Thursday, June 11, 2009

The Seasons

"SPRING, SUMMER, FALL, WINTER...and SPRING"
2004
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This beautiful drama, directed by Kim Ki-Duk,
is set in an idyllic valley in Korea. A tiny
Buddhist monastery floats dreamlike on a
lake, surrounded by trees, where an
Old Monk and a Young Disciple live.
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The five seasons represent the chapters
in the Young Monk's life. Each section
begins with the opening of an ornamental
wooden gate on the shore, a timeless
ceremony, as is a doorway within the
monastery, a symbol of constraint.
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They never go beyond the surrounding
forest. One day in Summer, an adolescent
girl is delivered to them to be healed by
Old Monk. The tranquility is interrupted by
the awakened desire between Young Monk
and the girl. The beginning of conflict, of
violence, of lessons to sustain Young Monk
for his entire life. Ceremonial doors are
disregarded, the craving of attraction has
a persistent impact. Young Monk carries
another burden as a reminder of his
childhood cruelty.
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This is a film that is visually timeless,
full of breathtaking poetic images.
The path to redemption is approached with
the most stunning beauty. A fable of the
seasons of life.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxThe Floating Monastery
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16 comments:

Raph G. Neckmann said...

This sounds like a very moving film, Lyn. I love the scenery in the top photo.

Deedee said...

Sounds very interesting...and ethereal.

Lyn said...

Hi Raph-
This was definitely one of the most beautiful films I've ever seen..

Lyn said...

Hi Deedee-
It is ethereal, but very earthy also..therefore the conflicts!

Jeane Myers said...

I must see if I can find it on Netflix - it sounds wonderful :)

A Cuban In London said...

I watched this film a few years ago when it came out and found it very, very touching. There's a lot of silence and this, coupled with the photography, provide the viewer with a maginificent opportunity to be carried away by the (non)narrative of the movie. Many thanks for the review and the memories.

Greetings from London.

Unknown said...

But did the Young Monk run off with the girl, Lyn??!!

Seriously, tales of ancient wisdom can usually teach us a lot, about ourselves and the world around us. Glad you enjoyed it.

Lyn said...

Hi Jeane-
I got it through Netflix..returned it a few days ago..it's stunning!

Lyn said...

Greetings to A Cuban-
Always glad to hear that someone's seen one of the films I recommend! When I read about something special, I try to follow it up..this is a winner! Speaking of silence..have you seen "Into Great Silence"?

Lyn said...

Hi Derrick-
I won't give it away!! This may be a tale of ancient wisdom but it takes place in contemporary times..life itself intrudes!!

Unknown said...

The top photo is stunning: thanks for the recommendation Lyn, will put on my list too.

Lyn said...

Hi Gaston-
I think you'll really enjoy this one, Jane..please let me know!

Jeane Myers said...

Hi Lyn, I just posted the piece I did in response to your Embedded post :) and I ordered this film from Netflix - yea!

Lyn said...

Hi Jeane-
Can't wait to check it out...
Hope you like the movie!!

A Cuban In London said...

No, I haven't and I will be googling it up when I get home. Thanks for the tip :-).

Greetings from London.

Lyn said...

Hi to A Cuban-
I hope you will be pleased with this..thanks for checking it out!

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