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This poetic Buddhist story has a lot to say about life and death, sin and redemption and love. The metaphor of the changing season representing the stages of life isn't a revolutionary artistic touch, but director Ki-duk Kim does it with original and breathtaking beauty.
Each season represents a different section in the life of the film’s characters. An old monk (Yeong-su Oh, LITTLE MONK) lives on a small floating house in a lake in the mountains. He is in care of a young boy (Jong-ho Kim, film debut) who he teaches metaphorical lessons about life and death. When the boy becomes a teen (Jae-kyeong Seo, RESURRECTION OF THE LITTLE MATCH GIRL), a young sick girl (Yeo-jin Ha, film debut) comes into the care of the monk. The teenage apprentice is quickly smitten by the girl. What happens next I will leave as a surprise. But I will say, the film deals with the issues of rebellion, temptation and redemption.
Baek Dong-hyeon's cinematography is breathtaking. Nature and our connection to it play a central role in Buddhism. This film captures the gorgeous nature of Korea, making the visuals a subtly, but constant, spiritual presence throughout the entire film. The isolation of the environment will play on the young apprentice's mind and the draw to leave for the "real" world will be great. However, life, especially from the Buddhist point of view, always has a way of circling back on itself.
Though the film is very metaphorical, it is not a pretentious art film. I’m sure a Buddhist will get some of the symbolism better than I did, but the pleasure of the film is not hampered by this fact. This spiritual film does a great job of visually bringing Buddhist philosophy to life for a non-believer. The issues the film deals with are universal to any culture or religion. We all experience the loss of innocence and appreciate the wisdom that we have gained via living life. Young love leaps over cultural and religious chasms and connects us all in common experiences. And only the luckiest person on Earth can say they lived a life free of regret.
Like a poem or a piece of lyrical classical music, SPRING, SUMMER, FALL, WINTER… AND SPRING leaves the audience moved and provoked about their own life choices and experiences. This is a remarkably thoughtful film that is a true treat on the eyes and the soul.
Rick DeMott
Animation World Network
Creator of Rick's Flicks Picks
