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Post by Frank on Nov 10, 2007 23:27:26 GMT -5
A quick text search of these forums shows that we never talked about this movie! Interestingly, it got fantastic critical reviews. Personally, I saw it, and was a little underwhelmed. I didn't dislike it, per se, but I probably won't be watching it again. I wasn't very thrilled with the long shots of, like, leaves and such. What say you all? I'm interested to hear what other people took away from the film.
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Post by katycarl on Nov 11, 2007 15:19:49 GMT -5
I loved the long shots of leaves and stuff -- I think that might just be a matter of differing tastes, hee. I've heard people say that they felt both ways.
Basically, I think what others have said much better: that it captured the pacing and contemplative intensity of monastic life through beautiful art. I left the theatre feeling like I'd taken a mini retreat. People talk about books that teach you how to read themselves; I think Into Great Silence is a movie that teaches you how to watch itself. But I can see what people mean about it being a tough movie to get into. It's definitely unconventional, even (or especially) for a documentary.
Other thoughts?
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Post by Bernardo on Nov 11, 2007 21:34:23 GMT -5
Not much, other than that I agree: I also loved the shots of leaves and stuff. It *was* in a sense like a micro-retreat and not just shows an experience but just makes you feel a little bit part of it. One thing that I especially enjoyed was how there was an actual build up in the movie that culminated with the Mass. At first we get basic, solitary prayer (that's pretty much the first scene, if I am not mistaken). Then we get lots of everyday life in the monastery, intersperesed with comunal prayer of the Divine Office. I remember while watching it I soon started longing for the Sacraments. We first get glimpses of them with holy water that the monks use to cross themselves as they enter the chapel (a reminder of baptism) until, at the moment I started longing specifically for the Eucharist, we get to see adoration and benediction. That was good enough to hold me over for some more of the movie, but I seriously started longing for Mass after a bit, and the bam!, that's just what they gave me. I was impressed by that, it really did work on me well.
Besides that, I loved the quiet but moving beauty that every scene is practically bursting with, as well as the moments with monks (especially the blind monk), and that scene in which they go sliding down a snow-covered hill. In the theatre I was watching it, everyone burst out laughing during that part. It was great moment of relief for the audience that I think helped people connect with the monks and realize they are regular people that have chosen to follow a very demanding but very beautiful calling. So as far as I'm concerned, it gets two thumbs up.
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