Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter...and Spring - Science Fiction Fantasy Chronicles: forums

Foxbat · 22nd January 2005, 06:38 PM

Written, directed and starring Kim Di Duk

A Korean film that tells the tale of a Buddhist monk and his young apprentice. They live in harmony with nature in a temple in the centre of a lake surrounded by mountains. Despite the monk’s best efforts, the carefree young child in his care grows into a youth unprepared for the emotional impact of the world outside the temple.

Beginning with spring, the monk catches the child tying rocks to a fish, frog and snake. He ties a rock to the child and tells him to free those that he has tormented – and that if he cannot undo his wrong, he will carry a stone in his heart for the rest of his life.

The years pass by and a girl enters the temple. Smitten, the apprentice leaves to make a new life with her.

Autumn and Winter deal with the aftermath of all the apprentice’s choices and he is forced to deal and to come to terms with the darker side of his nature. Death makes way for the new and by the return of Spring the apprentice is now the teacher.

Visually, this film is what you would expect – wonderful scenery, vibrant colours, great photography. The acting is very good and is easily watched with merely a passing glance at the sub-titles as much of this movie’s message is visual. It is, in a nutshell, a story of redemption mirrored by the changing seasons. I’m pretty sure that a knowledge of Buddhist philosophy would enhance the enjoyment of watching this movie. Unfortunately I know little if nothing at all about Buddhism.

For anybody into action films, this one is a no-go area. For anybody interested in the complexities of the human condition, or just feels like watching something a bit more thought provoking and spiritually uplifting, then this is definitely one for you.

I, Brian · 23rd January 2005, 02:34 PM

It's out on DVD? I'll look out for it.

Lacedaemonian · 23rd January 2005, 03:15 PM

This looks great and has a great website too.

Foxbat · 23rd January 2005, 06:59 PM

Quote:

It's out on DVD? I'll look out for it.

This movie is out on DVD by Tartan Video and is very good quality. It's retailing around the £15 mark which is expensive nowadays for a movie in this format but it will probably be a niche product - hence the slightly higher price mark.
I certainly thought it well worth every penny.

I, Brian · 24th January 2005, 10:01 PM

Added to shopping basket, for next time I buy anything...

22nd January 2005, 06:38 PM	#1 (permalink)
Foxbat Haggis Connoisseur Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 2,305	Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter...and Spring Written, directed and starring Kim Di Duk A Korean film that tells the tale of a Buddhist monk and his young apprentice. They live in harmony with nature in a temple in the centre of a lake surrounded by mountains. Despite the monk’s best efforts, the carefree young child in his care grows into a youth unprepared for the emotional impact of the world outside the temple. Beginning with spring, the monk catches the child tying rocks to a fish, frog and snake. He ties a rock to the child and tells him to free those that he has tormented – and that if he cannot undo his wrong, he will carry a stone in his heart for the rest of his life. The years pass by and a girl enters the temple. Smitten, the apprentice leaves to make a new life with her. Autumn and Winter deal with the aftermath of all the apprentice’s choices and he is forced to deal and to come to terms with the darker side of his nature. Death makes way for the new and by the return of Spring the apprentice is now the teacher. Visually, this film is what you would expect – wonderful scenery, vibrant colours, great photography. The acting is very good and is easily watched with merely a passing glance at the sub-titles as much of this movie’s message is visual. It is, in a nutshell, a story of redemption mirrored by the changing seasons. I’m pretty sure that a knowledge of Buddhist philosophy would enhance the enjoyment of watching this movie. Unfortunately I know little if nothing at all about Buddhism. For anybody into action films, this one is a no-go area. For anybody interested in the complexities of the human condition, or just feels like watching something a bit more thought provoking and spiritually uplifting, then this is definitely one for you.

23rd January 2005, 02:34 PM	#2 (permalink)
I, Brian Admin and Tea-boy Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: UK: SCOTLAND: Posts: 5,354	Re: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter...and Spring It's out on DVD? I'll look out for it.

23rd January 2005, 03:15 PM	#3 (permalink)
Lacedaemonian ***Dux Bellorum*** Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 3,322	Re: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter...and Spring This looks great and has a great website too.

24th January 2005, 10:01 PM	#5 (permalink)
I, Brian Admin and Tea-boy Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: UK: SCOTLAND: Posts: 5,354	Re: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter...and Spring Added to shopping basket, for next time I buy anything...

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