Of Gods and Men

Of Gods And Men

I put off seeing this film because I have just had enough in the news with terrorists and uprisings (which does not mean I am unsympathetic).I didn’t think I could manage to see a film about eight monks living in a village in Algeria constantly threatened by terrorists.

The film turns out to be much more than that and a spiritual experience.

In 1996 Algeria was experiencing a civil war. Needless to say there was a lot of fighting. The eight Trappist monks lived in a small missionary up in the mountains. They did not isolate themselves and they were so caring to the village folk and to one another. They produced honey. They gardened. One of the monks medically cared for the children in the village. They sang their prayers with such love. The film is filled with the Gregorian like chants.

Civilians are being killed daily and the monks are warned that they need military support. They claim that no weapons are allowed in their sanctuary. They vote to stay at the missionary even thought several would have preferred to leave.

One night the terrorists come to the missionary looking for medicine. Christian, the head monk, is able to deflate the issue by standing firm and quietly telling the terrorists that they have no medicine and it is Christmas Eve. The terrorist actually apologized and shakes Christian’s hand.

The beautiful surroundings are such a contrast to the bloody riots. The camera knows when to take you on a visually pastoral scene and then the tension rises. The camera lingers on the faces of the monks. They may have a smile on their face but the camera zooms into the eyes and you can see the tears and the terror.

This is based on a real story. The ending was haunting and I will not soon forget it. It was so beautifully portrayed.

It is more a story of love that a war theme. The men banded together knowing that their lives were doomed. It moves slowly but that also reflects the lives lived. The acting is amazing. More can be said with an expression than words.

The film is powerful and will stay with you for a long time.