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Poster for Athos

2016 | 99 min | Documentary

Weeknight Watchearly rating

Why it’s a Weeknight Watch

With little lasting buzz, it's a mixed bag. Fine if it's on; don't plan your night around it.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Aimed squarely at the curious. Expect to bring it up in conversation afterwards.
The mood
Eye-opening.
The pace
Moves through the story clearly, at 1 hr 39 min.
What might put you off
  • It's in German, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
  • Skip it if you want made-up drama tonight.

The Athos peninsula in Greece is one of Europe's last secrets. Over 2000 monks live on Athos - cut off from the outside world. Access is denied to women, tourists are not welcome. Only workers and pilgrims can obtain a visa. The "Autonomous Monastic State of the Holy Mountain" attracts people who feel like they are missing something from their modern lives. With the help of three Athos monks, "Athos - A Taste of Heaven" tells the story of the island and its inhabitants in a unique filmed diary style. The film's guiding theme is the path we as people have to find and follow - each and everyone for themselves. "First we must heal our own souls, only then we can help others", is one of Father Galaktions core messages. He lives as a hermit on the holy mountain. Not all monks, however, live as secluded and demure as Father Galaktion. The film team is also received by Father Epiphanios - a gifted and poetic cook who certainly does not disdain the pleasures of life.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsNot counted

    Not enough reviews on record yet

  • AudiencesNot counted

    Not measured yet: not enough ratings

  • AwardsNot counted

    No major awards or nominations

  • Reach & staying powerSolid

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactBelow par

    About 76K people sought it out in the past year

Trailer

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Cast & crew

Directed by Peter Bardehle, Andreas Martin

  • Father Akakios
  • Father Alypios
  • Father Avakum
  • Father Epiphanios
  • Father Philoumenos
  • Father Galaktion
  • Father Grigorios
  • Father Josef
  • Father Loukianos
  • Father Philimon