Top Ten Monks (HBO)

About Top Ten Monks (HBO)

"Top Ten Monks (HBO)" is a moving documentary film detailing the lives of Cistercian monks in Austria. It highlights their simplicity and seclusion while capturing their unique position of having their Gregorian chants turn them into unexpected pop stars. The film is a beautiful journey that portrays the juxtaposition of the reserved, spiritual lives of the monks and the fame that their music brings upon them.

Making / Production

The production of "Top Ten Monks (HBO)" offered rare insight into the secluded life of the Cistercian monks. Filmed on location in Austria, the production team worked closely with the monks to ensure authenticity while respecting the sanctity of their lives and their monastery. The film captures the mesmerizing beauty of the monastery, the stunning local landscapes, and the raw, emotional potency of the monks' chants.

Actors

• Father Johannes: Played himself and the role of the choir head monk. He led the monks throughout the film with a calm yet commanding presence.
• Brother Matthias: As another real-life monk, Brother Matthias' genuine purity and devotion lend a powerful authenticity to the film.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The Cistercian monks who starred in this film had no formal musical training prior to their chant recordings going viral.
• The monastery where the documentary was filmed is hundreds of years old and is a prominent national historical site in Austria.
• The chant that launched the monks to stardom was initially recorded merely to preserve it for future generations of monks.

Quotes

• "We sing to pray, not to be popular." - Father Johannes
• "Our life here is simple, our music is our prayer." - Brother Matthias

Music, Soundtrack

• "Veni Creator Spiritus": The chant that brought them to fame, a hauntingly beautiful and rousing piece that resonates with listeners worldwide.
• "Ave Maria": A deeply spiritual chant that showcases the monks' harmonious voices.
• "Salve Regina": A popular chant made even more poignant by the monks' deeply moving rendition.