USSR-China border, 1973: Young soldier Rafael is on guard duty when the border falls under attack from flying Chinese kung fu warriors, leaving him as the sole survivor. Utterly fascinated by the long-haired martial artists who easily dispatched his fellow guards, all while blasting forbidden Black Sabbath music from their portable radio, Rafael is struck by a revelation: he too wants to become a kung fu warrior. Looking for mentorship but with limited options, faith leads Rafael to seek martial arts teachers at the most unlikely of places: the local Eastern Orthodox monastery, where the black-clad monks begin his training. With a skeptical mother, a rival monk, and a budding love interest pulling him in different directions, Rafael finds that his journey to unlock the greatest martial art of all – the almighty power of humility – is long, winding, and full of kick-ass adventures.

Critic’s Pick! Satisfyingly blends kung fu, heavy metal and Orthodox Christianity. Remind[s] us that walking on water is a skill shared by both Jet Li and Jesus." – Amy Nicholson, The New York Times

“Deliriously weird... crafted so lovingly and with a charming earnestness”
– Charles Lyons-Burt, Slant Magazine

“An entertaining universe to be observed and relished…Estonian helmer Rainer Sarnet deploys an explosive mix of kung fu, heavy metal, and Orthodox Christianity.” – Mariana Hristova, Cineuropa