Rating: 
Summary: Alas, poor DVD quality
Review: I think this is probably a beautiful film. It radiates serenity. Unfortunately, I watched it on DVD, and was left to imagine what it looked like in the cinema. The quality of the DVD transfer is extremely poor and the film never once came into focus. It's, like, fuzzy. Shouldn't a film about Zen be crystal clear? Shouldn't all DVD's be?
Rating: 
Summary: EXCELLENT, BUT NOT FOR EVERYONE
Review: If you're interested in Buddhism, especially the Zen schools, this movie will probably please you. Meditative and accessible, it's an almost purely visual film that nicely illustrates the stark, but sublime principles of Zen buddhism. I wouldn't encourage this film on someone who prefers more mainstream films, because it's a film that definately takes its time, but it's miles above the fluff of such films as Little Buddha with Keanu Reeves or Seven Years in Tibet. Quiet, meditative, subtle, and very human, it's probably the best fictional film that addresses one of the worlds great religions.
Rating:
Summary: EXCELLENT, BUT NOT FOR EVERYONE
Review: If you're interested in Buddhism, especially the Zen schools, this movie will probably please you. Meditative and accessible, it's an almost purely visual film that nicely illustrates the stark, but sublime principles of Zen buddhism. I wouldn't encourage this film on someone who prefers more mainstream films, because it's a film that definately takes its time, but it's miles above the fluff of such films as Little Buddha with Keanu Reeves or Seven Years in Tibet. Quiet, meditative, subtle, and very human, it's probably the best fictional film that addresses one of the worlds great religions.
Rating:
Summary: a real feeling for the essence of ZEN.
Review: Loved it. As a student of Zen I felt as if i'd been on on 7 day retreat after watching. If the subtitles had been in yellow, it'd been a 10 day one for sure,
Rating:
Summary: 50/50
Review: My family and I love this movie, which we have watched 3 or 4 times. It is amazing just to watch how lovely each shot of film is. The relationships among the 3 Buddhist monks living in a mountain hermitage, the basic issue of the movie, is very touching, and the spiritual development of the middle monk (in age) is moving.
If what you want is shoot-'em up action, or meaning laid out on a platter for you, this movie is not for you. But if you enjoy sitting back and letting the story flow over you (and the story is indeed a stretch for the western mind), then this is for you. I can easily see why it has been named one of the top 10 movies of all time.
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful
Review: My family and I love this movie, which we have watched 3 or 4 times. It is amazing just to watch how lovely each shot of film is. The relationships among the 3 monks is very touching, and the spiritual development of the middle monk (in age) is moving.If what you want is shoot-'em up action, or meaning laid out on a platter for you, this movie is not for you. But if you enjoy sitting back and letting the story flow over you (and the story is indeed a stretch for the western mind), then this is for you. I can easily see why it has been named one of the top 10 movies of all time.
Rating: 
Summary: So sad for poor quality of DVD conversion of this great film
Review: Simply great film. But DVD conversion was so poor that I can never imagine people who watch this DVD could get an idea about what the real film was like. The film is not much a story telling but somewhat like a series of beautiful still photos. Anyone who loves films in a little bit serious manner not just for an ENTERTAINMENT must watch this film. Even if you don't have much interest in Eastern culture or Buddhism, you may be able to enjoy this film at least the fantastic visual images only if you have a little imagination on what the original colors were like. Hope you enjoy this great film.
Rating:
Summary: A beautiful, visual description of the mysteries of Zen.
Review: The film tells the story of two people and their search for liberation. A mid-20's man named Hibong has left the world with all its pain and hardship, seeking the way out from an old Zen master secluded in the Korean Mountains. The other is a 11 year old boy who curiously looks at the world.
Rating:
Summary: A work of art, though not for everyone
Review: There are not nearly enough Korean films available in the West, and this is the kind of movie which reminds me that we're missing out. A Buddhist monk and his apprentice live in a temple up in the mountains, and contemplate life and all of its meanings. This is the basic premise for a film which lasts for 2½ hours. And it took 10 years to make. But this is no criticism. Plenty of Zen Buddhist philosophy abounds despite sparse dialogue. While the film has a very challenging duration to endure, people who do stick with it will learn something of this popular religion (which I for one find interesting), and will also be treated to a lot of simply beautiful, captivating and breath-taking Korean natural scenery. If you can't watch a film without action, or a dialogue-driven drama, then don't torture yourself. This is not for you. Everyone else however will find a damn good film with depth-aplenty. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Lovely film, Poor DVD
Review: This film is one of the most sumptuous visual delights ever. It is also one of the most reflective treatises on the Zen philosophy recorded on film, as well as a very life-affirming experiences ever. However, the DVD transfer is very poor. The film has not been restored, and there are blemishes all across the screen. There is not one single feature; I would have loved at least a directors commentary or an interview. Very disappointing; however the film is still a great one.
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