Into Great Silence (2005)

Nestled deep in the postcard-perfect French Alps, the Grande Chartreuse is considered one of the world s most ascetic monasteries. In 1984, German filmmaker Philip Gröning wrote to the Carthusian order for permission to make a documentary about them. They said they would get back to him. Sixteen years later, they were ready. Gröning, sans crew or artificial lighting, lived in the monks quarters for six months filming their daily prayers, tasks, rituals and rare outdoor excursions. This transcendent, closely observed film seeks to embody a monastery, rather than simply depict one it has no score, no voiceover and no archival footage. What remains is stunningly elemental: time, space and light. One of the most mesmerizing and poetic chronicles of spirituality ever created, INTO GREAT SILENCE dissolves the border between screen and audience with a total immersion into the hush of monastic life. More meditation than documentary, it s a rare, transformative experience for all.

DISC ONE, THE FILM:
Breathtaking 16:9 anamorphic transfer, created from Hi-Def elements
U.S. theatrical trailer
Optional English subtitles

DISC TWO, THE EXTRAS:
The Making of Into Great Silence : With behind-the-scenes footage,
location photos and handwritten notes from the monks
Additional scenes, including a segment on the preparation of the
Carthusian s world-famous Chartreuse liqueur
Night Mass
The Carthusian Order : An informative guide to the rules, architecture, and
daily schedules of the monks and the monasteries
Extensive photo, poster, and press kit galleries
And more! Product Description

Shared Solitude

This is a superb documentary for anyone who has sought the path of solitude and silence as a part of their own life. I have watched it a number of times, and never tire of it. I highly recommend it.
The Rev'd Clifford E. Schane, ahc June 30, 2008

Taking the Kingdom of Heaven by storm trooper

Self sacrifice, literally. One of the most depressing experiences you will ever have reading a book. June 29, 2008

Lord you have seduced me, and I have been seduced

I chose the verse from film for the title of my review because I think it perfectly captures what the film is about: the love affair,almost a romance between God and these monks, so beautiful to watch. I found this film to be very powerful emotionally and spiritually. At the beginning of the film the silence seems to be a void, and I could see how some found this part boring. As the film progresses one begins to notice background noises- the sound of scissors, the sound of a cane tapping,etc. By the end of the film the silence is almost deafening not only with background noises but also with emotional and spiritual impact. I was profoundly struck by the apparent serenity and intense prayerfullness of these monks. This is not a film for everyone, and I don't think you could say this is an "entertaining" film in the popular sense. It is a long film and if one is not interested in the deeper message one might become distracted or lose interest. HOwever if one takes this film as I think it was meant to be taken, in prayerful reflection it is definitely worth the time and money. June 5, 2008

Most important message of both disks: The monks break their silence to plea for PEACE IN IRAQ

I found the main feature rather disjointed, unlike the precisely scheduled monastic day. Sudden interjections of cattle roaming the cloister, obsessive following of the "lay brothers" who do the work of the monastery such as planting carrots under snow and a rather disturbing and poignant episode of cat feeding, the continual and obscene invasion of the solitude of the hermitage cells with the monk in profound prayer. etc., simply did not work for me. I found the effort to follow one new monk's adapting to monastic life interesting, but for the better part the editting seemed rather unfocussed and not reflective as well as it might of the monastic day and liturgical year.

Certainly nevertheless this project would be impossible. The only way to realize it would be to take the entire audience for one year into the monastic cloister, like something out of A&E Biography: Andy Kaufman's performance pieces or theatre described in My Dinner with Andre and what a chaotic disruption that would pose for all involved! (What, no popcorn?) Might that be a good thing?

In any case, what I found most true, most satisfying, most real, lay in the second disk, in the presentation of the Night Office (not Night Mass as erroneously described on this amazon page). Play this every night after midnight, and you will find what the most recent one star review did not. This is the most authentic section, and that which least violates the monks and the monastery. Watch this only is you can. This is the central essence of their life, of all life, the praying and meditation of the Psalms and ancient Nocturnal readings. This is The Institutes and 57. John Cassian: The Conferences (Ancient Christian Writers) in action still. This is the living The Rule of Saint Benedict breathing 1500 years later.

Why in the main film must we watch the scene in which an ancient elderly monk receives ointment for his dried wrinkled and mortified flesh, thinned by decades of fasting and prayer, covered ever with clothe from the healing sun and air, ever hidden under the holy habit of the monk, ever hidden in the cell of private prayer, in the solitary hermitage. Why must we see this? It is truly an offense to expose this good man in this way to our ridicule and humiliation, like the suffering servant of Isaiah. Let us not lack reverence and respect for this brave and life long monk, please. We need not see his mortified flesh, but only his great and courageous spiritual combat on our behalf.

And also in the extras, in the section of documentation, the monks speak to us now, to our world, in concert and unity with Our Holy Father and His request for prayers for this intention. The silent monks break silence for us; directly, the good and holy monks call to action those of us responsible and able to act, as we see written prayer intentions urging "Peace in Iraq." and an immediate end to that, A Stupid, Unjust, and Criminal War: Iraq, 2001-2007, a false and evil Crusade: Chronicles of an Unjust War (American Empire Project). This alone is essential viewing for our lost and unholy and confused age. Love thy enemy.

PAX TECUM. June 1, 2008

An Interesting View

I bought this video because I was so very curious about this monastic life I am very interested in. This video gave me a glimpse of what life is like, the commitment for those choosing to undertake this path. I found the beauty of the place and the beauty of the silence very revealing. I was a little surprised by the seeming appearance of the seekers being , what appeared to be, locked into their cells and the food and sheets and such are brought to them. YOu really have to learn to be comfortable with yourself. But I also like how it showsed they are all real men and intereacted with each other as well. The personalities vary greatly as well.

I would love to see a video like this on the Benedictines or Franciscan nuns! If anyone knows of any - let me know.

I found this an inspiring look at a special and sacred way of life. It isn't all done up and frilly - like some videos. I think they could have, but seeing it in real sound, real life and real time makes one realize and appreciate how different this life path and choice is and how those who choose to live it are very commited to their ways.

Not for everyone, but definitely for those who are considering this path, seeking to understand a bit more about monasticism and to gain ideas of how they can view it in their own lives. I know there is more this can help - but I can't think of it right now. May 18, 2008

More reviews at Amazon.com ...