Based on a true story, Of Gods and Men examines the deliberations of a group of Trappist monks living in Algeria who are caught between the government and a fundamentalist terrorist group during a time of civil war.
Should they stay and fulfill their calling or leave to preserve their safety?
Like many European films I favor, this story unfolds slowly and episodically with a sense of pristine authenticity. It is also one of the most beautifully photographed films I’ve seen recently. Of Gods and Men is simply stunning to look at in terms of lighting and composition.
There is a lot to think about here…and I do keep thinking about this film.
It’s shame Roland Joffe’s There Be Dragons was not down your way. The major critics disliked it, but I think you would have found a lot to appreciate about it…..
Will keep an eye out…
You know, John, another reason I think this film resonated with me so much was the location. Albania is on the other side of the Black Sea from Georgia, but I went to Tbilisi for two weeks in May 2000 and worked with refugee youth there (IDPs or Internally Displaced People) following civil war. The light, the countryside, and the people reminded me of my trip.
As so often happens when I go somewhere and feel a connection to people and place despite the surface exoticism I find (these places are not my own North Carolina!), I think I’ll have a chance to go back. It’s unlikely that I will after all, but something (or several things) in this film ignited some memories I had not revisited in a long time. It is a powerful film in any case, but I think it touched me in special ways related to my trip to Tbilisi.
I’m looking forward to seeing Of Gods and Men, Mary!