In a beautiful temple on a secluded lake live an old monk and his young charge, a boy of barely school age. Under the old monk's tutelage, the youngster learns the secrets and lessons of the world around him. When he gleefully ties stones to a fish, a frog and a snake, his master binds a rock to the child's back. As a teenage boy, the young monk experiences carnal passion and attachment; as an adult, jealousy and profound despair. He leaves and returns cyclically, each season a stage in his progress from novice to enlightened human being. This ravishingly beautiful film never leaves the floating monastery and its breathtaking vistas, yet its seemingly hermetic world is a window on life's mysteries.
Special Agent Matti
Oh boy, if you like those silent spaces between words that are filled with the incessant noise of modern urban life then Spring, summer, autumn, winter... and spring is just what you need.
As indicated by the title, the film is broken up into five sections: the seasons themselves and the stages of human life (childhood, adolescence, youth, adulthood, rebirth). It's all very mystical and meaningful. And funny. There's nothing like a Buddhist monk to see the lighter side of re-incarnation.
If you need a holiday but only have 2 hours, this is the film for you. Soul food.
MA 15+ (Medium level sex scenes)
103 minutes (1:43 hours)
Film: 23 September 2004
