Documentary about Cathedrals in France

Thanks for the FYI!

StellaB
It is in a couple of theaters here in the LA area, but we can't make it. I checked to see if it will be on any streaming service, but no luck (at least not for the time being). It is part of the "Word on Fire" Catholic media outfit. They are a somewhat conservative part of Catholic media, but professional in their productions. If I find out any method to view the film, I will post it, but it may be difficult. So far, it is only viewable in theaters for those 2 days. There will probably be a religious message with it, in case that would bother anyone. Historically, however, I expect it to be accurate based on my limited viewing on a few "Word on Fire" produced projects.

Sounds like something I'd appreciate if it ever streams. I have an unhealthy addiction to Gothic architecture, inside and out.

Just saw it. Disappointed. Churches were beautiful but jumped around too much so it was hard to figure out which church was which. I’m sure you can watch something more informative on youtube

Churches were beautiful but jumped around too much so it was hard to
figure out which church was which.

Yes, I just saw it, too. There was some good stuff there - and I did recognize the churches having seen most of them before. But I do wish he had made it clear which was which (even if only to put a title on the screen) and given a more concise backstory on each one.

The most disappointing part to me was when he stood in front of Notre-Dame d'Amiens in a tight shot (just a door behind him) and told us it was the tallest and largest Gothic cathedral in France, but didn't actually illustrate that with a visual and some more information on how it came to be.

But there were a few philosophical tidbits I took away from it - mainly about the wheels where you could be like the people on the rim going around and around - first on top, then on the bottom, then climbing to the top again in an endless cycle - versus being on a wheel where you are always facing towards the center no matter what happens.

I'm glad I saw it, because I'll be in France for Christmas and seeing some of these cathedrals, I'll know some things to look for while I'm there.

Ella and mgd1dds,
Thanks for the reviews. What a disappointment about the photography and editing. If the opportunity presents itself to watch it, fine. I won't go out of my way, however.

@StellaB, in case it might be useful during your visit to Amiens, here is a list of all the sites in Amiens designated as historical monuments, ranging from the smallest house to the cathedral. It includes descriptions, historical background, locations, and a few photos. It is in French.

https://monumentum.fr/recherche/amiens

@StellaB, in case it might be useful during your visit to Amiens,

Thank you for the info! However, I know Amiens very well - I spent several months there doing a semester at UPJV, and I loved it so much I've been back several times. This year will be my second time spending Christmas there.

I'm always surprised, though, that it isn't on most people's radar when visiting France. It's easy to get to from Paris and WELL worth a visit (the cathedral is drop-dead magnificent) but very few tourists make the trip.

My husband and I watched it last night and really did enjoy it. No, it wasn’t always clear which cathedrahl you were viewing but I was most interested in the symbolism. I enjoyed the beautiful photography and especially the stained glass. I also liked learning more about the historical context of the gothic style.

I would guess I knew a lot less than some of you which would explain the difference in opinion.

I keep hearing great things about Amiens, definitely added to the short list thanks!

As for documentaries about French cathedrals, we just watched a shorter Youtube video about Chartres with wonderful videography. I like Manuel Bravo, his videos seem to be well researched and we've enjoyed others - for example about Madrid, the Alhambra, St Peters, how Rome was redesigned in the Renaissance, etc. https://youtu.be/dYJIXBNcv2I?si=Ed_52TEVXTMnGYhS