Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring

In the mist‑cloaked mountains of rural Korea, a solitary monastery drifts on a quiet lake, its wooden walls echoing the soft cadence of chanting and the rustle of reeds. The film paints this remote world with a hushed, lyrical palette, letting the changing light of the seasons suggest the passage of time without ever breaking the reverent stillness that defines the monks’ lives. Every ripple on the water, every breeze through the pine forest, feels like a quiet meditation, inviting the audience to breathe with the characters and feel the weight of the ancient landscape.

The apprentice arrives as a bright, naïve figure, his days marked by simple rituals: rowing to collect herbs, sweeping the stone pathways, and sitting in silent contemplation beside his master. His world is one of disciplined routine, where each action reflects a deeper search for inner balance. Though his life seems insulated, the gentle rhythm of the monastery subtly hints at an underlying current of growth, as the seasons themselves whisper lessons of impermanence and renewal.

When a wandering girl seeks shelter within the floating sanctuary, the monastery’s tranquil order is gently unsettled. Her presence brings a breath of the world beyond the lake—a hint of curiosity, longing, and the raw sensations of human connection that the monk has only observed from afar. Their quiet encounters stir emotions that the secluded life has never required, opening a doorway to desire that feels both inevitable and unsettling.

The story thus sets the stage for a contemplative journey, where the austere beauty of the environment and the simple yet profound bond between two seekers suggest a path of self‑discovery. As the seasons turn, the film promises an exploration of how innocence meets experience, and how the cyclical flow of nature mirrors the inner evolution of those who listen to its quiet teachings.

Last Updated: August 10, 2025 at 10:50