Official promotional poster. Rights belong to the respective rights holders.
View the film source Availability and pricing vary by region.Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and SpringA movie brief.
2003 / drama / Directed by Kim Ki-duk
Life's passage reflected through nature's changing seasons.
What is Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring about?
A young Buddhist apprentice lives with his master in a floating monastery, learning life lessons through the seasons. The story follows his journey from childhood to old age.
Five things to know.
Setup
The film takes place in a Buddhist monastery floating on a lake in a pristine forest, where a young apprentice learns from his master.
World
The story is set against the backdrop of nature's changing seasons, reflecting the cycles of life and Buddhist teachings.
Pressure
The apprentice faces various challenges and temptations as he grows up, testing his moral character and spiritual growth.
Craft
The film features stunning cinematography, capturing the serene beauty of nature and the simplicity of monastic life.
Viewing note
The film's slow pace and contemplative nature require patience, but offer a profound and reflective viewing experience.
A thought to take with you.
The floating monastery's repeated seasons show a student returning to the same place with a different understanding of his actions. The cycle gives the story a spiritual structure, but each consequence remains attached to choices made in the world beyond the monastery.
Is it your kind of movie?
Choose it for a quiet Korean-language allegory about a monk's life across five seasons. Its sparse dialogue and contemplative pace are intentional.
Sources & scope
This AI-assisted brief is based on the linked secondary reference. Facts and interpretation are separated; it does not claim personal viewing or independent expert review.
Source details checked October 10, 2026. Suggest a correction · Our editorial approach