"The Burning" (1981), directed by Tony Maylam, is a classic slasher film that has earned a place in the annals of horror cinema for its gruesome special effects, atmospheric tension, and memorable antagonist. The film is set in and around a summer camp, a familiar yet effective setting for terror, which becomes the hunting ground for a vengeful killer named Cropsy.

The story begins with a cruel prank gone wrong, where a group of campers sets Cropsy, the camp caretaker, on fire. Severely burned and disfigured, Cropsy survives but is driven mad by his ordeal. After years of recovery in a hospital, he returns to seek revenge on those who wronged him. Armed with a pair of garden shears, Cropsy embarks on a brutal killing spree, targeting both the original pranksters and the new group of unsuspecting campers.

"The Burning" is noted for its intense and graphic violence, with special effects by the legendary Tom Savini, whose work on the film is celebrated for its realistic and horrifying depictions of gore. The infamous raft scene, in particular, stands out as one of the most shocking and well-executed sequences in slasher film history.

Maylam's direction keeps the suspense high, utilizing the camp's remote and wooded environment to create a sense of isolation and vulnerability. The film also benefits from a strong ensemble cast, including early performances by actors who would go on to achieve greater fame, such as Jason Alexander, Fisher Stevens, and Holly Hunter.

The musical score by Rick Wakeman adds to the film's eerie and unsettling atmosphere, enhancing the overall sense of dread. "The Burning" distinguishes itself within the slasher genre not only through its visceral horror but also through its character-driven narrative and the tragic backstory of its antagonist, making Cropsy a more complex and sympathetic figure than the typical slasher villain.

With its blend of shocking violence, suspenseful direction, and effective character development, "The Burning" has garnered a cult following and remains a significant entry in the slasher genre, reflective of the early 1980s horror boom.