Really Surprised!

From my favorite movies..

Admirable film.

There are better movies of two hours length. I loved the actress'performance.

A while back, there was a glowing review about this movie, saying that the choice of a soundtrack was brilliant, and every time whoever wrote the review watched the movie, he, or she learned something new.Well, I'll admit that it does have a sort of addicting pull about it, but I haven't learned anything new really. Maybe I'm just stupid, but I think the real reason is that the movie is not as great as that particular post made it out to be.I like the film, but mainly, I like it for it's peculiar sexual themes. The acting is pretty good, but without much soundtrack, there's a lot of dead air where you expect something fantastically important to happen... Then the actors do something totally inexplicable, like move a bunch of rocks, or apples, or kiss a statue.All said, it looks more like a work in progress than a movie, but there's something about that unfinished quality that really catches my attention, and sucks me in, whether I like it or not.

If this film appears sparse to some I would remind the viewer that agrarian life 500+ years ago was just that. What Anchoress may lack in dialogue is made up for in sound, texture, and detailed attention to lighting, mostly outdoor. Very few films (Seventh Seal) are able to capture the stark setting of the underpopulated reality that was Europe - not all historical scenarios need be drowned with battle sequences, lavishly dressed royals, and epic soundtracks aimed to fill empty spaces. No one lived like that except a small few. I would recommend this film to anyone who has an appreciation of women's history, and ancient Christian mysticism. The story of Christine's descent into the church, her rebirth, and eventual retreat into the earth is beautifully filmed and acted by all involved in this unique project. A scene not to be missed is Christine's fabulously angry mother pissing before the priest on his own church yard. Why all the pagans out there who frequent this site have not championed this movie is beyond me!

I have not much to say about the movie, and I am not going to tell everyone what to think of the plot, for it isn't the best story I have seen, although it is not bad at all (!). But I decided on giving a small comment because I was very much impressed by the unbelievable photography. I myself am a filmstudent, and the special, exact and mysterious atmosphere that was given to this movie is something to be unbelievably jealous of. Apart from the light (and SHADOW) and the images, the sound is also adding to a movie very worth the effort of watching. Everything goes very slowly, taking the time to make every image just perfect. Wether you like the story or not, after seeing this movie you just HAVE to admit that it at least LOOKS and SOUNDS great!

This film must be watched with a quiet spirit and a willingness to let go of well-organized, linear plot development. Those familiar with The Book of Margery Kempe will appreciate the spiritual struggle Anchoress represents as well as the more "feminine" approach to plot. The cinematography is exquisite as well as the acting.