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April 08, 2011 Culture » Film Reviews

Of Gods and Men 

Of Gods and Men is a case study for all of the things a committed community of believers can do right.

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Let’s face it: Film rarely seems terribly concerned about matters of religious faith. Apparently scared away from any content that might possibly give offense, filmmakers leave an enormous chunk of the human experience relatively unexplored. All of which makes Xavier Beauvois’ Of Gods and Men even more powerful. Not only does it take on the question of what people of faith are called to do, it does so with cinematic artistry.

The fact-based story is set in 1996 at a Catholic Trappist monastery in rural Algeria. The eight brothers, led by Brother Christian (Lambert Wilson), live a simple life, serving the nearby village by operating a medical clinic. But the monastery soon becomes a philosophical battleground as Islamic fundamentalists begin terrorizing the area. Should they stay and risk their lives in order to continue their mission?

In effect, that question makes up the film’s central conflict, and Beauvois has no problem taking his time with the process of answering it. But the leisurely pacing allows time for the brothers to explore their calling not just through explicit dialogue, but through the hymns and scriptures that make up their daily lives. It builds to one of the most improbably emotional cinematic moments of the year, as Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake provides not just dramatic underscore but a recognition that the joys of this world are none too easy to give up, even for the noblest of causes.

Beauvois is perhaps a bit too pointed about making sure we understand that the terrorist rebels are in contrast to the Islamic Algerian villagers living their own faith in a much more moderate way. Yet he’s skillful at showing how Algerian government officials scoff at the brothers’ nonjudgmental embrace of all humanity. In a time when it’s too easy to consider fervor dangerous, here’s a case study for all of the things a committed community of believers can do right.

OF GODS AND MEN

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Lambert Wilson, Michael Lonsdale
Rated R

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About The Author

Scott Renshaw

Scott Renshaw
Bio:
 Scott Renshaw has been a City Weekly staff member since 1999, including assuming the role of primary film critic in 2001 and Arts & Entertainment Editor in 2003. Scott has covered the Sundance Film Festival for 25 years, and provided coverage of local arts including theater, pop-culture conventions, comedy,... more

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