The Monastery: Mr. Vig and the Nun
The Monastery: Mr. Vig and the Nun Image
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Metascore
66 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 9 Critics What's this?

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  • Summary: Mr. Vig is an elderly, deeply eccentric, never-married Dane, living alone in a ramshackle castle; he dreams of donating his homestead to the Russian Orthodox Church to become a monastery. In a long, black overcoat, with a shock of unruly white hair, and glasses perched on the tip of his nose, he looks like a character straight out of Dickens. Enter Sister Ambrosija, a remarkably attractive young Russian nun, who arrives with a small entourage and plans to whip the place into shape. A whirlwind of activity (days begin at 5:30 am), she insists upon extensive repairs; Mr. Vig wants Band-Aids, whereas she suggests surgery. Their contest of wills plays out in humorous, offbeat encounters that take unexpected turns as two unlikely people find companionship and common ground. Hauntingly shot, The Monastery is a modern fairytale with timeless roots. (Film Forum)… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. TV Guide
    Reviewed by: Ken Fox
    100
    Against all odds, you'll leave this remarkable film caring quite a bit for the old coot -- surely a sign of a very good documentary.
  2. New York Post
    Reviewed by: V.A. Musetto
    75
    Gronkjaer's cinematography is pleasing, with beautiful sunsets and tranquil snowscapes. I won't give away the ending, but it might bring a tear to your eye.
  3. Salon.com
    Reviewed by: Andrew O'Hehir
    70
    An oddly graceful combination of fairy tale and romantic comedy, set in a forgotten corner of the world.
  4. Film Threat
    Reviewed by: Pete Vonder Haar
    50
    A curious little film. On the surface, it's a story about one man's mission to create an Orthodox monastery in Denmark, and along the way it manages to say something about everyone's desire to be remembered after they pass away.

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User Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 2
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 2
  3. Negative: 0 out of 2
  1. FenarA.
    10
    It was one of the best documentary of last year.
  2. JamesC.
    10
    The first good European film I've seen about Russian Orthodoxy. Far surpasses the glitz of Ostrov -- The Island. Understated and very real! This is a documentary... real people, real situation.… Expand

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