Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring (2003)

Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring (2003) — directed by Kim Ki-duk — is a sparse, meditative drama that follows the life of a boy raised by a Buddhist master in a small floating temple set on a remote mountain lake. The film is told in five seasonal chapters, each marking a stage in the pupil’s life: childhood, adolescence, young adulthood, middle age and old age. As the boy grows he faces temptation, love, violence and the consequences of his actions, ultimately seeking redemption and reconciliation with karma. What you’ll experience: - A slow, lyrical pace built from long, carefully composed shots and natural sound — the wind, water, birdcalls and the rhythm of ritual become the film’s language. - Striking, painterly cinematography of the lake and surrounding wilderness; the changing seasons are used as both backdrop and metaphor for inner transformation. - Sparse dialogue and symbolic imagery that emphasize contemplative themes: impermanence, desire, guilt, forgiveness and the cyclical nature of life. - An emotional arc that moves from innocent play and simple lessons to erotic awakening, fall from grace, violent consequences and a painful, physical path to atonement. - A quiet but powerful atmosphere: the movie rewards patient viewing and invites reflection rather than offering conventional plot-driven drama. Content note: the film contains sexual themes and scenes of violence and imprisonment; its slow, contemplative style may not suit viewers expecting fast-paced action or straightforward resolutions. For those open to contemplative cinema, it’s a visually beautiful, emotionally resonant meditation on human longing and spiritual return.

Actors: Kim Ki-duk, Oh Yeong-su, Jong-ho Kim

Director: Kim Ki-duk

Runtime: 103 min

Genres: Drama, Romance

7.6 /10 85 /100 8.0 /10 8.0 /10