SDG here, making a rare foray from guest-blogging limbo to highlight a film you MUST SEE if you live anywhere near anywhere that it’s going to be playing.
My REVIEW of INTO GREAT SILENCE
My INTERVIEW with filmmaker Philip Gröning
WHERE AND WHEN to see it (if you’re lucky)
Regular readers of Jimmy’s blog know that I have virtually never used my sporadic guest blogging simply to recommend a film. I have Decent Films for that.
Into Great Silence is a rare exception that rule — and many others.
I’ve been grateful for any number of cinematic experiences in my life, and found many movies to be inspiring, challenging, thought-provoking, what have you. I can’t fully articulate how Into Great Silence affected me, except to say that it was a transforming experience, in that I find very, very few films to be. I walked the dozen or so blocks from the screening room to my parking garage in another world — not just imaginatively immersed in the world of the film, but enveloped in a silence in my own heart.
Fittingly, its opening comes a week after Ash Wednesday. It makes for ideal Lenten viewing; I’ll probably add the DVD to my annual Lenten practice. (Don’t miss it in theaters just because the DVD is coming! My interview piece talks about why.)
Improbably, the film has been a hit in post-Christian, aggressively secular Europe, where it has played to packed theaters in a number of countries. Go figure. The US is supposed to be more religious than Europe; how will it play here?
I can’t fully articulate how Into Great Silence affected me, except to say that it was a transforming experience, in that I find very, very few films to be.
To me, the most recent film that was a transforming experience that I find very, very few films to be is the PASSION OF THE CHRIST. =^)
SDG,
I recently caught your review on Catholic Answers LIVE, and your description has made me really impatient to see the film.
I regularly check the film’s website to see if it will be playing near me anytime soon. It’s not. I looked for a way to contact the distributors. I wanted to encourage them to bring the film somewhere in Louisiana, but their website didn’t give any contact info (that I could find).
Can you help with that?
It’s playing at two places near me in May — I hope to be able to see it, although I may just buy the DVD before then. I didn’t hear your review, but I trust you enough to know you don’t gush without a reason.
I remember seeing and article on the BBC website when this film opened in Europe and am really glad it is finally getting released in the US.
Does anyone know if the DVD is being released in the US?
Does anyone know if the DVD is being released in the US?
I think SDG provided links above.
For obvious reasons, of course, I can’t help but think that the film is reminiscent of a Thomas Merton novel.
From the way it reads, looks like a good film, though.
Dang! Not within hours of us. Bt, I will look forward to the DVD.
Of course, it’s not showing in Oklahoma. We don’t get much of anything here. But it’s not showing in Kansas, either. We are directly in- between Kansas City and Dallas, both being a six hour drive. With four kids, I don’t think so, but we will buy the DVD-Heck we will buy extras and give them to family and friends! We need more films like this!
Thank God that a theater FIVE miles from my front door is going to play it starting March 23 -perfect timing, huh?
I, knowing that so many people (who are much more deserving than I) won’t be able to see it on the bigscreen, am now obliged to make it a meaningful experience.
David B.,
Thanks for doing all the hard work out there 🙂
“Improbably, the film has been a hit in post-Christian, aggressively secular Europe…”
It probably fed a hunger people there didn’t know they had.
“Thanks for doing all the hard work out there :)”
you betcha:-)
I saw this film in Auckland, New Zealand as part of a foreign film festival last July. It might be worth mentioning that it is three hours long. The stillness of the film had a impact on me and I will not forget that.
Thanks for the info on the film and screens where shown. I plan to be in Columbus OH when it’s playing there–for only two days! How lucky is that? I ordered a ticket on Ticketmaster. So this film will come right between a Bob Seger concert Thursday night and a hockey game Saturday night (followed by Harry Connick Jr on Sunday night). — My multicity tour of meetings and entertainment!
I do so look forward to it. I want to see it on the big screen, even though I’ll probably buy the DVD. Monastic and cloistered life has always had a powerful attraction for me, yet I don’t have a call to religious life. Any time I can spend contemplating the contemplators is time well spent. Their existence and constant prayer makes me feel safe on this earth. God bless them, and everyone who watches this film.
Happily, it appears it will be coming to a theater in Cambridge in a couple of weeks. I’m planning to go see it.
Coming to metro Detroit twice in May – I’m circling the dates on my calendar.
When I first saw this post, I thought, “Did they make a movie from The Seven Storey Mountain?” I guess not, but it still looks excellent. Those of you who won’t be able to see it might like to read the above book, the autobiography of Thomas Merton.
Is the DVD really set for release on April 3? I see at the Zeitgeist website that it says the release will be late 2007…
I have a thought as to why it is a hit in secular Europe. Back in the late 60’s and early 70’s eastern mysticism became fashionable. We still have a thread of that today. Perhaps more than a thread as the mysterious as morphed into a hundred neo-pagan fragments. Somehow what you are not familiar with is more attractive as it is more mysterious and you can project just about anything you want onto it. Europe, as a whole, is far enough beyond religion that western monasticism now looks as mysterious as eastern mysticism did to Americans in that earlier time.
I hope to catch this at the Kendall Square Theater in Cambridge as well.
Jen,
I just took a look at your blog. I don’t believe it. Your self description could cover me, though I might not take the conservative moniker. (I also no longer take the liberal one, either.) I’m an Angelino who’s lived in Malden for the past 14 years with my wife and family. BTW, I prefer Darjeeling and like the choices available at SpecialTeas. Might we get a group together so we can discuss the film after viewing? From what Mr Greydanus says, it might not be a good idea to get into an automobile immediately after the movie.
Though I can guess, what, to you, is a freak magnet?
Nevermind…answered my own question. Release is on April 3 from the Canadian distributor. I just pre-ordered mine from Amazon.ca.
Those who are interested in the DVD – Shawn Tribe at the NLM is coordinating a massive ordering of the DVD at his blog — get in on the fun!!
I have seen the movie, while I was studying in Rome last year – it is AMAZING. It will transform you AS MUCH AS the Passion of the Christ did, I promise you. It is a retreat experience, not an entertaining show (though there are entertaining moments… monks falling down snow hills is funny, what can I say? 🙂
And the sanctuary lamp. Oh, the sanctuary lamp. It burns into your memory.
I cannot wait to see it again in the theater!!
For those who are in the St. Paul/Minneapolis area, there is a group organizing to go on March 30th – contact me if you’re interested in joining us.
darn darn darndarndarn. I live in LA but there’s no place to see it without an hour drive. I’ll go pre order on amazon.
Mike and Jen, Have you tried Murchies teas? They have lovely darjeeling and (my favorite) Black Currant. (www.murchies.com). I’m checking out SpecialTeas now.
A GREAT FILM — saw it in Poland—it is beyond words.
Literally so.
Incidentally, I didn’t realize at first that the April 3 DVD is the CANADIAN release from Mongrel Media. The US release from Zeitgeist, the US distributor, is scheduled for the fall.
Incidentally, I didn’t realize at first that the April 3 DVD is the CANADIAN release from Mongrel Media. The US release from Zeitgeist, the US distributor, is scheduled for the fall.
Great, I’ll have to wait until the FALL!
On another note:
Does ANYBODY know when the SEQUEL to Karol: A Man Who Became Pope will be out in the U.S.?
It seems to have been shown everywhere else — including the Vatican (and Canada, I might add) — EXCEPT the United States!
The current English Title for the Sequel seems to now be: Karol – The Pope, the Man
Though, I am not so sure.
The MSNBC article (a link provided below) which mentions the film as having been shown to Pope Benedict XVI (who, by the way, said he was left “petrified, as if we were present” — meaning perhaps that it was such a realistic portrayal of JP II’s life, it left him speechless) but the film carried a rather different title then: “Karol, A Pope Who Remained Man”.
At any rate, if ANYBODY has info, could you please provide information (should you have any) IF and WHEN the DVD will be out in the U.S.?
That would be appreciated!
Karol 2006 Candian Television Event:
Part 1: Sunday, April 16, 2006, 8:00 p.m.
Karol Wojtyla is an intimate story of the first man from a country behind the Iron Curtain to be elected pope and the role he played in the toppling of Communism, despite an assassination attempt that tried to silence him. John Paul II’s first hand accounts of the downtrodden in Mexico, the destitute and sick in Calcutta, AIDS patients in Africa and the forgotten of the planet, are chronicled, and how he spoke out forcefully against the exploitation of the Third World.
Part 2: Monday, April 17, 2006, 8:00 p.m.
The second part tells how he courageously continued his pontificate despite the crippling disease that slowly claimed his life. He never hid his physical suffering, but fought up to the very end against war and violence. His message: “There is nothing more sacred or precious than a single life!”
Karol – The Pope, The Man
Benedict Watches Movie About his Predecessor:
Karol, A Pope Who Remained Man
Additional Info regarding the Film’s showing at the Vatican last year:
Pope Is Touched by Film on John Paul II
Benedict XVI and 6,000 Others View Work
VATICAN CITY, MARCH 31, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Neither Benedict XVI nor the 6,000 people who attended the preview of a made-for-TV movie, “Karol: A Pope Who Remained Man” were able to contain their emotion.
“Horrified as if we were present, we relived the shots of the tragic attempt on his life in St. Peter’s Square on May 13, 1981,” said Benedict XVI in an address he gave Thursday after the public’s eight-minute applause for the film.
The film, based on a script by journalist Gian Franco Svidercoschi, was directed by Giacomo Battiato. Polish actor Piotr Adamczyk plays the role of Karol Wojtyla. The Italian Studios Taodue and Mediaset undertook the production.
The three-hour segment shown in Paul VI Hall was the second part of a two-part work. The first part was “Karol: A Man Who Became Pope.”
It begins with Cardinal Wojtyla’s election as Bishop of Rome and covers the events of his pontificate, the third longest in history. It will be broadcast on television in two parts.
After viewing the film, Benedict XVI said: “Once again we heard the opening appeal of his pontificate, which sounded out so often through the years: ‘Open the doors to Christ! Do not be afraid!’
“The ensuing images showed us a Pope immersed in contact with God and, for this very reason, ever sensitive to the expectations of mankind.”
Benedict XVI continued: “The film caused us to reconsider his apostolic journeys all over the world; it gave us the opportunity to relive his meetings with so many people, with the great ones of the earth and with ordinary citizens, with illustrious figures and with unknown individuals.
“Among all these, special mention should be made of his embrace with Mother Teresa of Calcutta, united to John Paul II by an intimate spiritual harmony.”
Tireless prophet
In this film Benedict XVI said one could see “the figure of a tireless prophet of hope and peace, who traveled the roads of the earth to communicate the Gospel to everyone.”
The Holy Father added: “His vibrant words returned to our minds, condemning totalitarian regimes, murderous violence and war; words full of consolation and hope expressing his closeness to the relatives of victims of conflict and dramatic terrorist attacks, such as that against the twin towers in New York; courageous words of denunciation against a consumer society and hedonistic culture which aims to create a purely material well-being that cannot satisfy the profound needs of the human heart.”
“May our beloved Pope accompany us from on high and obtain for us from the Lord the grace to be always faithful, like him, to our mission,” Benedict XVI concluded.
Monica,
Thanks for Murchies, I didn’t know about them. I also use Upton Tea which is Massachusetts local. And I’m surprised that my hometown doesn’t have a showing within its boundaries (I’m a Valley boy.)
Mike – I will shoot you an email re: getting a group together, because I think that’s a swell idea. I know of at least 4 other Catholic bloggers ’round here (or within a reasonable drive), and I’ll forward the link to the film and see if they’re interested as well.
Upton Tea rocks. I order from them a couple times a year. I think I have at least 4 tins in the cupboard right now.
SDG, thanks for posting the schedule. It’s even coming here to Dissidentville and I’ll be able to see it on the big screen!
Jen, Mike and Monica, thanks for the tea suggestions!
This is one of the most stunning films I have ever seen.
It is nearly 3hrs long with very little speech (except some plainsong chant). The longest speech is at the end when an old blind monk sums up the meaning of life.
In many ways it is a ‘fly on the wall’ style documentary of Carthusian life, interspersed with quotes gives an explanation of the Christian life. It has a few humorous touches. I saw it at a packed arts cinema, 80% of the audience seemed to be nuns! – the queuing was very orderly and considerate!
My only caveats are that the chronology is a bit mixed up regarding the liturgical and physical seasons and the subtitled translations from scripture are translations from the French and German to English rather than a direct quote from an English translation.
See it! You might be able to persuade the cinema to show it more than once if it is packed out.
Well, you won’t have to wait to order the DVD until the Fall if you order from the NLM!
I saw this long time ago.
Very phenomenal.
Does good for the pragmatic and material americans.
On Friday, a local radio station was knocking this film down, saying “Who would want to watch about 2 1/2 hours of silence?”!
Goes to show how some in modern society can’t even appreciate the subtle nature of the holiness of such things!
What is the difference between the DVD ordered from Amazon in Canada and the one ordered from NLM? The Canadian one would be less expensive, but are there other differences?
Thanks
What is the difference between the DVD ordered from Amazon in Canada and the one ordered from NLM? The Canadian one would be less expensive, but are there other differences?
There shouldn’t be any essential difference since I would assume that the regional coding of the DVD would remain the same.
I FINALLY found the DVD of the KAROL Movies that Pope Benedict XVI below viewed with great admiration.
It come with BOTH Movies (U.S. $21.13):
I. Karol: A Man Who Became Pope
II. Karol: The Pope, The Man
(aka “Karol: A Pope Who Remained Man”)
Although it’s a CANADIAN Catholic Store, the DVD is, of course, playable for U.S. DVD Players AND shipping time is not too bad!
Karol: Two-Part Mini-Series DVD
Pope Is Touched by Film on John Paul II
Benedict XVI and 6,000 Others View Work
VATICAN CITY, MARCH 31, 2006 (Zenit.org).- Neither Benedict XVI nor the 6,000 people who attended the preview of a made-for-TV movie, “Karol: A Pope Who Remained Man” were able to contain their emotion.
“Horrified as if we were present, we relived the shots of the tragic attempt on his life in St. Peter’s Square on May 13, 1981,” said Benedict XVI in an address he gave Thursday after the public’s eight-minute applause for the film.
The film, based on a script by journalist Gian Franco Svidercoschi, was directed by Giacomo Battiato. Polish actor Piotr Adamczyk plays the role of Karol Wojtyla. The Italian Studios Taodue and Mediaset undertook the production.
The three-hour segment shown in Paul VI Hall was the second part of a two-part work. The first part was “Karol: A Man Who Became Pope.”
It begins with Cardinal Wojtyla’s election as Bishop of Rome and covers the events of his pontificate, the third longest in history. It will be broadcast on television in two parts.
After viewing the film, Benedict XVI said: “Once again we heard the opening appeal of his pontificate, which sounded out so often through the years: ‘Open the doors to Christ! Do not be afraid!’
“The ensuing images showed us a Pope immersed in contact with God and, for this very reason, ever sensitive to the expectations of mankind.”
Benedict XVI continued: “The film caused us to reconsider his apostolic journeys all over the world; it gave us the opportunity to relive his meetings with so many people, with the great ones of the earth and with ordinary citizens, with illustrious figures and with unknown individuals.
“Among all these, special mention should be made of his embrace with Mother Teresa of Calcutta, united to John Paul II by an intimate spiritual harmony.”
Tireless prophet
In this film Benedict XVI said one could see “the figure of a tireless prophet of hope and peace, who traveled the roads of the earth to communicate the Gospel to everyone.”
The Holy Father added: “His vibrant words returned to our minds, condemning totalitarian regimes, murderous violence and war; words full of consolation and hope expressing his closeness to the relatives of victims of conflict and dramatic terrorist attacks, such as that against the twin towers in New York; courageous words of denunciation against a consumer society and hedonistic culture which aims to create a purely material well-being that cannot satisfy the profound needs of the human heart.”
“May our beloved Pope accompany us from on high and obtain for us from the Lord the grace to be always faithful, like him, to our mission,” Benedict XVI concluded.
The inmensity of the universe, the infinite love towards men by our Lord, enclosed in his sacred heart. From the stars of the firmament to the red votive candle in the lecture hall. The unselfish choices made by men to be closer to our Lord. The silence of the night and the light of deep prayer; the cold winter days, the warmth of the human experience in the presence of God. No twenty first century technology here, but eternal life. The acceptance of our own mortality without fear, through faith on the promises of our Lord. Our transitional earthly existence, the shortness of our lives. The cycle of the human condition found in the young African monk, the blind middle aged monk and the dying old monk.
The power of prayer, when felt deep inside our hearts, with unconditional faith and love for our friend, father and teacher. The presence of the Holy Spirit. Observe, not just see this great film, for it will reveal to us the true divinity of our Lord at work.
I saw this Sunday night. Stunning photography. Awesome, wonderful, absolutely beautiful film.
In the lobby after the movie, instead of the usual chatter, there was intent silence.
The movie wasn’t all silence, though. From the every day noise of wooden floors etc to the chanted liturgy to the periodic subtitles (SDG’s use of intertitles is probably more accurate, but they seemed like subtitles to me), there was a lot communicated.
My two cents on the DVD mentioned above. During the film, the titles came on because they were in French and were indeed subtitled – in German. The first time, I had an attack of giggles that neither were probably helpful to the US audience. Later, I realized there were very, very abbreviated English subtitles.
I was thinking that the US dvd would have better English subtitles, but now realize that bilingual Canada will have both French and English. Okay, guess I didn’t have to go into that long explanation.