Grand prize winner at Cannes in 2010, Of Gods and Men (Des hommes et des dieux) is a true story of seven French Catholic monks in Tibhinine in the Atlas Mountains of Algeria (though filmed in Morocco) during the civil war following cancellation of elections in 1992. As monks, they brought economic opportunities, education, medicines, and hope to villagers in a remote part of French Algeria in a selfless commitment to their faith, living peacefully with Muslim villagers. Much of the film focuses on why the seven Trappist monks talk themselves into staying when they could easily leave for France. Singing is one of the ways that brought them piece of mind, but their main joy is to serve members of the community around their monastery, even treating wounded terrorists. Ultimately terrorists grab five as hostages in the mistaken belief that such a bold action might force a release of jailed freedom fighters. Credits at the end identify the fate of the seven, one of whom is still alive. The film, directed by Xavier Beauvois, thereby makes a case about the futility of violence that resonates in the present, perhaps explaining why those seeking use crude terrorist methods while being rebuffed in efforts to change government by peaceful elections. Accordingly, Of Gods and Men has been nominated for best film on democracy of 201. MH
I
want to comment on this film
