Top 10 Documentaries About Monasteries

Description: This film is a meditative journey into the life of the Carthusian monks at the Grande Chartreuse monastery in France. It's a visual and auditory experience that captures the essence of silence and solitude, making it a perfect fit for this collection.

Fact: The director, Philip Gröning, waited 16 years for permission to film inside the monastery, and once granted, he lived with the monks for six months to capture the footage.

Description: This documentary follows a Danish journalist who spends six months living in a Benedictine monastery, exploring the clash between his secular life and the monastic discipline. It's a fascinating study of personal transformation and the impact of monastic life on an outsider.

Fact: The film was part of a larger project where several journalists from different countries lived in monasteries, but this one stands out for its personal narrative and depth.

Description: Set in the UK, this documentary series follows five men from diverse backgrounds as they live in a monastery for 40 days, experiencing the monastic life firsthand. It's a unique blend of reality TV and documentary, offering a modern take on monastic life.

Fact: The series was inspired by the success of similar shows where participants experience different lifestyles, but this one focuses on the spiritual and communal aspects of monastic living.

Description: This documentary captures the final days of a small, secluded monastery in Italy, where the last remaining monks face the closure of their home. It's a poignant look at the end of an era and the emotional journey of letting go.

Fact: The film was shot over several years, documenting the decline of the monastery and the monks' efforts to preserve their way of life.

Description: This documentary provides an intimate look at the daily life and spiritual practices of the Trappist monks at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Georgia, USA. It's a serene exploration of monastic life in the modern world.

Fact: The monastery is known for its famous fruitcake, which is sold worldwide, and the film includes scenes of the monks preparing this delicacy.

Description: This documentary follows the daily life of monks at a Benedictine monastery in England, capturing the rhythm of their lives through the changing seasons. It's a detailed look at how monastic life intertwines with the natural world.

Fact: The film was praised for its beautiful cinematography, capturing the serene beauty of the monastery and its surroundings.

Description: This documentary delves into the life of a secluded monastery in Greece, revealing the hidden aspects of monastic life, including the spiritual struggles and the profound peace found in isolation.

Fact: The film was shot with minimal crew to maintain the authenticity of the monks' environment, resulting in a very intimate portrayal.

Description: This film explores the contemplative life of monks in a Cistercian monastery in France, focusing on their dedication to prayer and the spiritual depth of their existence.

Fact: The director spent a year living with the monks to understand and capture the essence of their prayer life.

Description: This documentary follows a group of men from different walks of life as they live in a monastery for a month, exploring the impact of monastic discipline on their personal lives and spiritual growth.

Fact: The participants were selected from a wide range of professions, including a former soldier, a businessman, and a musician, providing diverse perspectives on monastic life.

Description: This film takes viewers inside a remote Buddhist monastery in Bhutan, showcasing the monks' daily routines, their spiritual practices, and the profound silence that envelops their lives.

Fact: The film was shot in one of the most isolated monasteries in the world, requiring a trek of several days to reach the location.