Kim Ki Duk: Film Analysis

“We have to learn to see ourselves in things that we thought were outside of ourselves in order to dissolve false boundaries” (Nhat Hanh, 1998). Buddhism is a well-known term used to define a way of life in which meditation plays an important role. This intellectual belief focuses on positive traits as wisdom, love and compassion; also, it helps to overpass the negativity and transform it into positivity. The movie Written and directed by Kim Ki Duk, emphasizes the four seasons (Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter), in each of one an important lesson is thought by the monk. In each of the seasons a different animal is presented as part of the scene being a companion of the monk and the child. Each animal has a different symbolism in Buddhism, likewise it resembles the season lesson. In addition, the movie is composed of various elements with a powerful meaning in Buddhism. The movie is developed in South Korea; all the scenes involved the monastery floating in the lake. In this essay, we will discuss about the main elements of Buddhism presented in the film, and how the movie can be used to teach a history approach. In addition, it will be presented the main lessons of the passages of the film and how are related to our society.
First of all, spring shows us the first lesson; the child decides to attach a …show more content…
“The changing of the seasons, which most people witness and which no one of us can affect at all, offers experiences (lessons) in beauty, time, and acceptance, just as the aging of a human being has its own inevitability, its own facts and knowledge” (Garret, 2004). Everyone should be encouraged to watch this movie as it offers a unique source of questioning and indagating. But we should not limit all our knowledge of Buddhism in this film, we should use it as a tool to learn more or contradict the scenes of the