Watch Of Gods and Men
- R
- 2011
- 2 hr
-
7.2 (16,230)
Of Gods and Men is a French film released in 2010 that tells the story of a group of Trappist monks living in a monastery in Algeria during the 1990s. The film is inspired by true events and is based on the lives of the monks of Tibhirine, who were kidnapped and eventually killed by terrorists during the Algerian Civil War. The movie starts with a peaceful scene of the monks going through their daily routines which include prayer, gardening, and singing. The film shows how the monks live a simple, yet fulfilling life, spreading love and compassion to the people in their village. They are respected by the Muslim community and are seen as a symbol of hope and unity.
As the civil war in Algeria intensifies, a group of Islamic militants start to target foreigners, including the monks. The monks are faced with a difficult decision: do they leave their monastery and avoid the threat, or do they stay and continue to help their community, knowing that they might be targeted by the terrorists?
As the story progresses, the monks struggle with their faith and their beliefs. They hold a meeting to discuss whether they should leave or stay, but they ultimately decide to stay and face the consequences of their decision. This decision requires them to make significant sacrifices, including accepting the danger that comes with staying in the country and supporting their community during tough times.
Throughout the film, we see the daily routines and rituals of the monks, along with their interactions with the villagers. We get a glimpse into their spiritual lives and their deep faith in God. The film is incredibly well made, and the cinematography captures the beauty of the Algerian countryside, along with the quiet moments of the monks in their monastery.
In one scene, the monks decide to sit down and watch the movie 'Love and Death' by Woody Allen, a comedy that centers around life's struggles and questions about death. The scene is powerful, as it shows the monks enjoying a movie that's not religious but is reflective of their philosophical outlook on life.
The main actors in the movie, Lambert Wilson, Michael Lonsdale, and Olivier Rabourdin, deliver excellent performances, bringing life to their characters. They are so good at portraying the lives of the Trappist monks that you forget you're watching actors on the screen.
One of the most compelling aspects of the film is the exploration of faith, religion, and interfaith interactions. The film shows the monks interacting with their Muslim neighbors, who come to the monastery seeking help and guidance. The monks treat them with respect and love, fostering a shared community that goes beyond religion.
Of Gods and Men is a poignant and beautifully crafted movie that explores themes of faith, sacrifice, and religious harmony. It's a slow-paced film, but it's worth the watch if you're interested in learning more about the relationship between religions and the human spirit during times of conflict. The film is a moving tribute to the lives of the Trappist monks who lost their lives in Algeria in 1996.
Of Gods and Men is a 2011 drama with a runtime of 2 hours. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2 and a MetaScore of 86.