Rent Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring (2003)

And Relax. - Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring review by Steve

It's difficult to say what this is without merely assembling a lot of new age buzzwords; like serenity, simplicity and balance... Or- eek!- mindfulness. So let's not try. This is a meditative film about the environment and the cycle of life.

It is slow cinema, which gives the viewer space to contemplate where they belong spiritually in nature. Exactly like the remote monastery which serenely floats on a still, misty lake enclosed by the green expanse of the rainforest...

Kim Ki-duk wrote, directed- and edited- this philosophical minimalism, staged within a single location, about a monk who teaches his apprentice simplicity, tolerance, compassion and forbearance. He also appears in the final cycle

And yes, balance; this feels especially resonant rewatching while the UK countryside is set alight by drought, with nature in jeopardy. There isn't much incident, but it is exquisite, illuminating and mindful... and then ultimately, mythic.

A beautifully simple story. - Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring review by CP Customer

Elegantly simple and beautifully directed, 'Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring' tells the story of a Buddhist monk and his young boy disciple who live in a small floating Buddhist monastery on a small lake surrounded by mountains. The boy is full of mischief, but the old monk teaches him lessons that shape him as he grows into manhood with each of the seasons within the film representing a phase of the growing boy's life, it's a simple idea, but a good one. Oh Young-su is excellent as the old monk, who has the wisdom the younger man sorely lacks. His past is a mystery; and the problems his younger disciple encounters makes you wonder what caused him to live a life of seclusion. Director Kim Ki-duk gives an almost heavenly feel to the film, the beautiful landscape and the little monastery in the middle of a lake are stunning, and with a single set and only a few actors, the film packs a powerful punch. Quiet, heartbreaking, beautiful and deceptively simple, highly recommended!

slow, poetic and melancholic - Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring review by CP Customer

hard to describe. It is poetic, and sad, and full of morals about detachment and such things. Had great reviews and I did like it, but i would not recommend it to everyone, as it is slow going.