The Greek Orthodox's Padre Pio. If you want to find out what it means to die to yourself and learn how that brings you true and lasting joy, watch this film.
78 Reviews
Catholic Approved.
kazarlengo-299-75479922 March 2022
The heartbreaking story of a holy man
cleochris25 August 2021
Beautiful movie, about a person who was the incarnation of the teaching of Christ. Aris Servetalis was perfect as Agios Nectarios. His performance was astouning and very persuasive. Other actors that I think also stood out, were Christos Loulis, as the President of Risario School, Alexander Petrov as Kostas and Karyofyllia Karabeti as the mother of Maria (Tonia Sotiropoulou), even though she appeared in three scenes only!
The transformation of Servetalis through the years that passed was amazing! Costumes were great. The music was also very beautiful and added spirituality to the movie's atmoshphere.
The only thing than I found odd from time to time, was the language. I think that english didn't always sound so natural and I feel that some actors would perform better in their native language. The alternative would be to have more rehearsals, until they owned their lines better.
The transformation of Servetalis through the years that passed was amazing! Costumes were great. The music was also very beautiful and added spirituality to the movie's atmoshphere.
The only thing than I found odd from time to time, was the language. I think that english didn't always sound so natural and I feel that some actors would perform better in their native language. The alternative would be to have more rehearsals, until they owned their lines better.
A movie beyond just religion
bouldasgiorgos28 August 2021
A great iteration of St Nektarios' life. I found the movie enjoyable. The directing and cinematography were very good most of the time and so was the acting, which clearly lacked because of the non-native language spoken by most of the actors. What I almost didn't notice at first but grew on me during the runtime was the soundtrack. It really adds to many parts of the movie The plot, although simple and without an actual "target", kept me engaged from start to finish and made me think and realise things.
Definitely recommended.
Definitely recommended.
In a society with no social safety net, Saint Nektarios saved lives.
elenipnyc1 April 2022
Warning: Spoilers
I avoided this film when I was in Greece because of a bad review in Athinorama. The reviewer took exception with Writer/Director Yelena Popovic's choice to only briefly cover the intrigues that led to Saint Nektarios's expulsion from Alexandria. Now that I have seen the film, I disagree. It was a good movie that reminded me of the 2006 film "The Island" directed by Pavel Lungin. In a society with no social safety net, Saint Nektarios saved lives. Hostility towards the poor in that era (think 1890-1920) was even worse than it is now. Political intrigue would take the film in an entirely different direction.
We see Saint Nektarios save a young woman from a crazy and abusive mother. He helps young women establish a Monastery. The girls who found the Monastery are poor. One is blind. A young male student from the Seminary that he runs, the Rizario School, is at death's door and needs a hospital. The school executives want to send him to a sanitorium to avoid a bill. Saint Nektarios makes sure to send him to the hospital and covers the cost himself. This young man's death would leave a poor family bereft of a wage-earner. When the school janitor falls ill, Saint Nektarios works his shift to preserve his job and save the man's family from destitution.
Over the course of the film, it is clear why the ambitious and untalented would want to oust Nektarios Pentapoleos from the running for the Seat of the Patriarch! But while there were people who hated him, there were more who could not live without him! Kostas, the young blond man who works at the Rizario School and who seems not to like Nektarios at first comes to the Monastery in Aegina and helps.
The costumes were on point. The set design and scenery felt true. I am a native Greek speaker but did not find the film being in English distracting in the least.
We see Saint Nektarios save a young woman from a crazy and abusive mother. He helps young women establish a Monastery. The girls who found the Monastery are poor. One is blind. A young male student from the Seminary that he runs, the Rizario School, is at death's door and needs a hospital. The school executives want to send him to a sanitorium to avoid a bill. Saint Nektarios makes sure to send him to the hospital and covers the cost himself. This young man's death would leave a poor family bereft of a wage-earner. When the school janitor falls ill, Saint Nektarios works his shift to preserve his job and save the man's family from destitution.
Over the course of the film, it is clear why the ambitious and untalented would want to oust Nektarios Pentapoleos from the running for the Seat of the Patriarch! But while there were people who hated him, there were more who could not live without him! Kostas, the young blond man who works at the Rizario School and who seems not to like Nektarios at first comes to the Monastery in Aegina and helps.
The costumes were on point. The set design and scenery felt true. I am a native Greek speaker but did not find the film being in English distracting in the least.
Simply amazing...
Thanos_Alfie28 February 2022
"Man of God" is a Biography - Drama movie in which we follow the life of Saint Nektarios of Aegina, a man who was exiled unjustly, convicted without trial and slandered without cause.
Firstly, I have to say that I did not have any expectations from this movie but I have also to admit after watching it that it was simply brilliant. The direction which was made by Yelena Popovic who is also the writer, it was amazing and she presented very well the life of Saint Nektarios and made possible for the audience to relate to him and to just follow the plot. In addition to this, the interpretation of Aris Servetalis who played as Nektarios was simply outstanding and he made the difference. Some other interpretations that have to be mentioned were Alexander Petrov's who played as Kostas, Alexandros Mylonas' who played as Metropolitan Meletius and Christos Loulis who played as Christos. Finally, I have to say that "Man of God" is an outstanding movie and I strongly recommend everyone to watch it because I am sure that everyone can learn and even earn something by watching it.
Firstly, I have to say that I did not have any expectations from this movie but I have also to admit after watching it that it was simply brilliant. The direction which was made by Yelena Popovic who is also the writer, it was amazing and she presented very well the life of Saint Nektarios and made possible for the audience to relate to him and to just follow the plot. In addition to this, the interpretation of Aris Servetalis who played as Nektarios was simply outstanding and he made the difference. Some other interpretations that have to be mentioned were Alexander Petrov's who played as Kostas, Alexandros Mylonas' who played as Metropolitan Meletius and Christos Loulis who played as Christos. Finally, I have to say that "Man of God" is an outstanding movie and I strongly recommend everyone to watch it because I am sure that everyone can learn and even earn something by watching it.
Spiritually transformative
ltattoo23 May 2021
The acting, script, music were superb, but there was much more to this film. I felt myself uplifted and chastened, made whole again and again. So many lines to remember. Here is one: "Woe to me if my faith depends on men." I highly recommend this spiritually and emotionally powerful film.
Good Man
tfonias7424 August 2021
Warning: Spoilers
I don't know if he was a Saint but he seemed to be an altruistic selfless man of the cloth..
The story is moving, the character of Nektarios is a holy man who sacrificed his life for faith and his fellow man. Servetalis performance and transformation is fantastic.
Directing is not so great. The film seems like a TV movie at times.
The choice to have English-speaking dialogs was a mistake that cheapens the experience. When actors are forced to speak on a non native language the result is at times amateur like.
Kariofylia Karampeti shines on the couple of scenes she appears.
The story is moving, the character of Nektarios is a holy man who sacrificed his life for faith and his fellow man. Servetalis performance and transformation is fantastic.
Directing is not so great. The film seems like a TV movie at times.
The choice to have English-speaking dialogs was a mistake that cheapens the experience. When actors are forced to speak on a non native language the result is at times amateur like.
Kariofylia Karampeti shines on the couple of scenes she appears.
Every saint was once a sinner, and every sinner can become a saint.
richard_rossi11 May 2021
A beautiful work of art with strong performances and great visuals about Saint Nektarios of Aegina by talented director, Yelena Popovic. It captures the man who lived in a skin of real flesh and the battles he faced on his way to holiness. Every saint was once a sinner, and every sinner can become a saint. He faced the hatred of men and spiritual warfare. Sometimes the greater the anointing, the greater the accusation. A great performance by Mickey Rourke as a paralyzed man who receives miraculous grace. A must-see!
powerful faith confession
Kirpianuscus10 August 2022
I expected with intense emotion, more than curiosity, to see this film. I saw it as Greek Orthodox front to inspired adaptation of one of the most impressive saints of Orthodoxy of XX century.
So, I am more than subjective.
The great virtue of Yelena Popovich is to propose not exactly a biography. But a precise , profound beautiful, useful at whole image of the essence of sainthood.
The episodes of a life in which the hypocrisies, fears, cowardness, lies and doubts, envies and stupidity of people are front to spiritual courage and totaly loyality to God will, strong faith and clean honesty of a ierarch remaining a humble and courageous in special way monk.
A film for faith, about faith, in which Aris. Servetalis propose a great fruit of his effort and art.
The last scenes of dialogue between Servetalis and Mickey Rooney are just precious .
It is an Orthodox film; out of artistic virtues or cinematography, the message is the essential one. So, difficult to see out of faith area. Because, scene by scene, it is a confession.
So, easy to call it a masterpiece. Indeed, it is one and, from music to image, from tension to the expressions of patience of saint ierarch Nektarios, all is proof for that.
But a masterpiece in very specific terms.
Short, see it !
So, I am more than subjective.
The great virtue of Yelena Popovich is to propose not exactly a biography. But a precise , profound beautiful, useful at whole image of the essence of sainthood.
The episodes of a life in which the hypocrisies, fears, cowardness, lies and doubts, envies and stupidity of people are front to spiritual courage and totaly loyality to God will, strong faith and clean honesty of a ierarch remaining a humble and courageous in special way monk.
A film for faith, about faith, in which Aris. Servetalis propose a great fruit of his effort and art.
The last scenes of dialogue between Servetalis and Mickey Rooney are just precious .
It is an Orthodox film; out of artistic virtues or cinematography, the message is the essential one. So, difficult to see out of faith area. Because, scene by scene, it is a confession.
So, easy to call it a masterpiece. Indeed, it is one and, from music to image, from tension to the expressions of patience of saint ierarch Nektarios, all is proof for that.
But a masterpiece in very specific terms.
Short, see it !
I really wanted to like it
fntagin23 July 2022
I am a religious man and i really wanted to like the movie! But for my disappointment the edit and the presentation was all over the place! No actual background for any character! Even for Saint Nektarios i couldn't believe how shallow his presentation was. I was trying to feel his injustice, his slander but there is a disconnection to the actual character and the audience. I have read St. Nektarios story and i was remembering things to fill the gaps! Jumping from scene to scene in a hurry to tell us the story of St. Nektarios without actually telling the story! The actors were good don't get me wrong! The problem is definitely with the directing and the editing! Sorry if i sound harsh but the epicenter should be the character of Saint Nektarios, his background and not to just tell his story!
Overtrying doesn't always help
superchristinaki1 September 2021
I'm not quite sure what to write about this one since I didn't like it, but I see there are people who really liked it and that's how it always is of course. From my point of view, the weak points of the movie are: the language (which is in English in order to be more accessible to the international audience, but it sounds weird and unreal for the actors who play and for the story itself), the (conventional) choice of some actors that either acted too much or they didn't fit for the role given, and the collaboration of script and direction that didn't emphasize or highlight the true actions of the protagonist Saint Nectarios. The narration visually felt a bit flat while there was a lot of talking.
On the other hand, the atmosphere created, the costumes, makeup and some actors with the protagonist among them, were the real deal. Also, the messages of Saint Nectarios can be heard and seen in the movie, so it makes it automatically interesting and moving.
*It would be very pleasant to see at last some new actors in Greek movies and not always the same big "stars" who take over roles in every movie that is produced here in Greece.
On the other hand, the atmosphere created, the costumes, makeup and some actors with the protagonist among them, were the real deal. Also, the messages of Saint Nectarios can be heard and seen in the movie, so it makes it automatically interesting and moving.
*It would be very pleasant to see at last some new actors in Greek movies and not always the same big "stars" who take over roles in every movie that is produced here in Greece.
A film that touches the depth of the heart
nina-9508327 August 2021
This film offers a peek into the potential each one of us has for our lives. Saint Nectarios is a universal man, his kindness and truth speak to all, not just to Orthodox Christians. Watching this movie took me on a journey and a reflection about power, purpose, faith and surrender. It is a gift for our times when so much of the focus of humanity is towards external success, watching this saintly man turn away from fame and power, over and over again. I walked away with a deep sense of what it would be like to know and embody true peace, a peace that nobody can take away.
The music and scenery were sublime and Aris Servetalis offers a deeply touching and powerful portrayal of St Nectarios.
The music and scenery were sublime and Aris Servetalis offers a deeply touching and powerful portrayal of St Nectarios.
Holier than thou
kosmasp12 September 2021
First things first, because Mickey Rourke is still the first name that pops up here and apparently the trailer also seems to give the impression he is in this ... a lot. He isn't - he may have a pivotal role of sorts (as other side characters have), but his screen presense may be around 2 minutes.
Still if you are a fan of his, you will be happy to see him and he looks good I reckon you could say. But this movie as I already said is not about him. It is about (Agios) Nectarios (or Nektarios depending on how you want to write it in English) and his journey through life. Though not from his beginnings but later in life when he already was established. But being established also brings a lot of envy and other things out in people who may see you as a threat to their shenanigans (evil plans).
There is a reason I used the summary line. And I think you will find that our main character seems to be always on the right side of any moral argument or issue. While that can also be annoying, it is something that makes him dependable and loved by many, but also looked down upon by many others who either don't like or envy him or are afraid of the power he may conjur through the people who love him.
That is in a nutshell every other obstacle he has to overcome. Since he so pure and without any evil intention, it is others that rain pain and problems down on him.
Now onto something that may seem weird especially for those who speak Greek. While there is a good portion and dialog in Greek, the majority of the movie is in English. With accents (mostly Greek, but also Russian, depending which actor is portraying a character), but can be quite irritating. Especially when our main character complains in English that others do not conceive him to be Greek enough ... it almost feels absurd in a sense.
Obviously the movie is way more international that way, so I understand the logic behind it. Although to be truthful, I doubt that atheists/other religion beliefs will find any interest in this, I could be wrong of course. What it does though, is taking some of the emotion away from the acting. It feels quite disconnected at times. The emotion and the dialog that is ... the movie is quite long with almost two hours which also may not be something that non-orthodox people might have issues with.
So a lot of suspension of (dis)belief has to be done during the movie ... and you have to roll with the flow. If you can do that, it is quite the drama/journey you are about to embark.
Still if you are a fan of his, you will be happy to see him and he looks good I reckon you could say. But this movie as I already said is not about him. It is about (Agios) Nectarios (or Nektarios depending on how you want to write it in English) and his journey through life. Though not from his beginnings but later in life when he already was established. But being established also brings a lot of envy and other things out in people who may see you as a threat to their shenanigans (evil plans).
There is a reason I used the summary line. And I think you will find that our main character seems to be always on the right side of any moral argument or issue. While that can also be annoying, it is something that makes him dependable and loved by many, but also looked down upon by many others who either don't like or envy him or are afraid of the power he may conjur through the people who love him.
That is in a nutshell every other obstacle he has to overcome. Since he so pure and without any evil intention, it is others that rain pain and problems down on him.
Now onto something that may seem weird especially for those who speak Greek. While there is a good portion and dialog in Greek, the majority of the movie is in English. With accents (mostly Greek, but also Russian, depending which actor is portraying a character), but can be quite irritating. Especially when our main character complains in English that others do not conceive him to be Greek enough ... it almost feels absurd in a sense.
Obviously the movie is way more international that way, so I understand the logic behind it. Although to be truthful, I doubt that atheists/other religion beliefs will find any interest in this, I could be wrong of course. What it does though, is taking some of the emotion away from the acting. It feels quite disconnected at times. The emotion and the dialog that is ... the movie is quite long with almost two hours which also may not be something that non-orthodox people might have issues with.
So a lot of suspension of (dis)belief has to be done during the movie ... and you have to roll with the flow. If you can do that, it is quite the drama/journey you are about to embark.
Disappointing
steveinadelaide27 June 2022
MAN OF GOD (2021) tells the story of Saint Nektarios of Aegina who was unjustly exiled, convicted without trial, and slandered without cause in this ancient tale from Greece. The film follows the difficulties faced by Saint Nektarios as he fights against his enemies' bigotry while promoting the Word of God.
The acting is wooden, and the dialogue is stilted. The film is poorly paced, and the tone is monotonous and boring. However, the sets and costumes are well done, and the film's message is clear to such an extent it feels like a religious propaganda film.
If you're looking for an inspirational story about a saint who overcame adversity, you may enjoy this film. However, if you're not religious, or if you're looking for a well-made film, you'll likely be disappointed.
The acting is wooden, and the dialogue is stilted. The film is poorly paced, and the tone is monotonous and boring. However, the sets and costumes are well done, and the film's message is clear to such an extent it feels like a religious propaganda film.
If you're looking for an inspirational story about a saint who overcame adversity, you may enjoy this film. However, if you're not religious, or if you're looking for a well-made film, you'll likely be disappointed.
Why in English?
Dusius20 September 2021
Emotional Rollercoaster.
alexandrakisalexander31 August 2021
The visuals of this movie are wonderful. The acting was firm but the plot did have some gaps that Yelena could've elaborated on more. The film was quite repetitive and on the other hand was extremely compelling in some parts. It is an emotional rollercoaster. Highly recommend this film for anyone who wants to have a taste of greece.
Very good movie.
bearblackhawk2229 March 2022
This was a very good movie that hasnt been promoted. Happened to see that it was playing in theater 10. Went to buy a ticket and the movie wasnt listed as a movie to buy tickets for. Had to speak to manager in order purchase ticket. Went to movie theater website and it was conveniently not listed there either. Very curious and not surprising that hollywood would "ghost" a postive Religious movie documentary. Shameful. Will buy multiple dvds to send to friends and family to watch and enjoy. No wonder no one watches oscars or any other hollywood dreck.
Christian autobiography
destinygreece1 September 2021
A Tale of Perseverance and Faith
zorba-3627131 July 2022
Passable Drama of Religious Figure - Man of God
arthur_tafero25 October 2022
Several individuals in History have suffered for their religious beliefs and this personage, Nektarious of Aegina is one of them. Religious persecution is a staple of historical events, and this film does a good job of documenting the trials and tribulations of Nektaious. We are sympatric to his unfair treatment, but most moviegoers will be looking for a bit more to the story. What were the motivations of thos who treated Nketailus so unfairly? Did they have some justification, as in a political struggle? Or was the persecution carried out strictly for religious reasons? That question is not realy addressed in the film. Other that that, an interesting study in the time period and place.
The subject it doesn't make a movie automatically good!!
lydiakaragiannopoulou7 January 2022
The direction made me feel the movie was on a auto pilot without emotion ,without soul without vision..the actors struggling with English accent in a level I found it funny in some parts.in my opinion the film is trying to proselytize in such an obvious way..I ended up not being interested for any of the characters with the last drop the performance of the main actor Agios Nektarios who seed more bored ,without soul and personality than a peaceful priest. A waste chance to make a very interesting movie but I am sure I will sell many tickets just because of the theme..
This is the orthodox faith!
dgtzdltd5 September 2021
The life of a Saint that sounds like the 30's Dracula
theInfamousPeppapy25 July 2022
They put stars in this movie to attract people, Alexander Petrov is a star in Russian cinema, and many know him from at least T-34 (the 3rd biggest box office Russian movie of all times) and Mickey Rourke, who made interesting movies back then, but they don't do anything interesting here, the funny and lively Petrov stutters in English (the trailer is misleading) and Rourke is in the final shot, being the actor we all know he is, the story is interesting but the producers and director could have done a better job if they had made a documentary and not a movie which forces actors, whose mother language is not English, to fight with the dialogues, they all sound like Bela Lugosi in Dracula, except Mickey Rourke.
But I can´t blame the director for hiring Petrov for a boring role, if I was the director of anything movie or the producer I'll run into Alexander´s Petrov arms because he is the kind of star Hollywood will never have again, they still have Tom Cruise but he is not that young anymore, how long until Tom Cruse stop doing the charming main character.
But I can´t blame the director for hiring Petrov for a boring role, if I was the director of anything movie or the producer I'll run into Alexander´s Petrov arms because he is the kind of star Hollywood will never have again, they still have Tom Cruise but he is not that young anymore, how long until Tom Cruse stop doing the charming main character.
Just... Bad.
charlesgarnerlester12 August 2022
While the story is quite beautiful, and the filming locations are stunning, the acting is just bad, all around. The actors are just monotone when speaking. On top of that, the writing is terrible. The script uses modern-day wording, in a movie that is supposed to be based in the late 1800's.
True story movie
andjelis29 October 2021
Wonderful and powerful movie based on a true story. No matter if you're religious or not, it will inspire you. Finally, great movie with great actors based on a true story.
I will watch it again!
Thank you all who took a part in this creation!
I will watch it again!
Thank you all who took a part in this creation!
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