Orthodox movies

[Cristina Novakovic]

Hi

I've been reading other people's threads and found lots of information about books, websites and some movies. I've watched Ostrov and loved it! So different from what we're used to nowadays in the West, so deep. Without any special effects, just the truth...

I'm interested in other movies that are important for the Orthodox to watch. Andrei Rublev seemed very hard to "digest" and I'm thinking maybe I'm not at the right level for that.

Does anybody know of any other good films? Or even short videos? I know there are a few on youtube. But would appreciate any links. Unfortunately, we tend to comment on the films full of blasphemies and why we shouldn't watch them, while there isn't much else to fill the space. Any hope for the TV generation? Can we find any Orthodox video materials?

Cristina

[Nina]

Hi

I've been reading other people's threads and found lots of information about books, websites and some movies. I've watched Ostrov and loved it! So different from what we're used to nowadays in the West, so deep. Without any special effects, just the truth...

I'm interested in other movies that are important for the Orthodox to watch. Andrei Rublev seemed very hard to "digest" and I'm thinking maybe I'm not at the right level for that.

Does anybody know of any other good films? Or even short videos? I know there are a few on youtube. But would appreciate any links. Unfortunately, we tend to comment on the films full of blasphemies and why we shouldn't watch them, while there isn't much else to fill the space. Any hope for the TV generation? Can we find any Orthodox video materials?

Cristina

Hi Cristina,

I share some of your thoughts. I have seen some Orthodox videos in Greek. One was the life of Saint Mary of Egypt, the other one the Nun Maria (the one with the beautiful eyes that enucleated her eyes because a pasha fell in love with her eyes and was courting her on a daily basis in her convent and promised to give her the best of the worldly things), and some other videos like that. Needless to say those were very moving and I have this dream to make Orthodox movies from lives of the saints... but I think it will remain only a dream for me. I hope that many more Orthodox can start making movies with themes from our beautiful Orthodoxy.

[Andreas Moran]

We've got lots of videos/DVDs about saints and monasteries but they're all in Russian except two: The Return of the Icon, about the Tikhvin icon, and Wondrous is God in His Saints, an Orthodox life of Tsar Martyr Nicholas. As for drama/fiction I don't suppose these are exactly thick on the ground. It's not really Orthodox but you can get 'Alexander Nevsky' by Eisenstein with English subtitles.

[Cristina Novakovic]

Hi Cristina,

I share some of your thoughts. I have seen some Orthodox videos in Greek. One was the life of Saint Mary of Egypt, the other one the Nun Maria (the one with the beautiful eyes that enucleated her eyes because a pasha fell in love with her eyes and was courting her on a daily basis in her convent and promised to give her the best of the worldly things), and some other videos like that. Needless to say those were very moving and I have this dream to make Orthodox movies from lives of the saints... but I think it will remain only a dream for me. I hope that many more Orthodox can start making movies with themes from our beautiful Orthodoxy.


Hi Nina,

Thanks for your answer. I have read before about a man who took out his eyes because a woman had liked them. I don't remember exactly who it was, but I believe it was part of the story of a city who were praying for something (I think they were under Muslim occupation and threatened to be converted by force). He was a goldsmith, also working on church objects. A woman came to him with a ring and tried to lead him into temptation admiring his eyes. That's why he took them out. Then the whole city fasted, prayed and had a procession with the icons. The miracle asked for took place and that was thanks to that young man. Maybe you know more than me?

Anyway, I'm afraid I don't speak Greek :-( But it's great that you want to produce your own movies! I'm sure many people would like to help in any way possible. And, I was thinking, until you get the chance to do that, it would be wonderful if somebody could translate some of the ones available at the moment. Even if it's just a word document that we could use to follow the action in the movie.

Where can we find those movies in Greek?

Cristina

[Cristina Novakovic]

We've got lots of videos/DVDs about saints and monasteries but they're all in Russian except two: The Return of the Icon, about the Tikhvin icon, and Wondrous is God in His Saints, an Orthodox life of Tsar Martyr Nicholas. As for drama/fiction I don't suppose these are exactly thick on the ground. It's not really Orthodox but you can get 'Alexander Nevsky' by Eisenstein with English subtitles.

Thank you for this. I know The Return of the Icon can be found at St John the Baptist Monastery in Essex. What about the other ones?

And, as in the answer to Nina's post, could I also extend the plead for translations to the Russian speakers too? My problems is that I am on such a low spiritual level that I cannot do many of the things that are easy for you: read the prayers, read the lives of the saints, the Bible... It would be of real help to have some graphic representations. It might sound childish, but if you think of the different skills as well, you know, VARK (Visual, Audio, Read/Write, Kinaesthetic)... And I am also hoping this would help some of my friends who would like to find out more about Orthodoxy but just can't get themselves to start somewhere.

Cristina

[Angela V.]

Hi Cristina,

If you google Light and Life Publishing, they have DVD's and Vedio's of certain Saints and possibly movies in English!

In Christ
+Angela

[Angela V.]

Hi CRISTINA,

If you google Light and Life Publishing, they have DVD's and Vedio's of certain Saints and possibly movies in English! www.light-n-life.com

+Angela

[Father David Moser]

This may be a bit of a fishing expedition here, but hey lets try anyway.

There has been some discussion of the need for films based on the lives of the saints. Is there anyone out there in a realistic position to actually produce such a film? I am looking for an independent filmmaker who is looking to produce and Orthodox script which based on the lives of the saints or like "Ostrov" is based on a particular characteristic of the spiritual life. Actually I am not looking for such a person for myself, it's just that I am acquainted with an Orthodox screenwriter who has produced a couple of scripts that would fit the bill, but which have not been produced. So are there any indie film makers out there (or maybe you know one) who want to do an Orthodox film?

Fr David Moser

[Nina]

Hi Nina,

Thanks for your answer. I have read before about a man who took out his eyes because a woman had liked them. I don't remember exactly who it was, but I believe it was part of the story of a city who were praying for something (I think they were under Muslim occupation and threatened to be converted by force). He was a goldsmith, also working on church objects. A woman came to him with a ring and tried to lead him into temptation admiring his eyes. That's why he took them out. Then the whole city fasted, prayed and had a procession with the icons. The miracle asked for took place and that was thanks to that young man. Maybe you know more than me?

Anyway, I'm afraid I don't speak Greek :-( But it's great that you want to produce your own movies! I'm sure many people would like to help in any way possible. And, I was thinking, until you get the chance to do that, it would be wonderful if somebody could translate some of the ones available at the moment. Even if it's just a word document that we could use to follow the action in the movie.

Where can we find those movies in Greek?

Cristina

Wow, that is also a beautiful story with the goldsmith. I never heard of it though. Thank you for sharing it!

Those Greek movies I borrowed from a friend of a friend and they both are in two different states now. But the videos were old and made in Greece. But the idea Angela gave is great. I will check out that site also.

[Tessa Miljanic]

Crisitna,

Evlogeite.

Another WONDERFUL documentary film is St. Nilokaj Velimirovic the Serb and it is available here http://www.orthodoxgifts.com. Seriously it is one of THE best Orthodox movies I have ever seen, very well put together with tons of of never before seen photos, footage and more.

Also there is Passage to Paradise, which is in Greek but has English subtitles. It is also a documentary about a Monastery on the Holy Mountain. Some people I have borrowed it from said it was a little slow, but great cinematography. It is available from St. Archangel Michael Bookstore in North Carolina.

I can see what you mean about Andrei Rublev. I felt the same way until I had a discussion with someone who did he thesis in college on it. After talking to him I watched it a few more times and obtained a greater appreciation for it. But it is a little dark.

Hope that helps.

In Christ,
Tessa

Hope that helps

[Olga]

Those Greek movies I borrowed from a friend of a friend and they both are in two different states now. But the videos were old and made in Greece.

It is possible to convert video to digital (DVD) format and it costs much less than it used to. The same can be done for audio cassette and vinyl records, they can be converted and put onto CD.

[John W.]

The Monastery: Mr. Vig and the Nun
http://www.themonasterymovie.com/monastery.html

[John W.]

Yes, I know the portrayal of the Church and her priests is not exactly a sympathetic one in this picture, but my family and I will be watching "Alexander Nevsky" soon before the relics of this Saint come to America later this year: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0029850/

[Cristina Novakovic]

Hi CRISTINA,

If you google Light and Life Publishing, they have DVD's and Vedio's of certain Saints and possibly movies in English! www.light-n-life.com

+Angela

Thank you so much! What a good website, they've got so many videos and books. I'm truly impressed. And I can't wait to get a few DVDs :-)

Thanks

+ Cristina

[Cristina Novakovic]

Is there anyone out there in a realistic position to actually produce such a film? I am looking for an independent filmmaker who is looking to produce an Orthodox script based on the lives of the saints or like "Ostrov" based on a particular characteristic of the spiritual life. Actually it's just that I am acquainted with an Orthodox screenwriter who has produced a couple of scripts that would fit the bill, but which have not been produced. So are there any indie film makers out there (or maybe you know one) who want to do an Orthodox film?

Fr David Moser

This website is visited by so many people, I'm sure someone will have an acquaintance in the film making business. In fact I am going to ask around these days. It's great that it's not just an idea, but there are scripts ready.

[Cristina Novakovic]

Hi,

Thanks for this. I had heard of the film on St. Nilokaj Velimirovic the Serb, but didn't know where to get it from. I'm happy
now :-)

I'd be interested in the meanings that I didn't get from Andrei Rublev. Somebody was saying that he had cryptic messages in his movies, to hide them from the communist regime. Maybe you meant something else?

I was happy to also find THE movie Jesus of Nazareth on the website you sent me. I used to watch it before Easter every year in Romania, and now I'd like my family and friends from here to get to see it too.

+ Cristina

[Cristina Novakovic]

The Monastery: Mr. Vig and the Nun
http://www.themonasterymovie.com/monastery.html

Thanks. We're already in the queue for it :-)

Maybe there are a few Orthodox movies out there after all! Thank you all for your contributions.

+ Cristina

[Robert Hegwood]

This movie is due to be released in the US on Feb. 5. It looks like it might be good. I've ordered it. "The Monastery: Mr. Vig and the Nun". I hope it is of similar depth and artistry as Ostrov.

http://www.amazon.com/Monastery-Mr-Vig-Nun/dp/B000Z27H7M/ref=pd_rhf_p_t_1

[John W.]

This thread makes me think about some Orthodox-tinged films that I have never seen.

I'm thinking about the filmic adaptations of Dostoevsky's: Brothers Karamazov or Crime and Punishment. I have seen ads for these movies, but I have never watched them. Are they any good?

I tried to watch Kurosawa's Japanese take on The Idiot but I must confess that I fell fast asleep (I think) about 15 minutes into the flick. At the time I was weary from a bad cold, but I never felt motivated to hit "play" when I woke up later...

Is there any Orthodox content in the films by director Emir Kusturica? I've never seen any of his work, but I'm intrigued by what I read about him in the Los Angeles Times, particularly this bit:

Kusturica formally converted to Orthodox Christianity inside a thick-walled monastery and took the Serbian name Nemanja, in honor of the founder of a glorious Serb dynasty who was canonized as a saint.

Although his family had been Muslim for several hundred years, Kusturica said that it was a feature adopted only to survive the Ottoman occupation, as many Bosnian Slavs did at the time. He now feels they were really Serbs all along.

"I've reached the 50th year of my life, and now every question related with life also includes thinking about death," he told the Belgrade newsmagazine NIN. "When I leave, I want to leave to my offspring a clear idea about identity."

Source: http://travel.latimes.com/articles/la-trw-emirserbia13aug13

[Father David Moser]

This thread makes me think about some Orthodox-tinged films that I have never seen.

I'm thinking about the filmic adaptations of Dostoevsky's: Brothers Karamazov or Crime and Punishment. I have seen ads for these movies, but I have never watched them. Are they any good?

I tried to watch Kurosawa's Japanese take on The Idiot

Russian television did a miniseries of the The Idiot a couple of years ago. It is on dvd with English subtitles (however, if you have read the book it follows very closely anyway). Its about 10 hours long - and I didn't fall asleep at all.

Fr David Moser

[Nina]

Is there any Orthodox content in the films by director Emir Kusturica? I've never seen any of his work, but I'm intrigued by what I read about him in the Los Angeles Times, particularly this bit:

Kusturica formally converted to Orthodox Christianity inside a thick-walled monastery and took the Serbian name Nemanja, in honor of the founder of a glorious Serb dynasty who was canonized as a saint.

Although his family had been Muslim for several hundred years, Kusturica said that it was a feature adopted only to survive the Ottoman occupation, as many Bosnian Slavs did at the time. He now feels they were really Serbs all along.

"I've reached the 50th year of my life, and now every question related with life also includes thinking about death," he told the Belgrade newsmagazine NIN. "When I leave, I want to leave to my offspring a clear idea about identity."

Source: http://travel.latimes.com/articles/la-trw-emirserbia13aug13

Yes I saw a movie from him, it was good... I do not remember which one it was. The theme was from the war, but not like an usual Hollywood movie.

Speaking of other movies. A beautiful Christian message is conveyed by the movie 'The life of others' (Das Leben der Anderen) - Best foreign movie at the Oscars. It is not about monasteries, monastics, saints, but about an average person working for the communist government in East Germany, who while spying on a dissident intellectual is transformed and comes to typify "love thy neighbor" commandment at the end.

[Tessa Miljanic]

Yes I saw a movie from him, it was good... I do not remember which one it was. The theme was from the war, but not like an usual Hollywood movie.

The film is called "Underground" in English, and "There Once Was a Country" in Serbian.

Although I LOOOOOVE Nemanja (Emir) Kusturica's movies, I would not describe his movies as having Orthodox Themes or undertones. He is an accomplished writer and director, and his movies are that kind of weird, artsy, european style; with lots of black humor, and things that frankly people that are not from the Balkans would have a hard time understanding. His best film, and one that put him on the map is called "Time of the Gypsies" ("Dom za Vjesanje"), and it is a depressing, fantasy style look into the life of poor Roma in the southern part of the Former Yugoslavia. Unless you knew anything about their way of life it might not even make sense to you. You can rent them with English subtitles pretty easily. Also there is "Black Cat/White Cat", a comedy about a Roma family.

[Cristina Novakovic]

Hi

I've watched "Mr Vig and the Nun" this week. I'm still "digesting" it. Certainly not what I had expected. I mean, I knew it was a documentary, but it just seemed so... wrong at times. I appreciated Mr Vig's fight with himself and his passions. But, somehow, it seemed like the whole message of the movie was confusing. I can imagine that a non-orthodox can very easily get the idea that the Russian nuns just bulied and fooled the poor old man. I am trying to understand the director's point of view, but... it's hard. I really thought Ostrov was better, more straightforward.

I'd like to watch this film again. I'm hoping to discover new meanings. I wonder what kind of priest Mr Vig used to be, as he mentions this in the film. He seemed to be far from the values of Orthodoxy. And yet so close, in his desire to change, in spite of himself.

Has anyone else here seen the movie? I'm interested in how somebody else received it. It might just be that I have got a long way to go before I can learn more about orthodoxy and appreciate the film differently.

In Christ,
Cristina

[Anya]

This is not about Orthodox movies, but I just decided to post it here in case anyone is interested:

Ingmar Bergman's trilogy: Through a Glass Darkly, Winter Light, and The Silence.

Have not seen The Silence, but the other two I really liked. The priest in Winter Light is Lutheran I believe.

The first two movies are about love in God, crisis in faith, and the power of God's love.

[Victor Mihailoff]

Hi

I've been reading other people's threads and found lots of information about books, websites and some movies. I've watched Ostrov and loved it! So different from what we're used to nowadays in the West, so deep. Without any special effects, just the truth...

I'm interested in other movies that are important for the Orthodox to watch. Andrei Rublev seemed very hard to "digest" and I'm thinking maybe I'm not at the right level for that.

Does anybody know of any other good films? Or even short videos? I know there are a few on youtube. But would appreciate any links. Unfortunately, we tend to comment on the films full of blasphemies and why we shouldn't watch them, while there isn't much else to fill the space. Any hope for the TV generation? Can we find any Orthodox video materials?

Cristina

Dear servant in Christ, Christina:

I watched a Christian DVD film that was not Orthodox but many members of my parish also watched it and a senior proto priest liked it very much. It does not contradict Orthodox theoloy and is actually a Christian Sci Fi movie made by Christians. It has Gavin Mcloud (was Captain Merryl Stubing on "The Love Boat" TV series long ago) as one of the main characters. Some other actors are recognisable too. It is called: "Time Changer" and is about a bible Professor at a seminary in 1890 who travels through Gavin Mcloud's time machine to 2001. He is shocked not only by what he sees on TV, in the movies and on the streets, but also in the way Christians have changed from what they were in his time. It has humorous bits like when the prof. chases a child thief through a park. It is funny because the actor tried to run like he thought an old fashioned Bible professor would run to keep up his poise and decorum. It has a warning at the end when the time machine owner tries to learn when the world ends by setting the controls for different dates and attempting to send a Bible to that future date. The first date fails and he keeps trying dates closer to our own time.
Very entertaining and very interesting for Christian viewers like us Orthodox.
God bless you and yours! victor

[Vitalis]

I'd suggest watching "The Return" by Andrew Zvyagintsev. Info + my little comment. (http://www.russia-ic.com/culture_art/theatre/174/)

[Janice Chadwick]

Crisitna,

Evlogeite.

Another WONDERFUL documentary film is St. Nilokaj Velimirovic the Serb and it is available here http://www.orthodoxgifts.com. Seriously it is one of THE best Orthodox movies I have ever seen, very well put together with tons of of never before seen photos, footage and more.

Also there is Passage to Paradise, which is in Greek but has English subtitles. It is also a documentary about a Monastery on the Holy Mountain. Some people I have borrowed it from said it was a little slow, but great cinematography. It is available from St. Archangel Michael Bookstore in North Carolina.

I can see what you mean about Andrei Rublev. I felt the same way until I had a discussion with someone who did he thesis in college on it. After talking to him I watched it a few more times and obtained a greater appreciation for it. But it is a little dark.

Hope that helps.

In Christ,
Tessa

Hope that helps

Tessa, do you know if that DVD is available a format that will play on DVD players in the US. At Nikolaj is my parish's patron saint (we were the first one in the world named for him). Both our library and bookstore has the DVD, but most people can't play it because they don't have a DVD that will play all formats. If you or anyone else on this board know of anywhere that sells it in the format used in the US, please let me know. He was an amazing man and saint, and I am so thankful to have him for our parish's patron saint. His icon is prominent in my icon corner. For his feast day last year, Fr. printed his prayer, "Bless My Enemies, O Lord", which I keep in a prominent place to inspire me.

[Bob Robinson]

Hi

I saw a Russian made move called THE ISLAND. I loved it. English subtitles.
dddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddd dddddddddddd

I've been reading other people's threads and found lots of information about books, websites and some movies. I've watched Ostrov and loved it! So different from what we're used to nowadays in the West, so deep. Without any special effects, just the truth...

I'm interested in other movies that are important for the Orthodox to watch. Andrei Rublev seemed very hard to "digest" and I'm thinking maybe I'm not at the right level for that.

Does anybody know of any other good films? Or even short videos? I know there are a few on youtube. But would appreciate any links. Unfortunately, we tend to comment on the films full of blasphemies and why we shouldn't watch them, while there isn't much else to fill the space. Any hope for the TV generation? Can we find any Orthodox video materials?

Cristina[/QUOTE]

[Theodoros]

Hi

I saw a Russian made move called THE ISLAND. I loved it. English subtitles.
dddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddd dddddddddddd

I've been reading other people's threads and found lots of information about books, websites and some movies. I've watched Ostrov and loved it! So different from what we're used to nowadays in the West, so deep. Without any special effects, just the truth...

I'm interested in other movies that are important for the Orthodox to watch. Andrei Rublev seemed very hard to "digest" and I'm thinking maybe I'm not at the right level for that.

Does anybody know of any other good films? Or even short videos? I know there are a few on youtube. But would appreciate any links. Unfortunately, we tend to comment on the films full of blasphemies and why we shouldn't watch them, while there isn't much else to fill the space. Any hope for the TV generation? Can we find any Orthodox video materials?

Cristina

Absolutely one of the finest films made. My wife and I watched it 3 times during lent. I honestly cannot pick out a favorite scene. From beginning to end, the film was very meaningful. One thing I did learn was how important a humble spirit is to God.

[Julian K.]

Hi

I've been reading other people's threads and found lots of information about books, websites and some movies. I've watched Ostrov and loved it! So different from what we're used to nowadays in the West, so deep. Without any special effects, just the truth...

I'm interested in other movies that are important for the Orthodox to watch. Andrei Rublev seemed very hard to "digest" and I'm thinking maybe I'm not at the right level for that.

Does anybody know of any other good films? Or even short videos? I know there are a few on youtube. But would appreciate any links. Unfortunately, we tend to comment on the films full of blasphemies and why we shouldn't watch them, while there isn't much else to fill the space. Any hope for the TV generation? Can we find any Orthodox video materials?

Cristina

Dear Cristina and the others,

If you enjoyed "Ostrov," you may probably like to take a look at movies in the list below. Let us not forget that cinema is an art, with specific constraints and possibilities, and directors can choose different artistic means to convey truths of faith. Sometimes, you can gain powerful insights from a movie like "L' Argent," which doesn't have any explicit religious imagery, but describes the mechanism of evil in the world as no other movie manages to do. From this point of view, some movies with explicit religious imagery may not necessarily be the most convincing in terms of conveying truths of faith (there's plenty of movies that focus on Christ's life, but, with a few exceptions, they are awful pieces of work, unfortunately).

Here's the list of great movies:


A) In the Orthodox tradition:
first and foremost, Andrey Tarkovsky:
- "Andrei Rublev (http://chronicle.uchicago.edu/050303/rublev.shtml)"
(http://www.uoregon.edu/%7Ekimball/tarkovsky.rublev.htm)- "Stalker (http://slconceptual.wordpress.com/2007/10/21/watch-andrei-tarkovskys-stalker-movie-online/)"
- "Sacrifice (http://www.ucalgary.ca/%7Etstronds/nostalghia.com/TheTopics/On_Sacrifice.html)"

Nicolae Margineanu:
- "Bless You, Prison (http://www.amazon.com/Bless-You-Prison-Maria-Ploae/dp/B00011ZBNE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1212057620&sr=1-1)"


B) In the Catholic tradition:

first and foremost, Robert Bresson:
- "Diary of a Country Priest (http://www.mastersofcinema.org/bresson/Words/LeJournal_Criterion.html)" - this may be one of the best works of art with religious intent
- "L' Argent"
(http://www.mastersofcinema.org/bresson/Words/LARGENT_Intro.html)- "Au Hazard Balthazar (http://toliveandshaveinla.blogspot.com/2006/02/on-au-hazard-balthazar.html)"

Krzysztof Kieslowski:
- "Decalogue (http://www.amazon.com/Decalogue-Special-Complete-Set/dp/B00009Y3OK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1212057761&sr=1-1)" (a series of 10 short movies, dedicated to each of the 10 commandments)

Luis Buñuel:
- "Nazarin (http://faculty.frostburg.edu/phil/forum/Nazarin.htm)"

Pier Paolo Pasolini:
- "Il Vangelo secondo Matteo (http://jclarkmedia.com/pasolini/pasolini05.html)"

Maria Luisa Bemberg:
- "Yo, la peor de todas (http://www.lehigh.edu/%7Eineng/icn2/icn2-title.html)"


C) In the Protestant tradition:

first and foremost, Ingmar Bergman:
- "The Seventh Seal (http://www.thecityreview.com/sevseal.html)"
- "Winter Light (http://www.bergmanorama.com/films/winter_light.htm)"


Carl Theodor Dreyer:
- "The Word (http://muse.jhu.edu/journals/substance/v036/36.2murphet.html)"



In Christ,
Julian

[Deanna Leonti]

Dear Cristina and the others,

If you enjoyed "Ostrov," you may probably like to take a look at movies in the list below. Let us not forget that cinema is an art, with specific constraints and possibilities, and directors can choose different artistic means to convey truths of faith. Sometimes, you can gain powerful insights from a movie like "L' Argent," which doesn't have any explicit religious imagery, but describes the mechanism of evil in the world as no other movie manages to do. From this point of view, some movies with explicit religious imagery may not necessarily be the most convincing in terms of conveying truths of faith (there's plenty of movies that focus on Christ's life, but, with a few exceptions, they are awful pieces of work, unfortunately).

Here's the list of great movies:


A) In the Orthodox tradition:
first and foremost, Andrey Tarkovsky:
- "Andrei Rublev (http://chronicle.uchicago.edu/050303/rublev.shtml)"
(http://www.uoregon.edu/%7Ekimball/tarkovsky.rublev.htm)- "Stalker (http://slconceptual.wordpress.com/2007/10/21/watch-andrei-tarkovskys-stalker-movie-online/)"
- "Sacrifice (http://www.ucalgary.ca/%7Etstronds/nostalghia.com/TheTopics/On_Sacrifice.html)"

Nicolae Margineanu:
- "Bless You, Prison (http://www.amazon.com/Bless-You-Prison-Maria-Ploae/dp/B00011ZBNE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1212057620&sr=1-1)"


B) In the Catholic tradition:

first and foremost, Robert Bresson:
- "Diary of a Country Priest (http://www.mastersofcinema.org/bresson/Words/LeJournal_Criterion.html)" - this may be one of the best works of art with religious intent
- "L' Argent"
(http://www.mastersofcinema.org/bresson/Words/LARGENT_Intro.html)- "Au Hazard Balthazar (http://toliveandshaveinla.blogspot.com/2006/02/on-au-hazard-balthazar.html)"

Krzysztof Kieslowski:
- "Decalogue (http://www.amazon.com/Decalogue-Special-Complete-Set/dp/B00009Y3OK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1212057761&sr=1-1)" (a series of 10 short movies, dedicated to each of the 10 commandments)

Luis Buñuel:
- "Nazarin (http://faculty.frostburg.edu/phil/forum/Nazarin.htm)"

Pier Paolo Pasolini:
- "Il Vangelo secondo Matteo (http://jclarkmedia.com/pasolini/pasolini05.html)"

Maria Luisa Bemberg:
- "Yo, la peor de todas (http://www.lehigh.edu/%7Eineng/icn2/icn2-title.html)"


C) In the Protestant tradition:

first and foremost, Ingmar Bergman:
- "The Seventh Seal (http://www.thecityreview.com/sevseal.html)"
- "Winter Light (http://www.bergmanorama.com/films/winter_light.htm)"


Carl Theodor Dreyer:
- "The Word (http://muse.jhu.edu/journals/substance/v036/36.2murphet.html)"



In Christ,
Julian

Thanks

Deanna

[Deanna Leonti]

This is not about Orthodox movies, but I just decided to post it here in case anyone is interested:

Ingmar Bergman's trilogy: Through a Glass Darkly, Winter Light, and The Silence.

Have not seen The Silence, but the other two I really liked. The priest in Winter Light is Lutheran I believe.

The first two movies are about love in God, crisis in faith, and the power of God's love.

I am interested and Thank You for the suggestions.
Have you seen the Documentary of "The Boy in the Bubble"?
unlike the tv drama version of" Boy in the Plastic Bubble".

I had also read a movie that was suppose to come out called "Nicholas", but I haven't heard anything yet.
Interesting....

Deanna

[Jen G.]

On a much lighter note, a Catholic movie I really enjoy is 'Millions'. It is very sweet, funny, and deep at the same time. It is hard to begin to describe the premise, but it is about death, money, family, and Saints.

It's also a good movie and/or book for kids.

[Nina]

http://www.themakingofasaint.com/

This is a preview of a movie which is being made for Elder Filotheos Zervakos from Greece. This beloved Elder is in the process of canonization.

[Cyprian (Humphrey)]

This may be a bit of a fishing expedition here, but hey lets try anyway.

There has been some discussion of the need for films based on the lives of the saints. Is there anyone out there in a realistic position to actually produce such a film? I am looking for an independent filmmaker who is looking to produce and Orthodox script which based on the lives of the saints or like "Ostrov" is based on a particular characteristic of the spiritual life. Actually I am not looking for such a person for myself, it's just that I am acquainted with an Orthodox screenwriter who has produced a couple of scripts that would fit the bill, but which have not been produced. So are there any indie film makers out there (or maybe you know one) who want to do an Orthodox film?

Fr David Moser

Hmmm... Copied and emailed to a indie movie-maker friend of mine. Who knows? He just might be interested.

[Nina]

http://www.godsgardenthefilm.com/gods_garden_promo_-_sd_lrg.html


Very interesting!

[Andrew D. Morrell]

My wife and I have watched this 32 minute film ("from the Little Mountain") a few times since we got it a few days ago. It's a very well done 'year in the life' of the Hermitage Of the Holy Cross, a monastery located in West Virginia, USA. Film info here: http://tinyurl.com/mswc7w

The production values are excellent and I was surprised to see it was filmed and edited by the monks themselves.

We have also been blessed by watching the recent DVD release of the life of St John Maximovitch: Film info here: http://tinyurl.com/nzqhzv


In Christ,
Andrew

[Dova Nisavic]

"The Mission" ( starring: Robert Deniro, Jeromy Irons...) is one of the bast classics. That is story about how independent Jesuits mission convert a South American Indians to Christianity and try to protect Indians from political games in Spain, Portugal and Vatican.

"Kingdom of Heaven" by Ridley Scott.

"Fanny and Alexander" by Ingmar Bergman.

"The Priest" by Antonia Bird.

"The Name of the Rose" based on the book of the same name by Umberto Eco (starring:Sean Connery, Christian Slater).

[Jim McQuiggin]

"The Mission" ( starring: Robert Deniro, Jeromy Irons...) is one of the bast classics. That is story about how independent Jesuits mission convert a South American Indians to Christianity and try to protect Indians from political games in Spain, Portugal and Vatican.


This has been one of my favourite movies. My family and I spent three years in Paraguay in the early 80s in Protestant mission work (I taught in an English-language school). The movie came out about a year after our return to Canada. Although it has a few minor flaws, it is generally accurate historically. The struggle of how to live the Christian life is presented very clearly. Twenty years later and after countless viewings, I still find myself asking what I would have done in that position or in others that are equally challenging.

[Dova Nisavic]

Jim McQuiggin:

This has been one of my favourite movies.

My favourite too.:)

Movies from my list is not strictly Orthodox but talk about existence problem from ontological perspective.....how one person showing another person.

[Kusanagi]

The coptics do quite a lot of Lives of the saints, it is good to watch if you can ignore the cheesyness.

There is a new Alexander Nevsky film from 2008.

There also a Prince Vladimir cartoon from 2008 as well i think.

Also there is St Stephen the Great (Romanian one) Forgot the title but its on youtube.

Also for Janice the St Nikolai DVD is region free, but you can find it on youtube and also there is a place to download the entire DVD for free if you know where to look.

There is also a DVD on Mt Athos with interviews with Romanian monks. I think its just called Mt Athos, i havent seen it for sell for ages and its with English subs.

Also just released is a DVD on St John of Shanghai its a short testament type DVD its enjoyable to watch.

I think classic films like the 10 Commandments should be good to watch.

Hollywood has a few films but i havent really seen them like Demetrius and the Gladiators
Samson and the Philistines or was it called Samson and Delilah ( cant remember it was shown in UK early this year)

[Nicolaj]

I have seen the film about saint vladimir, very nice!

And I like very much a documentary dvd on the Kiev Pechersk Lavra, very moving.

In Christ, Nicolaj

[Kusanagi]

There is a film on the Battle of Kosovo, which also the name of the film.

[Dova Nisavic]

"Aleksander Nevsky" by Sergey Eisenstein.

Watch old Russian video about great Russian prince and saint with English subtitles:

http://video.kylekeeton.com/2008/07/old-russian-video-movie-by-sergey.html

[Alexander Vernet]

Hi Nina,

Thanks for your answer. I have read before about a man who took out his eyes because a woman had liked them. I don't remember exactly who it was, but I believe it was part of the story of a city who were praying for something (I think they were under Muslim occupation and threatened to be converted by force). He was a goldsmith, also working on church objects. A woman came to him with a ring and tried to lead him into temptation admiring his eyes. That's why he took them out. Then the whole city fasted, prayed and had a procession with the icons. The miracle asked for took place and that was thanks to that young man. Maybe you know more than me?

Cristina

This is very disturbing. Literally gouging out your eyes just because a woman had liked them is not Orthodox and is totally against Christian teaching. It is self mutilation.

[Alexander Vernet]

The coptics do quite a lot of Lives of the saints, it is good to watch if you can ignore the cheesyness.

There is a new Alexander Nevsky film from 2008.

There also a Prince Vladimir cartoon from 2008 as well i think.

Also there is St Stephen the Great (Romanian one) Forgot the title but its on youtube.

Also for Janice the St Nikolai DVD is region free, but you can find it on youtube and also there is a place to download the entire DVD for free if you know where to look.

There is also a DVD on Mt Athos with interviews with Romanian monks. I think its just called Mt Athos, i havent seen it for sell for ages and its with English subs.

Also just released is a DVD on St John of Shanghai its a short testament type DVD its enjoyable to watch.

I think classic films like the 10 Commandments should be good to watch.

Hollywood has a few films but i havent really seen them like Demetrius and the Gladiators
Samson and the Philistines or was it called Samson and Delilah ( cant remember it was shown in UK early this year)

I can't agree with the last part of this post. 'Classic' Hollywood films such as the 10 Commandments grossly distort the scriptures. Do yourself a favor and stick to scriptures themselves.

[Kusanagi]

Mr Alex i think you should reread what i wrote especially the last line

[Kusanagi]

There is a film on Elder Philotheos Zervakos that is due to be released and a film about a group of friends encounters with St Nectarios as well.

[Kusanagi]

Just found this: http://www.stninofilm.com/

the trailer seems Hollywood type and well made.

[Bess Crider]

By far, our favorite "Orthodox" movie is The Island, which won a Golden Eagle award as the best Russian Film in 2006. This film was mentioned in an earlier post but no-one commented on it at all. It takes place in a monastery in Russia, where a man is dealing with the mistakes of his past through prayer and service. Some say that it is the most accurate portrayal of monastic life on film. (My Russian friends do not like this movie because they feel it has shown something that is too private!)

But my family, including my 20 year old daughter, has loved this film so much that we purchased a copy, watched it multiple times, and shared it widely among our friends (Orthodox and non-o). What moves me so profoundly, is the contemplation of what our sufferings produce in our lives.

The film is in Russian with subtitles, but the dialog is sparse, so that should be no barrier to the viewer. Here is a Wikipedia link for further info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Island_(2006_film)

[Paul Cowan]

By far, our favorite "Orthodox" movie is The Island, which won a Golden Eagle award as the best Russian Film in 2006. This film was mentioned in an earlier post but no-one commented on it at all.

Actually, there is an entire thread (http://www.monachos.net/forum/showthread.php?3745-Ostrov-(The-Island)-2006-movie&highlight=island)devoted to it.

[Dova Nisavic]

I watched and suggest you to watch the film for Alejandro Amenábar's Agora a film on the life of philosopher Hypatia of Alexandria.

http://www.impantokratoros.gr/D3C02F38.en.aspx

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u50zEun07b4

[Kusanagi]

I heard that film is very very antichristian no?

http://www.johnsanidopoulos.com/2010/07/agora-atheistic-propaganda-piece.html

http://www.johnsanidopoulos.com/2010/02/historical-inaccuracies-of-movie-agora.html

[Dova Nisavic]

I heard that film is very very antichristian no?

Don't say that! Here's the story of one such amazing person with a heart of gold - Hypatia....even if she herself proclaims to be a pagan.

It is not dogmatically but idea of intellectual inquiry , science, freedom, superstition, fundamentalism and political expediency.

Our society has major ethical - christian problems:" a person's a person, no matter how small".

[Kusanagi]

But wasnt St Cyril portrayed as a bad guy?

[Dova Nisavic]

But wasnt St Cyril portrayed as a bad guy?
Yes! But these film are not intended to reflect current historical doctrine and documents because actual historical figures are seen in a much different light....there was no historical evidence that Cyril had anything to do with the murder of Hypatia.

Film trying to articulate what to be the fundamental importance of the moral issues of our time. Because I believe people should be respected for being different because we're all different in our own ways. This I believe. ...Christians must reject violence and make peace with every nation - in our time.

[Kusanagi]

I found this today

http://www.nathanleelewis.com/Current_Projects.html

Orthodox Film maker planning to make the life of St Moses the Black

[Kusanagi]

Also to add just found this its an old Greek film of St Eustathios, there are no subtitles.

http://www.johnsanidopoulos.com/2010/08/saint-eustathios-plakidas-movie.html

[Cristina Novakovic]

Hi

Sorry, I haven't visited this page in a long time. In case this info hasn't been posted before, here are some new films:

1. The Priest. Absolutely WONDERFUL and a definite must see. Available at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5fAKaPfJMc&feature=related in Russian with Romanian subtitles. Perhaps it is also available in English. If you find a link or a DVD please let me know.

2. Angel’s Chapel. From the director of Ostrov. Perhaps not as good, but still nice. Available at http://vimeo.com/8408645 in Russian with English subtitles.

3. The Miracle. True story about a miracle of St Nicholas. The images are quite grim. Available at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q5fAKaPfJMc&feature=related in Russian with Romanian subtitles.

4. The Czar. Very hard to digest, but interesting. Available at http://filmeortodoxe.blogspot.com/2010/02/tarul-2009.html in Russian with Romanian subtitles.

5. When we label people. Nice cartoon with great teaching http://ramurainflorita.blogspot.com/2010/01/cand-punem-etichete-pe-oameni.html in English and Romanian

6. The Master’s Touch. Watch till the end. Available at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1T-oJQaTvDw&feature=player_embedded

7. The Delivery. interesting and motivating http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t0jcu6nHccM&feature=player_embedded - visual

Hope you enjoy these.

With love in Christ,
Cristina

[Cristina Novakovic]

I've also liked the following:

Doubt - with Meryl Streep - on a Catholic subject but with good teachings on judgement, love, peace, slander, fear

An unbelievable talk in English by an abortion survivor: http://ramurainflorita.blogspot.com/2010/02/pledoarie-pentru-viata-gianna-jessen.html eye-opener + motivating for those who feel weak

The Courageous Heart of Irena Sendler - about love even unto ultimate personal sacrifice

[Cristina Novakovic]

Another beautiful film: The Chorus - about education, children, love, responsibility and... music.

English commercial:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVtJgU6WTj8

Film in French with English subtitles: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-kMXG3RUTk

[Kusanagi]

For those that understand Romanian. St Stephen the Great (Romanian one)

Any movies or documentries about the other St Stephen the Greats?

[Kusanagi]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9la4Bq2_Qs

forgot to post link

[Dova Nisavic]

http://www.mysteriesofthejesusprayer.com/egypt.html

[Yolanda]

New film about St. Nicholas of Myra :http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1058094/

About our saint:
http://orthodoxwiki.org/Nicholas_of_Myra
http://www.roca.org/OA/5/5m.htm

[Angie]

Was wondering if "Ostrov - the Island" is based on a true story?

Angela

[Owen Jones]

For an American version of Ostrov, see Get Low with Robert Duvall...

[Gary Metz]

I have been looking for movies or documentaries on the lives of the leaders of the early Church from an orthodox perspective. It can't seem to find anything on the Virgin Mary that isn't Roman Catholic or Protestant. Perhaps the Greeks or Russians have produced something. Has anyone seen material like this?

[Cyprian (Humphrey)]

Was wondering if "Ostrov - the Island" is based on a true story?

Angela

No. It's not a true story.

But it is bits and pieces of various lives of the Saints put together into a fictional story. So, there have (of course!) been elders who drove out demons, prophesied the birth of children, gave godly counsel, etc.

But, alas, there was no Fr Anatoly who repented his entire life for having thought he killed his Commanding Officer under duress in World War II, and became an elder in spite of that.

Interestingly though, I have heard that the set they built for the film, rather than being dismantled after the filming, was turned into a functioning monastery. I have no hard evidence of this, of course, but, it'd be pretty cool and I hope it's true. So, apparently, the monastery in the film is now a real life monastery!

[Johannes Martin]

Dear Nina,
did you already start making movies? I had the same idea. I wanted to start with the russian new martyrers under the communist yoke...
So if you are still interested, please write me. It should not to be left just a dream...

c bogom

Johannes