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Tuesday, January 15, 2019

Korean film Burning (버닝), Japanese film Shoplifters (万引き家族) to continue in Pittsburgh through January 24.



The acclaimed 2018 films Burning (버닝) and Shoplifters (万引き家族), which opened in Pittsburgh on December 21, will remain in town through January 24.

Burning's official site provides a synopsis of the Korean film based on a Haruki Marukami short story:
BURNING is the searing examination of an alienated young man, Jongsu (Ah-in Yoo), a frustrated introvert whose already difficult life is complicated by the appearance of two people into his orbit: first, Haemi (newcomer Jong-seo Jun), a spirited woman who offers romantic possibility, and then, Ben (Steven Yeun, THE WALKING DEAD, SORRY TO BOTHER YOU), a wealthy and sophisticated young man she returns from a trip with. When Jongsu learns of Ben’s mysterious hobby and Haemi suddenly disappears, his confusion and obsessions begin to mount, culminating in a stunning finale.
Burning was the top domestic film in Korea during its first weekend in theaters. It will play at the Harris Theater through the 17th and at the Regent Square Theater from the 18th through 24th. Showtime information is available online, though tickets must be purchased at the theater. The Harris Theater is located at 809 Liberty Ave. in downtown's Cultural District (map), and the Regent Square Theater is located at 1035 S. Braddock Ave. (map).

The 2018 Japanese movie and Palme d'Or winner Shoplifters (万引き家族) will likewise continue at the Harris Theater through the 17th and the Regent Square Theater through the 24th.
After one of their shoplifting sessions, Osamu and his son come across a little girl in the freezing cold.

At first reluctant to shelter the girl, Osamu’s wife agrees to take care of her after learning of the hardships she faces.

Although the family is poor, barely making enough money to survive through petty crime, they seem to live happily together until an unforeseen incident reveals hidden secrets, testing the bonds that unite them...
When Shoplifters was released in Japan in June it was the country's highest-grossing movie its first three weekends, and finished the year as Japan's fourth highest-grossing domestic film of the year. Showtimes are available online, but again tickets are only available for purchase at the door.