
I might be wrong but it seemed like Jung-so was becoming a greenhouse for Ben. Ben might have thought of Jung-so as a greenhouse initially but soon realized they Jung-so could help satiate his hunger so he kept him around. Until eventually, as you said, happened
@@fleurarmelle929I think there's something to this theory because I feel that burning might be a euphemism for killing. That's why Ben said I burned something very close to you & you haven't noticed. Then he says he burned something every 2 months I think he's talking about his killing people schedule
I also feel like the scene at 15:15 was a foreshadowing of the ending, and how he burned his clothes was the same as how he burned his mother’s clothes - then, to forget her and now, to forget himself with Hemi and Ben.
This movie was first of all just gorgeous to look at, and the bleak just-barely-suspenseful vibe was captivating. And even not being Korean, and knowing nothing of Korean culture, it was able to communicate the theme of class power dynamics to me, because it was so evocative and thorough. But I think the most brilliant thing about this film is how it achieves all of this from the framework of a bizarre, minimalist short story - it adds tons of context and material, and repurposes everything for its themes, but it somehow still feels totally faithful to the original. I watched this movie because of Murakami, but became a fan of Korean cinema because of it.
Ben hugging Jong-su as he dies in his arms is so powerful 😥
As Ben quoted, "He never cried"
I'm so surprised this wasnt mentioned!
Throughout his entire life, his shallow, short-term satisfaction has prevented him from seeing the depth of life, being, understanding. When faced with death, Ben finally recognizes life’s significance. Him hugging Jong-su is the most clear gesture to suggest a diminished social, economic, and intelectual barrier. They are both human.
I was so moved by the scene as well. Think about it all the time
@Carbyne Whether or not Ben is actually a serial killer, the movie seems pretty unconcerned with him being a serial killer. Ben is certainly never portrayed as evil. And while he is sometimes portrayed as cold, he acts warmly towards Jong-su, at least on the surface. He even reads Faulkner in response to Jong-su saying that's his favorite writer. I don't even know if I could convince people who care about me to read Faulkner just because I said he's my favorite writer. He seems genuinely interested in Jong-su's writing.
I felt my anger building up throughout the movie and when I finished it I recalled the movie title and went: "Oh."
Yoo Ah-in is such a great actor, he makes the movie. Can't get enough of his work
He always chooses good projects!
@@glampopish I thought that #Alive was awful tho.
What other movies of his should I watch?
Voice of silence@@Garrett1240
@@Garrett1240Hellbound, Alive, Chicago Typewriter, Seoul Vube etc are some of his works
But sadly he was accused of using drugs and was arrested. But was indicted without any detention. Idk if he will continue to work in flim anymore cz knetizens criticised him so much.
Still would love to see more of his works
Dense, like the thickest fog that won't let you see what's ahead, a fog so intense, that leaves you full of uncertainty and questions, "what else is ahead?". In this case, what lies ahead is an incredible landscape that is only intensified by the intense fog that precedes it.
Thank god I found this channel, every youtuber pretending to analyze a film just started numbingly reading the plot and I was so tired of it.
For me, this is one of the best films I've seen. I can't pin it down exactly, but it felt more like real life than real life.
I appreciate this video, especially coming from someone who understands Korean culture way more than I do and who can pick out and contextualise the little nuances that non Korean speakers would miss.
I have been getting into south Korean cinema much more reccently and I'm happy to have stumbled across your channel.
Hello from Tasmania!
TheOleRazDazzle what south korean films do you recommend?
Most immediately:
Oldboy, thirst, and the handmaiden by Park Chan wook. Oldboy being my favourite movie of all time. The director has a nearly perfect filmography. Avoid Stoker
Memories of murder, the host, and mother by Bong Joon Ho. His American movies and parasite are also amazing.
If you like burning then you absolutely must check out Secret sunshine. It's Lee-chang Dong's masterpiece.
I'm also a big fan of The chaser by Na Hong-Jin.
Train to Busan is deadass one of the best zombies movies I've ever seen
I saw the devil by Kim Jee-Woon is amazing. He has also done a tale of two sisters and the very good a bittersweet life.
There's alot of stuff. But I appreciate them all. Hope it's helpful
Nice list. The Wailing is cool too. And Yeon Sang-ho's animations are pretty awesome.
A fellow Limmy fan?! Well I never
Second that, and I've been hooked on SK film for a decade or more. I too have found this channel adds hugely to my understanding and enjoyment; benefits which apply every bit as much to the earlier films, those I'd already watched God knows how many times.
I just knew those photos had some significance but since I don’t speak and can’t read Korean I just bookmarked it in my mind in hopes of finding out what it was later. I found it very interesting that to Ben and his family the photos of people burning and dying was a simply nice place to eat but to everyone else in the gallery it was significant enough to require attention. Your interpretation summed up what would’ve taken my brain a long time to find out if it ever even did, thanks!
This was such an enlightening analysis. Taking in not only the camera work and the visual language, but the cultural subtext and the philosophical ideas... I wish I had seen this movie before watching but I wouldn’t have known about this movie if I had not watched your review, so thank you for introducing this fantastic piece of art to me.
Thank you- glad you enjoyed it! If you get a chance, definitely check this film out!
@@SpikimaMovies I watched it. Watching it after having seen this analysis was so interesting. I'm glad I watched it.
That's awesome that you actually watched it- happy to hear you liked it !
I wish more directors adapted Murakami's works but your interpretation simply shows how difficult it is. Stellar work, as usual.
The film's notions of the little and big hunger sort of translate to its interpretations I see from viewers: some prefer to focus on whether a murder was committed and on screen proof for this, engaging with the thriller aspect of the movie, while others find that reading to be surface level and would rather strive to consider what themes and ideas are suggested through the characters and plot itself.
Love this. It's kinda cool how the more you analyze the film to try and figure out the "murder mystery" the more questions you end up with, which leave you feeling even further from the truth. But it also leads us to discover, as you say, the other themes and ideas in the film. In other words: by trying to feed out little hunger, we end up with a big hunger! How cool is that!?
I just watched this movie and I was awestruck by the performances (especially steven yuen's) and by how much thought was packed into even the smallest amounts of dialogue. I honestly consider this movie to be deeply philosophical in the right ways, and it's something I know I'll be thinking over for weeks
Just realised you can’t watch this movie without looking at brilliantly explained reviews like these.
At first i was trying to find clues to connect the dots (much like Jung) but after clearly understanding the story i see that we are Jung going through this film. We try to find hints to bens metaphor but only concluded his actions through assumptions.
This movie is made to be questioned.
If you leave this movie with a conclusion then you have not really understood what was being told.
Nothing can be confirmed in this movie.
Not one thing.
I agree with some of the things you said, but i completely disagree with you about trying to find hints and only leading to assumptions. It’s clearly evident that Ben has severe mental illness. He has the traits. For instance. He has never shed a tear, he enjoys burning things, and has never once felt jealousy until he met Hae Mi. All of which are stated in the movie.
It’s pretty suspicious how suddenly Hae Mi’s Watch appears in Ben’s restroom after her sudden disappearance. And how he told Jong that it’s like “She vanished like a blow of smoke.” How ironic of him to say that because Ben enjoys burning greenhouses.
Wilflow but then once again we are never shown any of the traits but are only left to believe him. We only see him cry after dying and we never actually see him burn any greenhouses
@@wilflow959 I thought this and then thought also maybe jong is so disillusioned he is imagining it differently than what it is, there are so many possibilities and truly no answers but I suppose we can come up with our own if we like, but I enjoy the unknown of this movie it has be battling with:) glad I seen these comments too!
@@wilflow959 since I heard him say he never cried and his lack of empathy towards hae mi I assumed he may have psychopathic tendencies
Does anyone else notice the deep sense of isolation in this movie? That they the characters decend into such depravity and are exposed to this accute danger is because of the great nothingness that exists within their lives.
It's almost like the 3 characters are wandering, existing in this great wasteland of abyss-darkness without ever knowing or enjoying the sun.
The female character can also be seen as a reference to young koreans who feel isolated and in constant search for the meaning of life trapped in a society that sets the standard of beauty according to their perspective.
It can also mean to the fact that the young generation of Koreans are in this phase where they are doubtful about erotic love, who can't seem to find a partner and has given up on the idea of Love. In fact, studies have suggested that the population of South korea is decreasing in a very rapid manner due to this stigma of love and relationship.
Not sure if this is also a detail, but when the characters are having a discussion about crying and being sad, when the camera focuses on Ben he's all alone in the frame. Then when it shifts to Jongsu, there are people in the background
Wow
I fell in love with this film immediately on first watch. I never felt bored because I was so interested in seeing if this would be a romance film or just a drama about Jong-su, but It almost turned out to be a horror film towards the end, which is why it’s so engaging.
I've watched this film 8 times and it still has something new every time
How are people finding this boring? I was engaged throughout. The way the director sprinkles clues throughout the film is masterful. Due to that, after the movie ended i was left with 3-4 theories of my own which compels me to rewatch the film and i can't stop thinking about it. That's what great movies do.
I didn't know this movie was based on a short story written by Haruki Murakami in 1983 when I first watched.
But now I really understand Hae-mi is VERY Murakami novel kind a woman!!
So the question everyone keeps asking is, "If Ben really did kill Haemi, why would he go out and meet Jongsoo?" Well, for me, I think he was still playing dumb, like all the other times. All the other times when the two boys met, he just keep playing this innocent young rich man who "burns greenhouses," but he's not. He's a psychopath who is so rich that he kills women for pleasure. He preys on young woman who "interests" him, but really those type of women are women who don't have people that care for them. A really great example is Haemi (literally her mom and sister did not care about her and called her a lair when Jongsoo brought up the well). He knew no one would look for her. But see, thats where Ben went wrong because Jongsoo cared for Haemi and he continued to look for her until the very end.
this is a great comment thank you, wow
This is exactly what I thought as well
But why didn’t he defend himself when jungsoo stabbed him? His first instinct after being attacked was trying to run away. At the last scene when camera zoomed on him, he shed tears while firmly hugging Jungsoo. This is just sooo confusing.
@@DriedPersimmon-pys You're reading too much into it.He didn't run away because he was just stabbed and he was mentally shocked for it to have happened so unexpectantly
I think that the last scene isn't real , it's a fantasy that the protagonist has come up with . In fact we can see in the scene before he is writing something on a typewriter which I suppose is the story of him getting revenge
You REALLY understand film and are able to convey your thoughts and analyses so well. Love your work!
Man I didn't know what to make of this movie before this incredible analysis, thank you.
Really great breakdown of Burning. I found that critic's interpretation that the ending of the film was just part of Lee Jong-su's story to be really fascinating and not something I ever would have thought of. We just did an hour + discussion of Burning on our channel, and it's crazy how just talking about the film with other people really shows all the ways it can be interpreted.
The cat that's present and not present at the same time alludes to the thought experiment called "Schrodinger's Cat"...
Thank you for adding so much cultural insight to this masterpiece. It fills ME with rage that BURNING is written so well. The film juggles it's themes so effortlessly! I wish this film got half the attention PARASITE did. I'm gladly subscribing. Keep up the great work!
Parasite is much more accessible than this movie. Literally anyone can enjoy Parasite. But this movie, despite being equally great, only appeals to a certain section of the audience. That's why it's kinda underrated
@@amanms1999 unfortunately I think you're right. Personally I think this movie is much better than Parasite but it is definitely going to be hard to get into for many, whereas Parasite is not
@@tylergalligani6450 Yeah I mean you can't beat a movie with no explanation, no killer, no victim, no logic, amateur subversion, annoyingly boring chase scenes were the annoying lead actor is chasing greenhouses (no binoculars then I guess, in 2018) leaving itself open to be interpreted an infinite number of ways by people whose father's money is paid to educate them to keep them "ahead". Inbreds.
@@itistime467 haha damn you must feel really out of the loop bro bc this shit got you mad
@@itistime467 cry more
I believe a great analysis is not merely one that delivers defintive, undisputable insights, but one which gives the audience the tool- and mindset to follow one interpretation while also opening the avenues for altenate views.
In that light, your video does an outstanding job. Frankly, I saw this movie yesterday, and your thoughts have made it so that I could give some semblance of structure to my own feelings about the movie. It's an exercise where I feel I got to know better how I think...by proxy of following your thoughts.
This is the first video of yours I've ever seen but it certainly won't be the last.
On that note, I'd love to hear your thoughts on Midsommar, if you've happened to see that one. Otherwise, I'd strongly recommend it.
A structured review of the review! Thank you for that- happy to see someone who catches my intent. I did see Midsommar but felt like I missed the timing for it- I was planning to pergaps discuss it when Aster's new film comes out, or on podcasts/extra contents i plan to do on patreon and whatnot! Definitely enjoyed it so one way or another, Ill be discussing it ;)
Burning is my third favourite film. It embodies so many incredible contradictory emotions at once. Haunting yet sublime. Poetic yet insidious. Beautiful yet existentially terrifying. Subtle yet incendiary. Slow and patient yet also restless and immediate. A true cinematic masterpiece in my opinion and one destined to be a classic in future. Thanks for the brilliant analysis!!
What are your first two?
This completely sum up the movie
Him saying that this is his 3rd favourite and you asking what are first two ?
Damn !!!
This was AMAZING. Really changes how you see the movie.
Fantastic analysis. I lean towards Ben being a serial killer, considering his lack of human empathy, his way of making food as an offering to himself, the collection of womens' items, and his metaphor about greenhouses probably referring to broken women. Haime did say she wanted to disappear, so I suppose it is possible Haime killed herself, as her story about being stuck in a well could be a metaphor for depression. But then that writing sequence at the end made me wonder if all of it was fictional afterall :)
Interesting., falling into a well could mean being stuck on her debts and made to disappear by Ben and as we see the only person who is looking for her is Jongsu
I saw a quote on the internet that is credited to Abbas Kiarostami:
“I prefer the films that put their audience to sleep in the theater. Some films have made me doze off in the theater, but the same films have made me stay up at night, wake up thinking about them in the morning, and keep on thinking about them for weeks.”
This absolutely rings true for me for this film. Thank you for the beautiful analysis. I can now think about something else.
I have been searching for an answer to this incredible film. It was quite tedious to get through but towards the end you are left with so many questions. Such a beautifully made, written and acted film. Even though this film is Korean, it resonated well within my own culture.
This is by FAR the best video essay out there on this brilliant movie. Most people barely scratch the surface, I think this film could be taught and analyzed for years to come.
oh what a gem! this was excellently written and made and i loved getting your perspective on this film, thank you for sharing!!
Just found this channel recently and started binging. This video is the best one so far. I will admit that I was truly confused by Burning. This video not only make me trace what was represented, but also want to revisit the film. Great job!
This is an amazing video that really helped me grasp the film a bit more and appreciate it!
Wow, I thought I was Smart enough for picking up some puzzle pieces, but your analysis is on another level and makes me want to immediately rewatch this masterpiece!
The cat could not be Boil because the cat is supposedly shy around strangers and didn't even show itself once to Jonsu.. This cat was very friendly and shows itself.
Thanks...your review really brought some clarity and depth. A quiet movie but so much emotion building beneath the surface. Terrific!
I think when Ben talks of burning greenhouses once every 2 months, it’s a metaphor for killing girls. I think he’s a serial killer. He kills girls and keeps a piece of their belonging as some sick trophy. Hae-mi was his most recent victim. She went missing after Ben realizes that he hasn’t burned (killed) in 2 months. He had her cat and her watch. Her room was spotless just like Bens house is spotless. That’s enough probable cause in my book.
This is the obvious interpretation of what happened, the movie implies it, but there's enough clues in the movie to make interpretation of the viewer more complex than that, as said in this essay
Maybe he is keeping memories of people he like. It's weird to make any guess.
I agreed with this comment. Hae-mi once mentioned that she will not let her cat `boil` moves from her house. Thus, `boil` in Ben's house implied somethings bad happened to Hae-mi
Wouldn't it be weird for Ben to show up at the end sequence saying that Jongsu told him that both Hae-mi and Jongsu would be there if he knew he killed Hae-mi?
ChickenPredator playing dumb so he wouldn’t look suspicious
The scene with the cow, being the last symbol of what his family has left him, really hit hard with me. We know he has a fondness for animals and taking care of the cow but when he gave it away to be slaughtered it showed his state of mind and just how unhinged he was before the end.
A lot of people found this movie boring, but I find it so slow yet interesting, that every single tiny clue creates a story
Thanks bro, really appreciate this analysis, on point. This movie made me feel a deep sadness, yet meaningfulness
i didnt think the movie was so great while watching but i thought about it for days after, coming up with my own story for it. never did thatt with a movie before, it's really nice
I noticed that the first time Jong-Su visits Haemis apartment (with her) there is a pink hair straightener on the table next to her bed, when he comes back the first time alone to feed the cat the straightener is moved and there is a red blow dryer in its place. Two weeks later when he visits the second time to feed the cat...... the blow dryer is gone and the pink straightener is in its place. She never went to Africa, she liked to make up stories like him calling her ugly and the well. She liked to "disappear" because she was too afraid to die....... maybe lol
Huh. Yeh maybe but interesting for wat it is anyways i never noticed- very cool! Ima rewatch that scene.
@@SpikimaMovies let me know what you think after rewatching! The ghost phone calls could have well been her calling to make sure he was home so she could go home and shower without being caught.
@@gibbybessa3711 her also never actually going to Africa would support the idea that the cat never existed. She could have been the one removing the food. Thus showing that the cat Ben has isn't Boil which disproves Jongsu's final needed assurance. This film has so much to unravel its fantastic
@@gibbybessa3711 mind blowing
If she never went to Africa, then how at the airport, Ben and she claimed that they met there and become the only 2 Korean in the trip..so she and Ben are making story about Africa thingy? Omg..I'm suffocated for answer 😂
Excellent analysis that helped draw my thoughts and feelings about the film together - and plenty of new readings I had missed.
fantastic essay. watched this movie for the first time and have been thinking about it all day.
One of the best video essays I’ve ever watched
I also thought that his mom was just a "imagination" of him to verify the girls story. Also I could consider her just saying yes to the well question because she feels his urgency to know it and verifys it so that he also got something from her since she needs the money, meening that she doesn't really care about the question the same way she doesn't cares about her son
I also think it's possible that she's not his mother at all and is just some lady paid by Haemi to verify the story. We see the knives in the father's shed and the fact that he burned her clothes is a hint that perhaps she was murdered rather than just ran away. When viewing the scene this way it paves the way for the interpretation that Haemi was the one manipulating jongsu all along.
@@TheSkitcom Why would Haemi want to manipulate him? The burning of the actual mom makes alot of sense, but I don't get the Haemi part.
@@Droxal Haemi was kind of manipulating him from the very start for her own ends. Winning the watch just so she could get it, sleeps with him then suddenly she is not invested and is riding off into the sunset in Ben's porsche. She didnt really care much about Jongsu, doesnt even ask of what problems are happening at his home. I believe she had some kind of deal with Ben because their relationship doesnt make sense, she also seems to be both in some relationship with Ben and Jongsu at the same time lol. When Jongsu says he loves Haemi, Ben simple laughs it off meaning maybe he knows she just manipulating him. I think they both visited Jongsu house on purpose because she knew its the last time they'll see each other. She really was a strange one, she even manipulated and lied about Jongsu calling her ugly, which he had zero memory of because surely he wouldnt have forgot something like that. I doubt she even went to Kenya travelling while having huge debt and pretty broke, she been there the whole time confusing Jongsu, clearing the cat food and putting cat poo under the bed lol. Her apartment is small no way a cat was hiding where he cant find it. But why???
This analysis was very well done, I especially like your take on ending
It's very much possible that maybe heami never had a boyfriend and jongsu was just writing his novel at her apartment, at this point I really just don't there are way too many ways this movie can be interpreted, but the thing I loved the most about this vid is u pointing out how there is a possibility that heami might have just killed herself, cuz greenhouse catch fire very quickly, which was shown in the movie itself
But anyway amazing review loved it
The ratio between like and dislike of the video tells everything. Such a great analysis. Thank you!
can you rename this video "answering your BURNING questions" ;) LKSDJFLDSKJ
I was convinced that this was just a surreal, sad, slow film about human trafficking, but your analysis made it much more interesting.
You are an artist of movie analysis. Watching this for the 2nd time & enjoying it almost as the movie. Thank you for your work.
i loved this movie but i didn't know why, so i sought out a good review/analysis for it and this one exceeded all expectations. the nature vs nurture comparison earned my sub
Great video! I love the ambiguity in the ending of this film. I think it’s also important to note that because we sympathise with jong-su and are in his shoes throughout the film we never actually question whether haemi just decided to never speak to him again after what he says to her when she leaves with Ben. Or if he was in fact responsible for her possible suicide
Thank you for this. I had my own interpretation and it was good to hear another.
excellent video bro! Thank you. Burning one of my favorite films and I'm currently working on this it for a school project and I found your analysis and point of view to be really interesting and relevant! Take care.
That was a brilliant essay!
One thing that I picked up on while watching the film is that fading light is often used to symbolise the beginning of a new chapter (normally a worse one) in the main character's life. When he's having sex with Hai Min (or Hai Mei I'm not sure what her name was), he sees a strangely beautiful light hitting the wall, and then it quickly fades away. Their relationship felt like a _blink and you'll miss it_ moment, and the light reflected that. And then it was gone, and she came back with Ben.
Similarly, the _only_ two sunsets shown in the movie show a much more major development in his life, the first being the weed scene, a longer, more sinister and drawn out sequence, that leads into the disappearance of Hai Min.
And then finally the shot of him writing in Hai Min's room. Regardless of whether you think he actually murdered Ben or simply moved on with his life, separated/distanced himself from the memory of Ben and Hai Min and his father, they both mark major changes in his character, and his life moving forward.
Amazing explanation....
Every small detail you have experienced is really fascinating
I am so grateful for your channel.. I never would have caught the intended awkwardness of Steven Yuen’s accent and the symbolism behind it as a non-Asian non-Korean speaking person.
ending would've been way more impactful if when Jong Su drives past Bens burning car Hae Mi called him
Even after this great explanation man there's still much more depth, this movie is real different and full of "Easter eggs"
Love this channel and contents, love and support from italy
Thanks for the supporr ;) means a lot!
Love everything about this movie. Loved it more each time. Modern masterpiece
What an amazing review!!!!! Thanks for helping us interpreting the movie with so many nuances!
I watched this movie back when it was released, and love it so muvh that i challenged myself to restrain from any form of information or analysis on ghe movie so that i make my own interpretation of it. Through all the years, i simply believed that the protagonist was a writer who romanticised a huge chunk of his life because of his rather dull, monotonous life. Meeting Ben and the girl , getting riled up in their lives made me believe that he finally has a stimulation for his ever-romanticised way of seeing things. He's a writer, ofc and that tends to make him observe and see things in a much deeper way than the rest like us. I just simply believed that the girl flee to another country, and that ben is just a regular, rather strange but a normal lad who was just messing around with the author's head when he said he burnt barns.
Years later i decided to finally read the short story inspired by it, and see some analysis made on it as well. I am a huge fan of symbolism and now looking from a different light, it's just so amazing how i missed so many small details and i think my previous stance might shift a tad bit. However, i find it so difficult to think that the girl was murdered and that Ben was a serial killer, just because i interpret it that way. Art is just so vast and beautiful.
You always need reviews like these to interpret Philosophical Schrodinger's Cat: The Movie.
Give this channel all the views!
So much that I didn't understand, just to realize that was the point. Excellent analysis.
This was such a good analysis. Love your work.
Your video could be a class in film making and how interpretations can be made with the help of so many technical aspects of movie making. Thank you. It’s definitely worth watching your video and the movie. ❤
This is a phenomenal video essay exploring themes and symbols of the film 👌
This is the first time a movie is just stuck in my head after parasite....like I have been researching about it a lot, but couldn't find anything quite relevant. This video is just awesome!!! Wonderful!!!👍
You absolutely nailed this analysis. Burning remains my favourite movie til this day for a reason that I cannot explain. That's exactly why this movie encapsulates me so much: it is full of meaning yet devoit of meaning at all. Thank you!
This analysis was vital to me understanding this movie so bless you 🌟
Thanks for the brilliant analysis. You are incredibly genius!
I'm not sure if I'm the only one checking at the time passed by several times while watching Burning. Not because of boring but the plot really fueled my curiosity. After an hour, I was like.."what they are trying to convey really.. It almost intermission.", then when there is 15 minutes left, I was like.."please, don't torture my feeling. Its reaching the end, come on!"
And after seeing the end.."no way..what did I just watched". Hahahah.
I struggle to find the meaning behind it. I make my own expectation, theory and possibilities. In an interview, The casts mentioned that they do it as per directed by director and the director left it to the audience to interpret it. Hahaha. I found it intriguing. This movie even more mysterious than Parasite. At least, in Parasite, we can see the rough message on the surface. But in Burning, I struggle a lot. Rather than "how he/she..", I instead, questioned "what is she/he symbolize?".
The suspen elements facade to the fore along the way. I was quivering, murmuring and got frown. There is a lot of questions inside my head from the very beginning toward the end
1. Is Hae Mi really exist or is she a legit human being?
2. when Jong Su meets Hae Mi's acquaintance at the restaurant, I certain, Hae Mi do exist but is it possible that the girl whose Jong Su have been meeting with is just stranger who claimed and pretending herself to be Hae Mi?
3. Is Ben exist or is he an imaginary friend of Jung soo who creates his own non-existent self. Ben might be Jong Soo himself. In fact Ben not even exist.
4. Is Jong Soo the one who commit all odd hobby which is arson? But he see that Ben who the one burning the greenhouse
And the list goes on..
Omg..if I'm a lecturer, I'm gonna torture my students letting them operate and analyst this movie and see them suffering together with me 😂😂
I put off watching this film for months and I finally got to watching it today, and I wasn’t disappointed!
I have just watched this movie and recently discovered your channel. You put into words the things I felt while watching these films. I feel the themes but can't put into words to explain it fully. Your videos make me feel like I have truly watched the movie. Thanks 😊