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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