Of Gods and Men

This is a marvelous film. It is authentic and deeply moving, and strong in all film-making departments.

The film, which won the Grand Jury prize at Cannes, is French, and is based on actual events in Northern Algeria in 1996. It is an account of a French monastery in a North African country becoming politically unstable, with rebels and the government army in conflict. The monastery has eight monks who cultivate the garden, produce honey and raise sheep. The political developments force them to consider and discuss the nature of their vocation and whether they should return to France or stay, risking whatever violation the political currents may bring.

The cast includes the wonderful Michel (or Michael) Lonsdale as a doctor, tending to the needs of the local community. The rest of the cast are perfect; diverse and embodying the simplicity and simple courage of a small community wavering and fearful yet sustained by their faith. They often pray and sing communally, and there are magical musical moments, with one particularly striking scene as they huddle together in fear and faith, singing their defiance, as a helicopter hovers over the monastery.

I am tempted to say that the star of the film is the cinematography by Caroline Champetier. There are of course many dark interiors, but she has also contrived, when shooting outdoors, to find shadow in a very expressive way.