If you have not seen the Russian film "The Island" by Pavel Lungin, I highly recommend it. It was recommended to me by two very dear friends, a Greek Orthodox Archbishop and his assisting Bishop, who happens to be my brother-in-law. For me, it was a movie about human weakness, Orthodox faith, repentance and suffering but all against the backdrop of the beauty of a soul sincerely seeking God. Contrary to what you might think, the movie is not depressing but uplifting.
Father Anatoly is forced, by the Nazi's, into an act of violence during WWII and spends the next thirty years searching for forgiveness and freedom from guilt. From the early days of his disaster, he is rescued by monks who allow him to stay at the monastery as the stoker of the coal fires. Anatoly becomes something of a "fool for Christ" and a man who could see into people's hearts ... and heal. It's a fascinating and beautiful story with the best exorcism scene I have ever seen or read.
Pyotr Mamonov played Father Anatoly. Apparently, he used to be one of the very few well-known rock stars in Soviet Russia, followed by an equally celebrated stint in the theater when he became something of a drama cult favorite. However, in the 1990's, he converted to Orthodoxy, left Moscow for a small village where he lives to this day. It is probably due to this conversion that Mamonov played the part so brilliantly, so authentically. In an acceptance speech for a prestigious Russian cinematic award, Mamonov actually condemned his own popularity as idolatry ... very much in keeping with the character of the film. St. Herman of Alaska wrote: "The true Christian is a warrior making his way through the regiments of the invisible enemy to his heavenly homeland." You may see something of this quote in the movie.
This movie is one of my very favorites. It's artistically as well as spiritually excellent. Thanks for sharing.
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At twenty years of age, the will reigns; at thirty, the wit; and at forty, the judgment.
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Life is a leaf of paper white, thereon each of us may write his word or two.
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i've also added this to my queue...thank you!!
Posted by: qualcosa di bello | Monday, May 18, 2009 at 10:21 AM
Sounds like my kind of movie. I'll put it in my Netflix queue. Thanks!
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