This South Korean film directed by one of Korea's hot young directors Kim Ki-Duk, is a gentle love story about a Buddhist master trying to teach his student the most important lessons of life. The film takes place over the course of five seasons, each separated in time by several years over the life span of a young monk, in a tranquil and timeless setting in a floating wooden monastery that drifts slowly across the serenity of a 200 year old, man made lake.

An old monk( Oh Young-Soo) and his young protégé are living in that floating monastery. Every season is a new stage in the young boy's life. In the 'spring', the old monk teaches the child monk (Kim Jong-Ho) about the nature of cruelty and guilt. In the 'summer', the young monk (Seo Jao-Kyung) is a teenager and he has to deal with his sexual awakening. He learned in the hard way that it is not easy to be in love while trying to lead a spiritual life.

The 'fall' episode deals with the return of the young monk (Kim Young-Min) who left in frustration years ago and how he dealt with the residual damage of his lust. He finds it really difficult to adjust to his old Buddhist way of life after his return. The old monk despairs that he might have failed in his upbringing of the young monk. In the 'winter', the young monk ( the director Kim Ki-Duk) returns again to see if he can achieve spiritual enlightenment. In the next 'spring', the cycle starts all over again.

The movie is visually beautiful and very wisely taken. It is a brilliant theme presented in the form of changing seasons. Simplicity is another adorable factor in this film. Director Kim Ki-Duk has done a wonderful job. Watching this movie will be an enlightenment. If you are into Buddhism, you must see this film. It is definitely an OSCAR worthy film.

We rate this movie Very Good.