A Brilliant Film

This might be the best religious film I have seen. It is just brilliant. The title, "Octpob" means, "Island". It is about a Russian monk, and if you are thinking of getting it (and I advise you to consider it) it is better that I do not say too much about the plot - although if you read some of the reviews on Amazon you will get most of the story.

It is remarkable in that so much of the dialogue is prayer - and what is not actual prayer is pure spirituality and ministry. The film says more about community life than many other films I've seen (or books I've read!). If you like the sayings of the Desert Fathers, you will like this. If you like Russian literature, you will like this. Just make sure that you get the version with the English subtitles. They are essential.

A brilliant film for Lent. If you have given up the cinema or films for Lent, make an exception for this one. It has taken Russia by storm (and this says a lot about Russian people today). It was given five Russian "oscars" and outside Russia is regarded as one of the best foriegn films made in recent years. It is worth it for the photogrpahy alone. Just superb.