Dongseung (2003 Film)
Dongseung (Korean: 동승), released internationally as A Little Monk, is a 2003 South Korean drama film directed by Joo Kyung-Jung. The film provides a contemplative look at the lives of three monks residing in a remote mountain temple, each grappling with their own personal desires and the constraints of their monastic life.
Plot
The narrative centers on the interconnected lives of three monks at different stages of their spiritual journey. The youngest monk, a child, longs for the presence of a mother. The older monk struggles with worldly desires, specifically a longing for a romantic relationship. The eldest, the temple master, attempts to remain detached from the emotional turmoil of his disciples. The film follows the consequences when these suppressed wishes begin to manifest, exploring themes of longing, attachment, and the intersection of human emotion with Buddhist practice.
Production and Style
Directed by Joo Kyung-Jung, the film is noted for its visual emphasis on the natural environment. The cinematography utilizes natural lighting to highlight the serene, isolated setting of the temple, which serves as a backdrop for the characters' internal conflicts. The screenplay was written by Ham Se-Deok, Joo Kyung-Jung, and Kim Seon-Mi.
Cast
- Tae-jin Kim as the Little Monk
- Min-gyo Kim as Jeong-shim
- Kim Ye-Ryeong as the Widow
- Oh Young-Soo as the Temple Master
- Jeon Mu-Song as the Woodsman
- Yoo Hyun-Ji as Soo-In