Monday, May 6, 6:30 p.m. & Thursday, May 16, 6:30 p.m. | In this adaptation of Haruki Murakami’s short story “Barn Burning,” aspiring writer Jong-su works odd jobs in Seoul to scrape by. When he bumps into Hae-mi, an enigmatic young woman who claims to know him from childhood, he is instantly smitten. While Hae-mi is on a trip abroad, Jong-su looks after her cat, becoming more infatuated with her as the days tick by. When she returns, she brings with her the privileged and inscrutable Ben (Steven Yeun), creating a disquieting and dangerous tension in this engrossing slow-burn thriller.

Awards & Nominations

Winner - FIPRESCI Prize, Competition, Cannes Film Festival
Winner - Vulcain Prize for the Technical Artist, Cannes Film Festival
Winner - Best Director, Asian Film Awards

Lee Chang-dong: Redemption and Revelations: One of South Korea’s most celebrated contemporary auteurs, Lee Chang-dong’s relatively short but extraordinary filmography is reflective of his background as an acclaimed writer and influenced by his criticism of South Korea's cultural and political climates. Novelistic and character driven, his six feature films explore themes of trauma and anger, with individuals pushed to their breaking point by repressive systems, structures, and situations. View full series.

The Film Center is ADA accessible. This presentation will be projected without open captions. The theater is hearing-loop equipped. For accessibility requests, please email filmcenter@saic.edu