My Rating: 3.78/4 (aka Worth It)

One line summary: A young man trying to be a writer encounters a girl from his childhood, and then her new boyfriend – mysteries unfold.

The Deets: It’s hard to adapt a great work of fiction into a great movie – I struggle to come up with any solid examples. This Korean film was adapted from a 1983 short story called “Barn Burning” by the Japanese writer Haruki Murakami. If you’re familiar with Murakami’s work, then you know his typical tone and themes – younger characters, somewhat detached, melancholic, mysterious, and interested in everyday interactions. Having now read the story, I can appreciate this adaptation even more – some pieces of the story are pulled directly, other narrative elements are beautifully and stealthily woven to keep the audience guessing about what is really happening and what is in the writer’s mind. The result is a slow, engaging character study; not what I would call a great movie, but it’s memorable and definitely worth watching at least once – so I guess it exists on the verge of greatness.

Perfect for: Murakami fans especially, and if you’re in the mood for a slow thriller, particularly a Korean one.

Where to watch: You need to rent it, and I recommend that you do.

Food pairing: You’re going to want some noodles, either before, after, or during.