If you have not yet had the opportunity, I recommend 2007 Russian film The Island as a film to watch during Lent this year. The film focuses on protagonist Anatoly who during WWII is captured by the Nazis and forced to kill his friend to save his own life. He is rescued by monks living in Siberia and becomes one of them. He spends the rest of his life repenting the murder of his friend. Anatoly becomes the classic Holy Fool, a very odd man who obviously is close to God. I loved the depictions of community life in a monastery and could relate to the little petty disputes that break out between community members. This movie removes the romanticism of monastic living and because of it reveals the beauty that is. This movie is about repentance, penance, forgiveness, healing, and the Divine Power to transform many lives. Beautiful.
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