CINEMA CROWDS in Germany are flocking to watch a three-hour documentary on the life of Carthusian monks.

The monks live high in the French Alps and their frugal, silent lifestyle has remained almost unchanged for ten centuries.

What is the appeal of the film? Director Philip Groening says he realized he had had "the privilege of living with a community of people who live practically without any fears."

Where in today's world can you find peace like that?