IR: Of Gods and Men

In Algeria a small monestry of eight monks live in harmony with their village, providing medicine and support for the largely Muslim population. But when extremist violence rears its ugly head the monks are faced with a choice: do they stay and risk their lives or go and leave those who rely on them?

Of Gods and Men was very good because of its slow depiction of the monks in everyday life. It is a film about bravery, faith, brotherhood and compassion. Depressing, but not as much as other films we've seen recently. Refreshing to see something so slow, and with such sympathetic main characters. There are a few very powerful scenes that hold it together and keep the story moving, and these are done well.

3 stars

As someone who grows more secular in my leanings every day, it may seem strange that the monastic life has, for as long as I can remember, had an appeal for me.

Maybe it is the readings of the excellent and beautiful Brother Cadfael novels written by Edith Pargeter (under the pen-name Ellis Peters) I enjoyed as a child along side the works of PG Wodehouse and Dick King Smith.

Maybe it is the inherent simplicity and peacefulness of the monks life; the cessation of personal desires and the giving up of all property to make way for ritual, brotherhood and reverence.

This life, so far away from our normal lives of materialism and ambition, is communicated with admirable realism by Of Gods and Men. The audience are drawn into the brothers' world. Bit by bit, scene by scene, we are introduced to their comfortable lives of contemplation and study at the Monastery and their more lively excursions into the poverty stricken but vibrant world of their community. We grow accustomed to the stillness and peace so that we, like them, are shocked and afraid when the calm is broken by terrorism and civil war.

Civil war? Cadfael is disappoint.
[SOURCE]

One of the great things about the film is its rejection of hollywood looks and a sole focus on actors (and actresses)with interesting faces. There is a scene which focuses almost exclusively on minute examination of the brothers' expressions reacting to music, and they are so interesting to look at it never becomes boring.

Overall the film expertly examines the troubles of violence and non-violence, of keeping true to ones beliefs, love, friendship and community. The fact that it is based on true events, and the tragic end to which it eventually comes, makes it even more poignant, and reminds of the true evil of war: that those who die for it often don't even know why.

4/5