Synopsis

Very much an allegory, the film moves through the seasons of the title, each one representinga season in a man’s life. In Spring, then, he is a little boy. In Summer, an adolescent. And so on(young man, middle-aged man, older man). The scene remains the same: a Buddhist templefloating on a lake, surrounded by mountains. The other characters are the elderly monk who israising the boy, and the young girl who enters his life in adolescence. The story is told with aminimum of d…alogue. If ever a film was an illustration of the term “quiet beauty” this is it. Itis also a film that will have you thinking about it long after the closing credits have rolled.

Audio

This is an extremely quiet film, often more about silences than sounds. Even so, whereappropriate, there are some very nice environmental effects, with excellent placement of thesounds, adding to the film’s contemplative atmosphere.

Video

The transfer isn’t perfect, though the film is beautiful it transcends any limitations that mightbe apparent here. So there are a couple of grainy shots, and there is some slight edgeenhancement visible now and then. But the colours, flesh tones and blacks are all excellent.

Special Features

Nothing here but trailers for the feature and a handful of other art-house releases. The menuis basic.

Closing Thoughts

A film to be savoured and thought about. The picture may not be perfect, but in terms ofoverall enjoyment, the flaws are minor.

Special Features List

• Trailers