Burning (2018) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
Deliveryman Jong-su is out on a job when he runs into Hae-mi, a girl who once lived in his neighborhood. She asks if he'd mind looking after her cat while she's away on a trip to Africa. On her return, she introduces to Jong-su an enigmatic young man named Ben, who she met during her trip. One day Ben tells Jong-su about his most unusual hobby.
Rated NR • 2018 • 2h 28m
Overall: A young man becomes obsessed with a mysterious wealthy man who may have killed his childhood friend. Yoo Ah-in and Steven Yeun. Based on Haruki Murakami. One of the decade's most hypnotic and unsettling films. Unrated but R-equivalent.
Cast
Is Burning appropriate for kids?
Overall: A young man becomes obsessed with a mysterious wealthy man who may have killed his childhood friend. Yoo Ah-in and Steven Yeun. Based on Haruki Murakami. One of the decade's most hypnotic and unsettling films. Unrated but R-equivalent. Read more — free account
Content severity in Burning
What happens in Burning, moment by moment
- 0:08 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
- 0:22 💬 Language 3/10
- 0:42 ♥ Sex & Nudity 4/10
Sex and nudity in Burning
A sexual relationship between the protagonist and the young woman. Brief nudity. Frank but not gratuitous.
Violence and gore in Burning
Violence implied rather than shown — the film's genius is its restraint. What you don't see is more disturbing than anything depicted.
Language in Burning
Strong language in subtitles.
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Burning
Marijuana as a character's casually mentioned habit.
Mature themes in Burning
Class resentment — the gap between the poor young man and the wealthy Ben is the film's engine. Whether Ben is a serial killer or the protagonist is projecting. The film refuses to resolve this ambiguity — and the ambiguity is the point.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Burning appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Burning is best for ages 17+. It's rated NR. Overall: A young man becomes obsessed with a mysterious wealthy man who may have killed his childhood friend. Yoo Ah-in and Steven Yeun. Based on Haruki Murakami. One of the decade's most hypnotic and unsettling films…
What age rating does Burning have?
Burning is officially rated NR. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 17+.
What is Burning about?
Overall: A young man becomes obsessed with a mysterious wealthy man who may have killed his childhood friend. Yoo Ah-in and Steven Yeun. Based on Haruki Murakami. One of the decade's most hypnotic and unsettling films. Unrated but R-equivalent.
Is there sex or nudity in Burning?
A sexual relationship between the protagonist and the young woman. Brief nudity. Frank but not gratuitous.
How violent is Burning?
Violence implied rather than shown — the film's genius is its restraint. What you don't see is more disturbing than anything depicted.
Is the language in Burning appropriate for kids?
Strong language in subtitles.
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Burning?
Marijuana as a character's casually mentioned habit.
What mature themes appear in Burning?
Class resentment — the gap between the poor young man and the wealthy Ben is the film's engine. Whether Ben is a serial killer or the protagonist is projecting. The film refuses to resolve this ambiguity — and the ambiguity is the point.
How long is Burning?
Burning runs 148 minutes, directed by Lee Chang-dong, released in 2018.
Where can I read the full Burning parent guide?
Create a free Bontent account to unlock the full scene-by-scene notes, filter by your kids' ages, and save titles to your personal watchlist.
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