Spring is a season of rejuvenation, a time when the world awakens from the cold winter months, and nature comes to life with vibrant colors and new life. As flowers bloom and trees regain their foliage, the themes of growth and transformation resonate deeply for many. This seasonal shift not only inspires us to embrace change but also serves as a reminder of our connection to the environment.
For cinema, spring has been a powerful theme, often symbolizing hope, new beginnings, and the intricate relationship between humanity and nature. Films set during this season can evoke feelings of nostalgia, joy, and contemplation, while also shedding light on important environmental themes.
Continue reading this blog post to explore a selection of films in the libraries collection that capture the essence of spring/are set in the springtime. From the beauty of the natural world to moving narratives, these films remind us of the balance we share with our environment and the importance of nurturing it for future generations.
April Story (1998) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0146271
April Story directed by Shunji Iwai, follows the life of a shy university student named Sayaka, who moves to Tokyo for her studies. As she navigates her new environment, she develops a quiet crush on a fellow student, a boy named Kōsuke. The film captures the nuances of young love, the beauty of everyday moments, and the bittersweet nature of longing and connection. With its gentle pacing and vibrant cinematography, this movie captures the essence of spring and the feelings of hope and renewal that accompany this transitional time of year.
The Secret Garden (1993) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0108071/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_in_0_q_the%2520secret
The Secret Garden tells the story of Mary Lennox, a young girl who is sent to live with her uncle in England after the death of her parents. Feeling lonely at her uncle’s estate, Mary discovers a hidden, neglected garden on the property, which becomes a sanctuary for her. As she tends to the garden, she befriends her sickly cousin Colin and a local boy named Dickon, and together they experience the healing power of nature and friendship.
Bright Star (2009) https://www.sensesofcinema.com/2017/cteq/bright-star/
Bright Star tells the story of the tragic love between the famous English poet John Keats and Fanny Brawne. Directed by Jane Campion, the film explores their deep emotional connection and the challenges they face due to societal expectations and Keats’s struggles with poverty and illness. Depicting beautiful fields of flowers and themes of butterflies, this film has a special focus on springtime. Overall, passion, loss, and the enduring power of poetry are crucial to the film, making it a moving tribute to both love and artistic expression.
Late Spring (1949) https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0041154/mediaindex/?ref_=mv_close
Late Spring directed by Yasujirô Ozu explores familial relationships and the passage of time. The film centers on Noriko, a 27-year-old woman who is devoted to her widowed father, Shukichi. As her father becomes increasingly concerned about her future, he contemplates arranging a marriage for her, prompting Noriko to grapple with her own desires and the inevitability of change. This film captures themes of love, sacrifice, and the bittersweet reality of life’s transitions, all set against the backdrop of post-war Japan.
Midsommar (2019) http://framescinemajournal.com/article/blood-and-tears-and-potions-and-flame-excesses-of-transformation-in-ari-asters-midsommar/
Midsommar directed by Ari Aster, is a psychological horror film that takes place during a May festival in a remote Swedish village, but its themes resonate deeply with the essence of spring. The film explores concepts of rebirth, renewal, and the cyclical nature of life, mirroring the transformative qualities often associated with the spring season. Ultimately, this movie uses the backdrop of a sunlit, floral environment to delve into themes of grief, community, and the search for belonging, reflecting the complexities of growth and change that spring embodies.
Mia Terek is a senior studying Environmental Management and Environmental Sustainability Studies. This is her second semester working at Media Services and has loved every minute of it. In the Fall, she will be pursing her M.S. in Environment and Sustainability at the University of Michigan.
Leave a Reply