Comments on: Small Things, Great Hopes

By: Bob Glassmeyer

Bob Glassmeyer — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 02:19:08 +0000

Dear Father,

Okay! I cannot wait to see this movie. A dear friend of mine hipped me to it today, and I’ll dig all I have to in order to find it.

I truly love your words about this movie! Thank you for sharing it!

By: Joanna

Joanna — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:44:00 +0000

I was interested in getting a copy of the DVD. I clicked on View The Trailer. I was excited to learn that I had viewed the DVD at least twice in my own home, but it was called St. Anatoly. Perhaps it was a pirated copy, but it was truly one of the most moving films I have ever watched.

By: Isaac

Isaac — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 02:23:27 +0000

On Netflix, it is available to watch instantly over the internet.

I have watched it twice in the past week. This film is a great encouragement during the lenten season. I recommend it highly.

By: Helen

Helen — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 09:13:52 +0000

Apparently the main character was so touched during the filming of the movie by Orthodox spirituality that he himself has now joined an Orthodox monastic skete!

By: Serge Vostokoff

Serge Vostokoff — Sat, 08 Mar 2008 05:18:36 +0000

Had a great time reading this page. Christ be with us during the coming Great Lent.

By: flod logic

flod logic — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 04:25:28 +0000

If anyone is looking for an NTSC version, I was able to find a region-free NTSC version on ebay for $10. Definitely one of the best movies I’ve seen!

By: Emily

Emily — Sat, 17 Nov 2007 20:43:10 +0000

This film’s Christian message is not limited to my Orthodox brothers and sisters. As a devout Christian, who has spent many years in Russia, I just watched Ostrov this week in Russian and rejoiced in the how the Holy Spirit spoke through this film. How often do we carry with us the sins which Jesus took upon himself, and yet God uses us despite ourselves. To him be all glory, honor, and praise!

Russia is very much an amoral, decadent, and envious place. Pornography flood advertisements that any child can see. Alcoholism is a national pastime. Adultery and devious behavior is acceptable. Destructive envy prevents prosperity. Yet, in the midst of this comes a film that speaks directly to the present sins, calling Russians back to the Cross and to the sanctifying work of the Resurrection. It has since been lost in the noise of many other Russian and Western films glorifying Satan and his ways. Yet, may God continue to use it on DVD to bring Russians back to Christ.

Unwittingly, Ostrov also brings it’s non-Russian viewers to the same place — for Christians, affirming our deepest desire to honor God with our lives.
I only wish Christian filmmakers here could have the same freedom (how ironic!) that these did in this film. Maybe “Bella” will help open the way.

Tonight, I am going to simultaneously translate the film for my friends, all from different Christians denominations, but all who seek the glory of God in the midst of our sinfulness.

Blessings to you, dear brothers and sisters in Christ!

By: Fools for Christ - Remembering What Matters « Glory to God for All Things

Fools for Christ - Remembering What Matters « Glory to God for All Things — Mon, 25 Jun 2007 17:46:14 +0000

[...] have been viewing the movie, Ostrov, which I reviewed here, simply because watching it feeds me where watching something else would not. I think I have been [...]

By: Fatherstephen

Fatherstephen — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 00:19:18 +0000

Thanks for the review, Jason. I’ve gotten my copy and have continued to watch this little gem, appreciating levels of symbolism in it that compliment the storyline as well. Thus it occasionally has an iconic quality - quite fitting.

By: Jason

Jason — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 21:20:47 +0000

My wife and I saw the film at last year’s Toronto International Film Festival, and we enjoyed it very much. Here’s a review I wrote…

http://www.twitchfilm.net/archives/007538.html