|
| . |
|
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter...And Spring 2003 |
Review by Jonathan Cornwell |
Directed by Kim Ki-duk
R, 103 min. (some strong sexuality) |
 |
Starring: Oh Young-Soo, Kim Jong-ho, Seo Jae-kyeong, Kim Young-min, Kim Ki-duk, Ha Yeo-jin
Producers: Lee Seung-jae, Karl Baumgartner
Screenplay: Kim Ki-duk
Cinematography: Baek Dong-hyeon
Distributor: Sony Pictures Classics
Released: 4.02.04 (Limited)
(In Korean with subtitles) |
Rating:
  (out of ) |
Kim Ki-duk's Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter...And Spring is an intoxicating almalgamation of nature's beauty and
humanity's journey from innocence to corruption to redemption. One of the most visually compelling pictures in some time,
the film revels in its lovely cinematography and the stillness of its transcendent themes. Ki-duk has fashioned a film that
communicates life's tumultuous stages through simple yet insightful scenes of everyday activity. The passing seasons
are not only an obvious metaphor for life's seasonal changes, but also a symbol of the neverending cycle of life itself. The
film is slow-moving and at times tests one's patience, yet it never detracts from the fact that it is one of the most compelling
examples of the power of filmmaking; indeed, as the final frames of the picture unfold the viewer is lost in thoughts of
the gift of life and the importance of making a positive impact before his/her time is done.
It's also an example of the effectiveness of simplicity in filmmaking. Set in South Korea, which could be set at any time
(although later we learn that it is present day), two monks - the master (Oh Young-Soo) and the apprentice (Kim Jong-ho) -
go about everyday chores from their floating monastery in the middle of a beautiful lake. The master is in his advancing
years while the apprentice is just a young boy. The opening section, Spring, takes time to establish the two characters and
foreshadows the storyline's direction as the boy learns a painful lesson. In Summer, the boy is now almost 20, and the
arrival of a girl his age sparks the flames of passion that his master warns against - "Lust leads to possession. Possession
leads to murder." The young man leaves his master and follows the girl into the world of man, which eventually leads
to Fall, as the man (now in his 30s) returns to his master to find redemption for his anger with police hot on his trail.
After serving time for his actions, the man (now in his 40s) returns once again to the monastery during Winter, where
he finds his master the victim of self-cremation and takes his place as custodian of the Buddhist sanctuary. Finally, the cycle
is complete when the man takes on an apprentice of his own in the brief Spring.
Cinematography is at the heart of Ki-duk's enthralling picture. From the opening scenes of the monastery floating gently
on the lake, to the natural springs nearby, to the patient rowing of the boat, every scene is painstakingly captured for
maximum effect. In the Winter section there is a inspiring shot of the monastery from a mountain-top perspective
that summarizes the man's transformation from youthful misguidance to older, wiser acceptance of his place in the world.
The pictures of the frozen tapestry of Winter are as meaningful and ingratiating as the wondrous visuals in Spring
and Summer. There isn't a moment of the film that doesn't frame its storyline around the visual pallette of
cinematographer Baek Dong-hyeon.
There is a patient elegance that permeates every moment of Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter...And Spring, and the
viewer is richly rewarded by the film's honest portrayal of life's lessons and hardships. The resonance that one feels
in the final scenes of this wonderful film is rarely achieved in a cinematic wasteland of superficial, artificial entertainment.
Ki-duk is able to portray the complexities of life in simple terms that everyone can understand and appreciate. After
experiencing a film like this, it's hard to return to the bombastic drivel of mainstream dreck at the local multiplex. But, at
least for a moment, we are reminded why film can be a powerful medium.
© 2004 Jonathan Cornwell
|
|
 |
 | Masterpiece - Film perfection |
| Excellent - A Must See |
| Good - Highly Recommended |
| Fair - Worth seeing |
| Average - Viewable, but not recommended |
| Below average - View at own risk |
| Poor - Avoid at all costs |
| Very poor - An embarassment to the film industry |
| Zero | Awful - One of the worst films ever made |
© 2000 - present ReelCriticReviews
All movie pictures are registered trademarks and/or copyrights of their respective holders
Their use on this site is for informational purposes only and does not imply ownership
|
