I saw this movie in theatres in 1999. I was deeply moved by it then, and recently thought to try to buy the DVD. I couldn't recall the name, thankfully Harvey Keitel had a brief but important roll that allowed me to find it on IMDb. The taxi mans infatuation with the prostitute culminating in the ritual coining as an act of purification is stunning cinema, as well as the liberal use of color with flowers, or juices to convey emotions. The aging poet dictating his verse to the young flower girl is so full of spirit that it could be a movie unto itself. I am still disappointed there is no DVD release planned, as this film is a true pearl. You should make a point of seeing it if given the opportunity.

Vietnam is one of the most beautiful places on earth, despite the troubles it has seen in recent decades. This movie captures that beauty magnificently. The story-telling style is steeped in the Vietnamese tradition of story-telling, which might not please everyone who sees the film. Several stories intertwine, but without "all joining up at the end" in a cheesy, Hollywood way. The stories touch on the legacy of the war only gently, while focusing on the genuinely difficult lives that most Vietnamese people now live and the strength of their spirit. Having been to Vietnam, this style reflects the place in modern times very well. If the charm and beauty of South-East Asia is your bag, then surely this film will please you. If you wanted a Vietnam War movie with Harvey Keitel, you'll be much disappointed.

What an awesome movie, the description said it was a visual treat and they were right, a beautiful movie. The story was really good as well, the cyclo driver dude was a pretty spiritually fit guy who accepted his lot in life. If you have surround sound there are a lot of ambient sounds in this movie which helped make it awesome, rain, thunder, street sounds. I hate subtitles but this movie creates a paradox for me, I can never again say I won't watch a movie with subtitles. Rent it you will see.

A young girl that harvests and sells lotus flowers; a professor that lives hidden because of his illness; a cycle-driver that falls in love with a prostitute; an American former-soldier who came back to China to look for his daughter; a lovely street boy that sells gadgets... In "Three Seasons", these histories construct a gorgeous picture of the human nature. "The rain of red petals" and "the lotus flowers going down to the river" are two of the most beautiful scenes I've already seen in cinema. 10/10