MESSAGE IN THE MOVIES

Of Gods and Men   Rated PG-13

On DVD and Blu-Ray Disc

Directed by Xavier Beauvois.  Starring Lambert Wilson, Michael Lonsdale.

Photo © Sony Pictures Classics
Movie Review by Rev. Bruce Batchelor Glader

            If there is one thing that could really transform the church in our day, I believe that it would be a renewed passion to be the presence of Christ in our world.  I am convinced that the love of God in Christ changes everything, and yet most Americans fail to comprehend its worth, simply because we live in a land of religious freedom.  Faith for so many (including myself at times) is taken for granted.

            Of Gods and Men is a movie about love and sacrifice.  It is a contemporary film, set in 1990s Algeria and based on a true story. A community of French Trappist monks goes about their daily work, performing deeds of love and mercy to the Islamic community down the hill from the monastery.  Poverty is rampant and mercy is appreciated. One of the monks is a doctor and tends to their health needs. The brothers spend much time studying the Quran as well as the Bible, and are active in building bridges of understanding.

            But the monks are clearly between a rock and several hard places.  As French residents in Algeria, a country that fought a brutal revolution to rid itself of French rule, they are tolerated but not particularly appreciated by the government.  There is also a band of Islamic fundamentalists that have recently murdered some Croatian immigrants and present a clear and present danger to the monks.  Now they need to decide: Will they accept the government’s offer to leave the country, or stay where they are and risk martyrdom?

            The beauty of this film lies in its ability to focus on worship and the presence of God.  In the midst of a world of chaos, God’s love can be found.  Much of the soundtrack music is simple and beautiful chanting, and there are many scenes of devout worship.  The cast is superb and filled with memorable faces, and much is communicated through silence.  The cinematography is sublime and the overall impact of this film is haunting.

            It’s subtitled, so you will have to do some reading, but most of the movie’s power is through its meditative pacing and its lovely visual style.  It is also respectful of the diversity of religious expression and the ways in which faith can lead to healing and to harm.  It was one of last year’s best films and it is one of my favorites, as well.

Pitchfork/Halo Ratings:

Five halos: A powerful and meditative film about the presence of Christ.

Two pitchforks: Some terrorist activities, including violence and brief swearing.

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