Watch Come Come Come Upward

Come Come Come Upward is a South Korean film directed by the highly esteemed filmmaker Im Kwon-taek and was released in 1989. This contemplative drama stars Kang Soo-youn, Yeong-mi Jin, and In-chon Yu in pivotal roles, intricately playing characters who are on a path of self-discovery and the quest for spiritual enlightenment. The film is known for its serene yet profound exploration of faith and the human condition, as well as its arresting cinematography that captures the beauty and austerity of monastic life.

Set against the serene backdrop of a Buddhist monastery, Come Come Come Upward follows the intertwined lives of two young women who seek solace and purpose within the walls of this sacred space. Kang Soo-youn portrays one of these women, a kind-hearted yet tormented soul grappling with the harsh realities of her past. Seemingly worlds apart, Yeong-mi Jin’s character comes from a different background, but she is equally consumed by her search for inner peace and understanding.

The monastery provides a stark contrast to the bustling chaos of the outer world, offering a refuge where these women, along with other characters, can introspect and commune with the deeper aspects of their beliefs. The nuns and monks in the monastery live a life of strict discipline, devotion, and contemplation, creating a microcosmic environment where each individual's struggles and triumphs unfold with a quiet intensity.

As the audience ventures deeper into the lives of these characters, the film masterfully navigates through themes of temptation, redemption, suffering, and the complex nature of human faith. Through a series of events and encounters, the characters are continually tested, their beliefs challenged, and their spirits tried. These experiences lead them to confront profound questions about the nature of suffering, the role of karma in their lives, and the path toward enlightenment.

Director Im Kwon-taek employs a narrative style that is both simple and layered, fostering a reflective tone that resonates with viewers long after the movie has ended. His direction allows the audience to observe the characters' internal and external journeys without judgment or pretense. The performances of Kang Soo-youn and Yeong-mi Jin are understated yet powerful, displaying a range of emotions that reflect the intense spiritual and emotional metamorphosis their characters undergo.

The cinematography in Come Come Come Upward is another aspect of the film that deserves special mention. The camera work painstakingly captures the quiet majesty of the mountainous landscapes and the monastic milieu, where scenes are often bathed in natural light that adds a divine glow to the narrative. Im Kwon-taek's use of visual symbolism through his frames helps convey the transcendence of the spiritual over the mundane, the ascendance of the spirit over worldly attachments.

Music and sound are also used to great effect in the film, transporting viewers to a realm of introspection and providing a moving backdrop to the storyline. The film’s score complements the narrative's mood, enhancing the emotional depth and the existential undertones present in the characters' quests. The use of traditional Buddhist chants and the natural sounds of the environment further places the audience within the contemplative world of the monastery.

Come Come Come Upward is not just a story about individual quests for truth; it encapsulates a universal journey towards understanding and wisdom. The interpersonal dynamics between the characters also take center stage as they form bonds, face conflicts, and help each other navigate the tenebrous paths that their spiritual journeys entail. The audience is given a glimpse into the lives of people who are dedicating themselves to a higher calling, and in doing so, are offered a chance to reflect on their own lives and personal quests for meaning.

In essence, the film is a rich tapestry woven with threads of human frailty, aspiration, and the inexorable search for the divine. It raises questions rather than providing definitive answers, engaging the viewer in a dialogue that stretches beyond the screen. For those seeking a cinematic experience that celebrates the depth of human experience and the endurance of the spirit in the face of trials, Come Come Come Upward stands as a profound and evocative work within Korean cinema and world cinema alike.

This poignant narrative, helmed by Im Kwon-taek’s visionary direction and brought to life by the compelling performances of its cast, is regarded as a standout example of spiritually themed storytelling in film. It extends an invitation to the audience to witness a journey of faith and self-transcendence that resonates with the universal struggles and aspirations of all humanity.