A Tale of Springtime

On the cusp of adulthood, a shy young woman meets an older woman at a party and feels a surge of attraction. She decides to push the boundaries of her world by imagining a connection that would bring the two closer, testing how desire blends with duty and social expectation. The film follows her quiet, observant presence as she weighs impulses against consequences, and watches how friendships, family, and moments of chance reshape her sense of what love can be. Told with restrained humor and understated drama, the story invites reflection on growth, longing, and the ethics of romantic pursuit.

Directed by Éric Rohmer, this 1990 entry in his Four Seasons series stems from Rohmer's own screenplay rather than a preexisting novel or play. It presents a restrained, dialogue driven study of romance and moral choice, anchored by deliberate pacing and naturalistic performances.

Rohmer's approach here emphasizes dialogue and inner life over melodrama, a hallmark of his Four Seasons cycle. The film is frequently cited for its precise observation of how a young woman negotiates desire, independence, and responsibility within a small social world. Its focus on contemplation, rather than sensational incident, has influenced later indie dramas.

Critics typically noted the film's cool restrained tone and its patient exploration of awakening feelings without easy answers. The core themes include self discovery, consent, and the tension between attraction and obligation, rendered through intimate conversations rather than overt drama. Some reviewers praised its precise character studies and Rohmer's ethical curiosity, while others found its pace austere.

Box office: Specific worldwide gross is not provided here, reflecting a modest art house release typical of Rohmer's films and their limited commercial footprint outside festival circuits. The movie did attract attention at European festivals and among cinephiles who follow Rohmer's Four Seasons and scholars.