Filmmaker Xavier Beauvois' Of Gods and Men dramatizes the last days of a group of French Trappist monks killed during an Islamist rebellion in Algeria in 1996. While portraying the austerity of the brothers' lives, the story takes their devotion seriously, presenting their decision to remain at the monastery (despite the increasing danger) as an act of faith, not foolishness or misplaced bravado. Most of the narrative centers on the community's regimen and their conversations about whether to abandon their home or stay and remain true to their vocation. The group's leader, Brother Christian (Lambert Wilson), is a severe, scholarly man who studies the Koran in order to bridge the growing gap between faiths, while also struggling to maintain a semblance of normalcy even after the monastery is visited by a band of insurgents. The conflict between religious duty and the survival instinct is also played out among the seven remaining residents, including Luc (Michael Lonsdale), an elderly, asthmatic physician who tends to the medical needs of the surrounding populace and is determined to remain. The excellent ensemble cast create indelible impressions of alternating serenity and self-doubt in a film that takes religious belief seriously without ever becoming sanctimonious. A genuinely moving story that avoids simplistic moralizing, the stark and unsentimental Of Gods and Men tells a quietly powerful tale that encourages reflection and self-examination. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. [Note: DVD/Blu-ray extras include a “Merrimack College Augustine Dialogue IX” segment with author John W. Kiser (40 min.), “The Sacrificed Tibéhirine: Further Investigation” behind-the-scenes featurette (19 min.), a bonus DVD copy of the film, the BD-Live function, and trailers. Bottom line: a solid extras package for an excellent film.] (F. Swietek)
Of Gods and Men
Sony, 123 min., in French w/English subtitles, PG-13, Blu-ray/DVD Combo: $45.99, July 5 Volume 26, Issue 3
Of Gods and Men
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