Unfortunately, I missed this movie during its sell-out engagement in New York City, but those who saw Into Great Silence reported being moved and awestruck by the sheer simplicity and beauty of it.

The film chronicles the austere life inside a Carthusian monastery, and consists of three hours of…silence. The trailer below gives a glimpse of what impressed so many people.

Personally, I’m more a Trappist sort of guy myself; but I know that no less a Trappist than Thomas Merton was captivated by the Carthusians, and flirted with leaving his order to join them. But check out the trailer and get a small taste of what attracted men like Merton to this kind of life. You will experience, however briefly, the joy of silence.

More from Beliefnet and our partners
Close Ad