This second film continues the story from 'Little Forest,' and stands as one of the best duologies—and food films—I’ve ever encountered. It was originally released as a four-part series, each segment focusing on a different season – summer, autumn, winter, and spring – though it feels like two extended episodes due to the recurring opening sequence that introduces the setting before launching directly into the narrative. Essentially, you could consider this a mini-series, which is how such films are often described in Western cinema. A Korean adaptation is currently being produced, slated for release around mid-2018, and it’s reportedly just as impressive as the original. It's best experienced by watching both installments back to back, as suggested in the opening sequence, to fully grasp the story. Winter prompts a question: what do farmers do during this season? I confess, having never lived in such a rural environment, my initial thoughts were of skiing, snowmen, or icy roads. This film broadened my perspective by showing me something entirely new. Ichiko had her own strategies, likely shared by many others in Japan, to combat the harsh weather—preserving fruits and vegetables and creating seasonal dishes from them. The ingenuity of utilizing natural elements like snow for preservation and cultivating plants is truly admirable, extending beyond indoor activities. The cultural significance of sharing harvests offers a glimpse into Japanese traditions. In some sections, though, the film shifts focus away from Ichiko, allowing other characters to take center stage briefly, creating a sense of mystery. It avoids delving deeply into her personal life, especially concerning her relationship with her mother, and doesn't elaborate further as the story progresses. > ❝I'm pretty lenient when it comes to cabbage white butterflies. But I show no mercy to caterpillars.❞ Spring signifies renewal for all plant life, transforming the landscape from winter whites to vibrant greens—a change reflected in the flourishing animal populations, including butterflies. However, farmers view these beautiful creatures as pests. Ichiko recounts an experience she had with her mother during childhood and demonstrates how she handles a similar situation later on. The film completely satisfies when it comes to its food theme, but the storyline surrounding Ichiko’s personal life felt underdeveloped. I believe the original source material could have provided more detail, especially regarding her mother—a seemingly ordinary woman who was an exceptional cook and profoundly influenced Ichiko's culinary journey. The memories of childhood dishes, attempts to recreate them, and occasional experimentation with new ingredients are genuinely mouthwatering. I thoroughly enjoyed both films and wish there were more installments. It’s frustrating that the story concluded after only two parts; the direction was superb, the screenplay beautifully crafted, and the locations stunning. Witnessing the four seasons unfold on screen—from hot summer days to autumn harvests, frigid winters, and blossoming springs—was a pleasure. The cyclical nature of the seasons and how people adapt to environmental changes were portrayed exceptionally well. Sub-themes beyond the central premise were seamlessly woven into the narrative. I’ve already expressed most of my thoughts about these films in my previous review because I didn't anticipate anything drastically different this time around—just a familiar flow with new seasonal settings and dishes. The farming practices, adapted to each season, remained a highlight. The performances were excellent; it felt like watching a documentary showcasing authentic rural life. Having limited exposure to Japanese documentaries, I found the experience particularly enriching. I know several people who are passionate about cooking, despite not being professionals, and I’m considering gifting them this Blu-ray. While you may have seen many food-themed films, this one is unique and highly recommended—don't miss it! 9/10

Source on TMDB