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Into Great Silence
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Metascore
78 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critics What's this?

User Score
9.2 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 11 Ratings

Your Score
10 out of 10
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  • Summary: This documentary about an ascetic monastery is one of the most mesmerizing and poetic chronicles of spirituality ever created. More meditation than documentary, it's a rare, transformative theatrical experience for all. (Zeitgeist Films)

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 20
  3. Negative: 1 out of 20
  1. San Francisco Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Walter Addiego
    100
    The silence captured in this documentary -- a meditative look at life in the Carthusian monastery of the Grande Chartreuse in the French Alps -- may be the most eloquent you'll ever hear.
  2. Boston Globe
    Reviewed by: Ty Burr
    100
    One of the transporting film experiences of this or any other year.
  3. Baltimore Sun
    Reviewed by: Susan Dunne
    25
    Try as I might, I could not love it, because as a piece of cinema, Into Great Silence would try the patience of a saint.

See all 20 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. Leiris
    10
    One of the great film-going experiences of my life. Seeing this in a large audience was remarkable…2.5 hours of complete immersion (and silence). Describing it as a meditation is a excellent description; and I cannot think of a more appropriate title.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  2. PatG.
    9
    I loved it. Fascinating. The beauty of the stone, the wood, the ancient architecture, the monks--and the silence--is stunning. Yes, nothing really happens, but it all feels very meaningful and potent. And I did not tire of it after two hours as some reviewers did. I went to a Saturday matinee, and the theater was packed! Apparently people do appreciate such things. I certainly do.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes
  3. PatrickF.
    9
    Anyone who thinks that life is simply not worth considering without their TiVo/PDA/BMW/whatever needs to be dragged by their ear and tied down in front of the entirety of this meditation on simplicity, humanity, and connectedness to both well-aged tradition and ageless contemplation of the Absolute. Yes, the pacing can be euphemistically described as "contemplative," and it is quite lengthy (be in a good seat lest your neck and hindquarters protest mightily), but it practically forces the viewer to consider, often deeply, what is going on and why these people feel so compelled to live with such an intention. Touche, Michael Bay.… Expand
    • 0 of 0 users said yes

See all 4 User Reviews

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