Of Gods and Men ~ A Movie Review

“I said, ‘You are “gods”; you are all sons of the Most High.’ But you will die like mere mortals." 

Psalm 82: 6-7

77 

When someone thinks of the movie industry their mind usually goes immediately to Hollywood. The movies that come out of the American film industry dominate the box offices worldwide. However there are good movies produced by foreign film industries which deserve recognition. One of these is the French film Des Hommes Et Des Dieux, translated into English is Of Gods and Men. The movie’s French producer and screenwriter Etienne Comar is a Catholic and wanted the little known story of eight French monks to be told. The movie depicts the true story of eight French Trappist monks living in Algeria amongst a predominately Muslim people. The monks, poor themselves, give of their time and talents to their Muslim friends. The Trappist monks and Muslim peasants live in peace and harmony together until the Algerian Civil War breaks out and suddenly the monks are faced with the decision to either stay at their monastery and with the people they have served for so long come what may, or leave to save themselves from becoming the next possible victims of the fundamentalist Islamic terrorist group. The film focuses on the difficult decision the monks face, a decision each monk must make on his own. 

Some might say the movie is about faith and heroism, and that is very true; however, the movie is also the story about how each Trappist monks rediscovers his vocation and the impact that has on whether to stay or leave. Brother Christian, the elected head monk, is portrayed as struggling to understand the path he must take; what it is he must do for his community of fellow monks, but also what he must do for the impoverished Muslim people he loves and lives among. The weight of this struggle is evident throughout the movie as he looks to God in prayer and solitude for answers. His decision to refuse military protection angers some of his fellow monks and his compassion for all mankind, even Islamic terrorists, annoys and angers the Algerian Army commander. Brother Christian believes that even though staying means possible death it is what he is called to do. He chose to give his life for Christ no matter the cost. 

Another monk who’s struggle is evident throughout the movie is the youngest one, Brother Christophe. Angered that Brother Christian refused military protection, Brother Christophe wants to leave and return to France before things become worse for them. He sees and hears of death and suffering which angers him and makes him want to leave. Each monk is told to pray before deciding what the best course of action is for them as a community. As the film progresses, you see Brother Christophe do this, but he struggles. At one point he tells Brother Christian he prays but hears nothing in return. Close to the end of the film, Brother Christophe finally finds his peace by rediscovering his vocation to a life of service out of love for Christ. 

 There is a scene towards the very end of the film that captures the difficult emotions the monks feel for the decision they had just made together. The monks are sharing an evening meal together with a visiting Trappist monk from France. As they sit down to eat, the physician among them, Brother Luc, puts on Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake. Before this moment the movie is void of any music save the chanting of the monks. As Swan Lake plays the monks relish this happy moment together. The camera shows the merriment on each monk’s face as they share a cup of wine and their brotherhood together. Yet, as the music continues the monk’s facial expressions change to one of fear and sadness. A few shed a tear as they silently contemplate what might become of them because of the decision they had just unanimously made. As the tears are wiped away so too is the fear. The monks' expressions change to one of peace, joy, and acceptance. This moment captures the emotional arc the monks have experienced throughout the film. They individually decide they want to remain by rediscovering their faith in God and their original reasons for choosing a monastic life. The film begins with them at odds with each other over what to do and ends with them united in their faith and shared vocation.  

The filmmakers focused on simplicity when making this film. There is no soundtrack, instead the sounds found in the monks' daily tasks are heard: watering plants, hoeing the garden, stacking wood, seeing patients, peeling potatoes. The only music is the chanting of the Mass and Divine Office, and that one scene where Brother Luc puts on Swan Lake. By removing noise the audience is able to better focus on the simple life these monks live. A life they cherished and did not want to lose, but were willing to lay down for Christ. Their decision to remain bore witness to Christ’s love and the commitment they had to the Muslim people they served. Even their decision to medically treat their enemies’ injuries was a witness to this radical love that knows no boundaries.

The real life Trappist monks

At its core Of Gods and Men is really a of great love story. At one point, Brother Christophe seeks guidance from Brother Christian on what to do since he hears nothing in prayer. Brother Christian tells him, “We are martyrs out of love, out of fidelity. If death overtake us, despite ourselves, because up to the end, up to the end we'll try to avoid it. Our mission here is to be brothers to all. Remember that love is eternal hope. Love endures everything.”   

The Trappist monks decide that they will love to the very end because they have answered the call to Love itself.  

The actors depicting the Trappist monks in Of Gods and Men 

Even though this movie was not made by a Catholic film company the movie is one of the most Catholic movies I have ever viewed. The Trappist monk’s are portrayed in a very human way and a very Catholic way. By portraying the struggle each monk faces, the filmmakers make it clear that the monks are not seeking martyrdom by staying but instead are remaining true to their vocation and commitment to God by remaining (to the non-Catholic/Christian the concept of giving one’s life to God totally is difficult to understand, which is why the monk’s decision to stay might be seen as foolish by secular critics). Few films dealing with Catholic themes have pulled off the beauty of the faith like this one did. The acting and story are so top notch and engrossing that it is easy to forget you’re watching a movie and that the monks are actually actors.

Of Gods and Men did receive much critical acclaim upon release. It was nominated for and won countless international awards including the Grand Prix at the Cannes Film Festival. 

Of Gods and Men is rated PG-13 for a few violently graphic scenes as well as some strong language used. Of Gods and Men is a French film, but English subtitles are available. There is no dubbed version of the movie available to my knowledge. I bought my copy of the movie on Amazon.com where it can be purchased for no more than $20.

Trailer for Of Gods and Men