Spring Summer Autumn Winter and Spring

Ki-Duk Kim, South Korea, 2003, 103 minutes

After securing a reputation as the new perverse face of Korean cinema, Kim Ki-Duk opted for a change of pace. Delivering an inquisitive, meditative study on the human condition free from foul play and fishhooks, here is a deceptively simple Buddhist tale modelling the four seasons on the stages of the life cycle. Filmed entirely within a serene nature reserve, it focuses on a monastery floating on a beautiful artificial lake. Home to a elderly monk and his young apprentice, we follow the latter through a costly childhood lesson, a teenage sexual awakening, moral capitulation and finally redemption. Not only surprisingly involving, this is one of the most tranquil yet uplifting films of recent years.

Each of the five acts begin with two doors opening onto our watery stage. Through the harsh life lessons of spring and summer, the apprentice eventually succumbs to the temptation of the outside world. He returns in autumn, a fugitive from the law who must learn the value of discipline. Finally as an middle-aged man (winter), we are shown his astonishing pilgrimage into the mountains, dragging a stone that symbolises the karmic one he has carried all his life. Only now can he reach spiritual peace and take on the mantle of 'teacher'.

There is a great deal of religious meaning here, yet the director crafts the movie's narrative in such entertaining fashion that the symbolism does not need to be approached to appreciate the film. The significance of animals is made quite clear, and at times they are used to amusing practical effect.

Spring, summer... is worth seeing for the cinematography alone, but as a startling comic and tragic masterwork it will most likely stay with you forever.

Review by Chay Williamson
Written for EUFS Programme Autumn 2005