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Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter and Spring
Before watching this film, I had no idea what it was about. The only thing that I had heard was when reading on here that there was some dialogue about the director and his tendency to use animal cruelty in his work.
The film starts with a Buddhist monk and his young apprentice. It shows the relationship between the two.
Everything seems to be going well and then...Cupid strikes.
The film goes on to document the lives of the Monk and the apprentice through the various seasons over the years.
What did I like?
Some of the cinematography was really good, with some beautiful scenic shots of what I believe to be South Korea.
I liked the set of the film. I would like to visit and maybe have a week in the tranquillity of the house. So quiet and peaceful.
There was a good use of symbolism throughout the film. There may well have been more than I noticed, but I did notice the 'Four noble truths' woven in there, and also Samsara (Birth, Life, Death and Rebirth) that were represented by the seasons and also by different animals for each season.
My recognising of the symbolism helped me to understand the film more than I would have otherwise.
What didn't I like so much?
Overall, I just found the film boring. Everything was so slow, and with such dreary music. It felt like I was watching in real time and the years were actually passing as I watched.
I understand that it was meant to be that way but I just became more and more frustrated with it.
Apart from the Monk (Yeong-su Oh) who was great, I thought the acting was weak. The kids were unconvincing and as for the detectives
Again, apart from the Old Monk, I didn't really find myself liking or caring about any of the characters.
Summary
I think that I can understand why some people really appreciate this film and why it is highly rated by many.
As I said however, I found myself looking at the clock, and just wanting the film to finish.
This may be more to do with me than the film, but it is never a good thing to be bored when watching a film.
It wasn't awful, there were some good elements about the film, and plenty to be appreciated.
I look forward to reading what others make of this film.
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter and Spring
Before watching this film, I had no idea what it was about. The only thing that I had heard was when reading on here that there was some dialogue about the director and his tendency to use animal cruelty in his work.
The film starts with a Buddhist monk and his young apprentice. It shows the relationship between the two.
Everything seems to be going well and then...Cupid strikes.
The film goes on to document the lives of the Monk and the apprentice through the various seasons over the years.
What did I like?
Some of the cinematography was really good, with some beautiful scenic shots of what I believe to be South Korea.
I liked the set of the film. I would like to visit and maybe have a week in the tranquillity of the house. So quiet and peaceful.
There was a good use of symbolism throughout the film. There may well have been more than I noticed, but I did notice the 'Four noble truths' woven in there, and also Samsara (Birth, Life, Death and Rebirth) that were represented by the seasons and also by different animals for each season.
My recognising of the symbolism helped me to understand the film more than I would have otherwise.
What didn't I like so much?
Overall, I just found the film boring. Everything was so slow, and with such dreary music. It felt like I was watching in real time and the years were actually passing as I watched.
I understand that it was meant to be that way but I just became more and more frustrated with it.
Apart from the Monk (Yeong-su Oh) who was great, I thought the acting was weak. The kids were unconvincing and as for the detectives
Again, apart from the Old Monk, I didn't really find myself liking or caring about any of the characters.
Summary
I think that I can understand why some people really appreciate this film and why it is highly rated by many.
As I said however, I found myself looking at the clock, and just wanting the film to finish.
This may be more to do with me than the film, but it is never a good thing to be bored when watching a film.
It wasn't awful, there were some good elements about the film, and plenty to be appreciated.
I look forward to reading what others make of this film.