Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring is a 2003 South Korean film directed by Kim Ki-duk. Also known as "Bom yeoreum gaeul gyeoul geurigo bom", this film takes viewers on a poignant journey of life's cyclical progression through the lens of Buddhism and its inherent philosophy. The film beautifully narrates the life of a Buddhist monk as he passes through the four seasons of life, from childhood to old age, set in a floating monastery. It is a contemplative study of life's transience, where each season holds metaphorical significance, transcending the audience into the realms of eastern spiritualism. Kim Ki-duk both directed and starred in the film, and it also includes performances from Oh Yeong-su and Jong-ho Kim.

The film begins with 'Spring', where we discover a young boy living with an old Buddhist monk on a floating temple situated in the middle of a pristine lake, surrounded by an undisturbed and tranquil forest. Here, the old monk provides guidance to the young boy about principles of life and morality, buddhist doctrine, and the consequences of choice. Through a series of evocative training methods, the old monk seemlessly blends the practical wisdom of Buddhism with the realities of life, leading the curious boy towards enlightenment.

'Summer' introduces the audience to the young boy who has now transitioned into adolescence. This segment brings a woman into the monastery who is apparently ill; her presence ignites feelings of desire and passion within the adolescent monk. This sequence beautifully showcases the protagonist’s struggle between his moralistic teachings and his burgeoning sexual desires, articulating the turbulence of young adulthood. This play of emotions and conflicts creates an underlying tension in the film.

In 'Fall', we encounter the young monk again, now an adult, who must face the consequences of the actions and decisions he made during his youth. This is a season of introspection and consequence, where the protagonist navigates the repercussions of his choices and must take substantial measures to set things right. The figure of the old monk comes into play again, imparting more wisdom, illuminating the path of repentance, and underlining the theme of redemption throughout this segment.

In 'Winter', the main protagonist has now become an old monk who returns to the isolated monastery in the midst of a frozen lake. This season faithfully reflects the acceptance of the mistakes he made in his past, his acquired wisdom, and the tranquility he has achieved over time. As 'Winter' rolls out, it highlights the protagonist's journey of self-realization, internal peace, and submission to the process of life and death.

The closing chapter, 'Spring' is a full circle, bringing the narrative back to its origin. The movie beautifully connects the end to the beginning, reinstating that life is indeed cyclical and everything comes back around, fully signifying the essence of Buddhism, and subtly hinting at reincarnation.

The film is accompanied by an extraordinarily serene and compelling background score that enhances the overall experience of the film. The ambiance, combined with the beautiful cinematography, reflects the divine and serene aspects of Buddhism, providing a calming and tranquil visual experience to the audience. The film is devoid of any unnecessary dialogue, relying heavily on visual storytelling.

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring is a thought-provoking tale of life, its cyclicity, and its lessons. It imparts its story through an intricate blend of cinematic metaphors, serene visuals, and the profound principles of Buddhism. This film is an excellent pick for those seeking more profound cinematic experiences beyond mere entertainment, offering valuable insights into spirituality and the intrinsic elements of life, love, sin, and redemption. This Kim Ki-duk directed masterpiece is an evocative introspection of what it means to be human in this everchanging, impermanent world.