Four Springs (China, 2018) Review

"Life is very short, decades have passed in the blink of an eye"
 
Director: Lu Qingyi
Cast: Li guixian, Lu yunkun, Lu Qingyi.

In 2012 the director Lu Qingyi wrote the diary My father, which was very well received and in demand after being published on the internet. As a result of that success, he decided to shoot a documentary that followed the day to day in the life of his parents.
Four Springs narrates his family's daily life during four springs in the mountainous city of Guizhou in southwest China.
 
The director shows us the life of his elderly parents and his two brothers: their daily jobs, happiness, nature hikes, visits with friends and family, funerals, meetings and loss.

The film takes place in a rural setting where bright colours stand out, especially those of food and nature. Beautiful shots draw us a magical Guizhou, full of life and nuances, but also grey tones and death. The devastating cycle of life and the wonderful ability to heal wounds is reflected in this traditional family. The importance of keeping the mind healthy with tasks and hobbies that sweeten life, the connection with nature so necessary and healing. The father of the family has a peculiar hobby, he likes to play various instruments and make their own remixes on the computer because his son (not the director) teaches him from time to time the art of digital editing. On the other hand, the mother enjoys nature, to walk the mountains while gathering vegetables and singing with her husband, observing the green and rocky landscapes of remote Guizhou.

Music as medicine for the soul. A very important factor in the life of our protagonists. It is comforting to see how the melodies inspire and fill them with joy. There are countless moments during the day when the family sings and dances, the beauty of the images merges into a magical harmony of peace and happiness, getting from us an involuntary smile.

Four springs is a path full of life and death that teaches us to keep going, accept and regain joy. Despite the adversities, Lu Qingyi's parents do not stop taking care of each other: it is comforting to see them regain happiness and laughter, but above all, the desire to live, and it proves once again that love and respect are the cure for the soul.

Four Springs is a devastating at times, emotional and gratifying documentary. These are the words that come to us after watching this journey full of love for life, family, tradition and above all to continue enjoying our paths no matter what happens.

The best: Very well shot.
The protagonist couple is simply incredible.
The rural places of Guizhou.

The worst: Without a doubt the dramatic moments of the film will break your heart.

TRAILER