This is a movie only a cinematographer, a movie buff or accolade could love. We all give ourselves over to obsession, be it to prove 1+1 =2, or the illusion of the dollar and the safety we hope it provides, or to religious belief. This documentary explores those whom “God has seduced, and who have been seduced by God”, the Grande Chartreuse monks. Monks who have taken the vow of silence, broken only by prayer and by song.

As part of my second son’s eulogy I wrote he was my great teacher, one of the things he taught me about was silence and the things one finds there. In that regard, I understood these lives lived in such a constrained manner with a singular purpose and absolute presence. It is like watching a great master work done in oils come to life, dark and light, glimpses down hallways, into parts of rooms ,scenes alluding to what is occurring, not leading you to the conclusion by your hand. It is not a documentary explaining the whys of this life; it simply leads you to the life, and if you can, allows you to enter the life. It is long, 2 hrs and 42 min., and only broken up with occasional sound~ it will be a challenge for most viewers. I am glad I stuck with the film, so many lush visuals to be recalled. My favorites were watching the monks sled down snowy hills, rain hitting standing water, snow falling ,and the shots of the monks looking into the camera, just being. The sound of scissors cutting thick wool, the dust mites floating in a shaft of golden sunlight…the film entrances you. This film won a Sundance Film Festival special jury prize award in 2006 and several international awards. If you are ready to shove aside fast, can find the time to view this look at such simpleness, I recommend this film highly.
Peace as always and in all ways~Sage

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