Family Films Set in Monasteries

Description: This biographical drama tells the story of Bernadette Soubirous, whose visions of the Virgin Mary led to the creation of the Sanctuary of Our Lady of Lourdes. It's an inspiring tale of faith and miracles, ideal for families interested in religious history.

Fact: Jennifer Jones won the Academy Award for Best Actress for her role as Bernadette. The film was also nominated for 11 other Oscars.

Description: This classic film follows the life of a Belgian woman who becomes a nun, offering a detailed look at the life inside a convent. It's a compelling narrative about faith, duty, and personal conflict, suitable for older children and adults.

Fact: Audrey Hepburn received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress for her role. The film was also nominated for eight Oscars, winning none.

Description: While not exclusively set in a monastery, this film follows a father who walks the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route in Spain, encountering various characters, including monks, along the way. It's a touching story about grief, healing, and the journey of life.

Fact: The film was inspired by the book "Off the Road: A Modern-Day Walk Down the Pilgrim's Route into Spain" by Jack Hitt. Emilio Estevez, who directed and wrote the film, also stars alongside his father, Martin Sheen.

Description: This Bhutanese film tells the story of a monk who, in an attempt to preserve peace, seeks a gun for a unique purpose, leading to a series of humorous and enlightening events. It's a delightful blend of comedy and cultural exploration, perfect for families interested in different ways of life.

Fact: The film was Bhutan's official submission to the 96th Academy Awards for Best International Feature Film. It was also the first Bhutanese film to be released in the United States.

Description: This French film, based on true events, portrays the lives of Trappist monks in Algeria who face a moral dilemma when threatened by Islamic fundamentalists. It's a profound exploration of faith, courage, and community, suitable for mature family viewing.

Fact: The film won the Grand Prix at the 2010 Cannes Film Festival. It was also France's submission for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.

Description: Based on Matthew Gregory Lewis's novel, this film explores the dark side of monastic life through the story of a monk who struggles with temptation and sin. While it delves into more adult themes, it provides a unique perspective on the monastic life that can spark family discussions.

Fact: The film was shot in Spain and France, using several real monasteries as locations. It also features a performance by Vincent Cassel, known for his intense roles.

Description: This short animated film by Michael Dudok de Wit is a whimsical tale of a monk's pursuit of a fish, symbolizing the quest for enlightenment. It's visually stunning and offers a gentle lesson in patience and persistence for all ages.

Fact: The film won the Academy Award for Best Animated Short Film in

Description: This film is a light-hearted take on the life of St. Joseph of Cupertino, known for his levitation and simplicity. It's a charming story about an unlikely saint, making it accessible and fun for family viewing.

Fact: Maximilian Schell stars as the saint, and the film was one of the first to explore the life of a lesser-known saint in a comedic manner.

Description: An animated retelling of the life of Jesus Christ, this film includes scenes set in monasteries and provides a gentle introduction to religious themes for children. It's beautifully animated and offers a family-friendly approach to the story.

Fact: The film uses a mix of stop-motion animation for the main characters and traditional animation for the background. It was a collaboration between Russian and British animators.

Description: This Israeli children's series, which has been adapted into a movie, follows the adventures of a young monk in training. It's light-hearted and educational, focusing on themes of kindness, community, and learning.

Fact: The series was created to teach children about Jewish values through the lens of monastic life, though it's not strictly religious in its approach.