“They say that it is the practiced liar who can deceive. But so often the practiced and chronic liar deceives only himself; it is the man who all his life has been self-convicted of veracity whose lies find quickest credence.” - William Faulkner

Lee Chang-dong’s Burning is the cinematic equivalent to the life cycle of a single flame, from unassuming ignition to dusted ash. 

Jong-su (Yoo Ah-in) and Ben (Steven Yeun) are perfect foils to each other’s strengths and weaknesses:…