The Island Ostrov

The Island Ostrov Director: Pavel Lungin Writer: Dmitri Sobolev Released: 23 November 2006 (Russia) "He has played so many well-meaning jokes on the locals and other monks, but the grand joke is on him, tricked by God into a life of faithfulness and the healing of others." Synopsis: Somewhere in Northern Russia in a small Russian Orthodox monastery lives a very unusual man. His fellow-monks are confused by his bizarre conduct. Those who visit the island believe that the man has the power to heal, exorcise demons and foretell the future. However, he considers himself unworthy because of a sin he committed in his youth. The film is a parable, combining the realities of Russian everyday life with monastic ritual and routine. http://www.amazon.com/Ostrov-Island-version-English-subtitles/dp/B000LTTOOS Before you watch the film, consider the following questions to guide your reflection: The Island has been perceived around the world, both by film critics and audience members, as a symbolic work for Russia today – a parable of sorts. Pavel Lungin’s The Island was shown in Voronezh with no free seats. The local clergy booked the entire movie theater… A day before the first show, the Metropolitan of Voronezh and Borisoglebsk gave an order to post the AD for the coming premier next to the schedule of worship in all of the city’s forty churches. The parish was surprised: never before were films advertised in churches… Father Andrei, a secretary of the eparchy comments: “The Metropolitan has watched the film and, therefore, we recommend it to the clergy and the parish.” … The show started with a prayer… Prior to the screening everybody crossed themselves… Petr Mamonov, the actor: “To me it means that our church is alive.” The clergy thanked Mamonov. By saying that “He played a monk so truthfully,” they were asking whether he knew the prayers or had learnt them specifically for the role. Mamonov: “I didn’t learn them, but I was praying in earnest. The struggle with sin is too familiar to me.” http://www.kinokultura.com/2007/15r-island.shtml 1. One can see some of this symbolism just by looking at the difference between the three main characters in the movie (the three monks) and how they represent three different ways of interpreting Faith. In the space below, list words that describe each of the monks and their approach to Faith: Father Anatoli Father Filaret Father Iov A Fool for Christ’s Sake . Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you thinks that he is wise in this age, he must become foolish, so that he may become wise. (1 Corinthians 3:18-19) One form of the ascetic Christian life is called foolishness for the sake of Christ. The fool-for-Christ set for himself the task of battling within himself the root of all sin, pride. In order to accomplish this he took on an unusual style of life, appearing as someone bereft of his mental faculties, thus bringing upon himself the ridicule of others. In addition he exposed the evil in the world through metaphorical and symbolic words and actions. He took this ascetic endeavor upon himself in order to humble himself and to also more effectively influence others, since most people respond to the usual ordinary sermon with indifference. The spiritual feat of foolishness for Christ was especially widespread in Russia. – (Excerpted from The Law of God, Holy Trinity Monastery, Jordanville, NY: 1993 2. Father Anatoly is often depicted as being harsh, rude and teasing in his interactions with others. He is believed to be a starets (or Elder) by many people who flock to him for guidance despite his seemingly "unsaintly" behaviour. He is ultimately revealed as a great man of God even though he does not always attend the church services with the other monks and is disruptive when he does attend. He also plays pranks on the brethren. What are your thoughts on this concept of a “Fool for Christ?” Does that seem genuine or disrespectful to you? Have you ever experienced someone who shared similar qualities? 3. Other viewers have been struck by the following themes in the film. How many of them resonate with your response? Father Anatoly's spiritual discipline of severe physical asceticism The coal-house as a symbol of hell The relationship between Father Job and Father Anatoly and how it is ultimately transformed How people are often ungrateful even after miracles have been worked in their lives How people get caught in the spiritual traps of their worldly possessions Father Anatoly's moments of doubt and uncertainty as to why he has been chosen by God Father Anatoly's personal knowledge of the demon that has possessed the young widow The symbolic similarities of Father Anatoly's death and burial with the Baptismal service The Island is a powerful film, and in fact, the main actor himself, Pyotr Mamonov, left his rock star life behind a few years ago to devote himself to religion. “Mamonov was one of the few rock musicians from former USSR who managed to achieve recognition abroad, through his collaboration with Brian Eno in the late 1980s. Around the same period he started acting in film, and over the next decade wrote, produced and acted in several one-man theatrical performances establishing himself as a cult figure in Russia. In the 1990s, Mamonov converted to Orthodox Christianity, left the capital, and settled in a village. He returned to play the lead role in Pavel Lungin's religious film "The Island" (Russian "Остров"), which closed the 2006 Venice Film Festival. His acting in the film was praised by Alexis II, Patriarch of Moscow, and won him a Best Actor Nika Award.” http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pyotr_Mamonov 4. This film is very different from religious or spiritually centered American films such as The Passion of the Christ, or The Nativity Story? Which type of film speaks more directly to your experience of Faith and the life of a Christian? Why? Lenten Discussion on the film The Island Date: Saturday, April 2, 2011 Time: 9:00am - 4:00pm St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, Shrewsbury, MA All are welcome! .

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