1. Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring (2003)
Of course I’m going to start the list with the most popular Ki-duk Kim movie. A Buddhist monk and his young apprentice live in a reclusive monastery on a lake in the middle of the forest, in quiet prayer and contemplation. The film takes us through the seasons of the young apprentice’s life, from childhood to old age, ending with spring where we can see him as an old monk, taking the role of the teacher for his young apprentice. In case you haven’t seen it yet, prepare yourself to be blown away by its beauty and symbolism.
2. Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)
2. Ferris Bueller's Day Off (1986)
On a beautiful day in the springtime, Ferris Bueller decides to take a day off from school, involving his best friend and his girlfriend in his plan. We’ve all been through high school and we all know that feeling of wanting to be anywhere else but in the classroom, watching as a perfect sunny day gets wasted while we’re forced to learn for our future. I, at least, know that feeling well. Ferris Bueller rebels against the system and he gets to have a memorable day. A day to be told for years to come.
3. Rear Window (1954)
3. Rear Window (1954)
This Alfred Hitchcock classic reminds everyone of spring, because in it everyone has their windows open, welcoming the fresh and warm air of the season. The chatter and the music are also a reminder of spring. This is the season where nature comes back to life.
4. The Secret Garden (1993)
4. The Secret Garden (1993)
A young British girl born and raised in India, loses her parents in an earthquake and is sent to live with her reclusive uncle, back in England. On one of her explorations, she discovers a secret garden, neglected and forgotten by the members of the house. With the help of her cousin and the son of the maid, she starts restoring it to its natural state. Just like spring does with nature, after the ground has been asleep during winter. Beautifully filmed and acted and beautiful, breathtaking flowers.
5. Mary Poppins (1964)
5. Mary Poppins (1964)
The movie is set in spring but I must say that Julie Andrews’s character gives me the feeling of spring, with her optimism and joie de vivre. A classic movie about a exuberant nanny, hired to take care of a cold banker’s children.
6. Ghost World (2001)
6. Ghost World (2001)
It follows two cynical teenage girls, who have a few more weeks before graduation, and their friendship with a quirky middle-aged man. Spring is a time transition and this movie is the perfect example for it. With just a little time left of their childhood, they reluctantly accept the incoming adulthood.
7. Easter Parade (1948)
7. Easter Parade (1948)
Easter and spring go hand in hand. Starring Judy Garland and Fred Astaire, the movie follows the story of a nightclub performer set to prove to his former partner that he can make anyone a star. He hires a naïve chorus girl and teaches her how to dance. With some amazing dance moves and incredible vocals, this movie is perfect for Easter.
8. Bambi (1942)
8. Bambi (1942)
We all know the sad story of how Bambi loses his mother and how he manages to survive in the forest. The magical settings only Disney could bring on screen and the adorable characters, makes this movie a recommended viewing in the springtime.
9. Big Fish (2003)
9. Big Fish (2003)
A now classic Tim Burton film, Big Fish revolves around a dying father and his son, who is trying to learn more about his father by pieces together the stories he heard over the years. The flowers scene alone qualifies it for this list but the whole film does a remarkable job in bringing color back into our lives.
10. Memoirs of a Geisha (2005)
10. Memoirs of a Geisha (2005)
The story follows the evolution of Chiyo (later Sayuri) , from a young poor girl sold to a geisha house, to a renowned geisha. Based on the novel with the same name, it’s a feast for the eyes. I am adding it as the last of this list because the story takes place in Japan, and we all know that Japanese have a thing for spring. They know how to celebrate it and honestly, every time I see cherry blossoms I think of Japan and geishas.