In 1996, seven French monks in Algeria were kidnapped by Muslim terrorists and then later killed. Since we already know the outcome of this event, it’s a pity director Xavier Beauvois does not delve into the monks’ motivation to stay. One monk does express his fears, but the ultimate decision to stay seems a foregone conclusion. The monks are indistinguishable from each other because all of them are pious and selfless. Only two stand out: the doctor (Michael Lonsdale), who ministers to the sick from the nearby village and their leader Christian (Lambert Wilson), who guides them in prayers and songs. There are eight individual decisions to be made here, yet Beauvois never humanizes any of his monks. Instead, the film is filled with songs, communal prayers and daily chores to the point of ponderousness. What is gained by their deaths, for them or the church? Will it do any good for the local community they profess to honor and serve?
To his credit, Beauvois doesn’t focus on good Christians vs. evil Muslims. The monks are caught between the Algerian army, who are searching for Islamist terrorists and distrust the monks and the Islamist fundamentalists, who want all foreigners to leave their country. Nonetheless, the pacing of “Of Gods and Men” is too lethargic to make for enjoyable movie going. Subtitles. 2/25/11
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