Watch Far from Men

Far from Men is a gripping tale of survival and redemption set in the midst of the Algerian War of the 1950s. Directed by David Oelhoffen and starring Viggo Mortensen, Reda Kateb, and Djemel Barek, the film depicts the unlikely friendship that forms between two men from vastly different backgrounds as they navigate the harsh realities of war.

Mortensen plays Daru, a reclusive teacher who lives in a remote village in the Algerian countryside. He is a man of few words, preferring the solitude of his simple life to the complexities of the world beyond his doorstep. One day, Daru is forced to confront those complexities when he is tasked with transporting an Algerian prisoner, Mohamed (Kateb), across the unforgiving landscape to the nearest town for trial.

Mohamed is accused of killing his cousin, a French settler, and is being pursued by a band of vengeful relatives who have vowed to kill him. Daru is initially resistant to the task of escorting Mohamed, given his own ambivalence towards the war and his reluctance to choose sides. However, he ultimately agrees to take on the responsibility, realizing that it is his duty to do so.

What follows is a harrowing journey through the barren landscape of Algeria, as Daru and Mohamed brave the elements and evade their pursuers. Along the way, they forge a bond based on mutual respect and a shared desire for freedom from the violence and bloodshed that surrounds them.

As they travel deeper into the heart of the country, Daru and Mohamed encounter a series of obstacles that test their resolve and force them to confront the harsh realities of war. They witness the brutality of the French soldiers who seek to suppress the Algerian independence movement, as well as the desperate measures taken by those who fight for their freedom.

Despite their differences, Daru and Mohamed come to understand and appreciate each other's perspectives. Daru, who has always shied away from political issues, begins to see the urgency of the struggle for independence, while Mohamed gains a newfound respect for Daru's commitment to education and literacy.

As they near their destination, Daru and Mohamed must decide whether to risk their own lives to protect each other, and to take a stand against the oppressive forces that threaten to destroy them both. In the end, they choose a path that is both surprising and touching, one that reaffirms the power of human connection in the face of adversity.

Far from Men is a visually stunning film, filled with breathtaking landscapes and striking cinematography. It is also a thought-provoking meditation on the nature of conflict, and the toll that war takes on those who are caught in its grip. Mortensen gives a powerful performance as Daru, conveying both his stoicism and his underlying compassion, while Kateb is equally impressive as Mohamed, imbuing his character with a quiet dignity and an intensity of purpose.

Overall, Far from Men is a powerful and moving film, one that will stay with viewers long after the credits have rolled. With its evocative imagery, compelling performances, and profound themes, it is a testament to the enduring power of cinema to capture the complexities of the human experience.

Far from Men is a 2015 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 50 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 74.