Zoran81

7/10

Spoilers

A painfully slow, almost provocatively meditative film. At times, it pushes your patience so far you’re tempted to swear and turn it off. But for those who endure, there’s something quietly profound waiting beneath its surface. Set in the Algerian Atlas Mountains during the early stages of the country’s brutal civil war, the story follows a group of Trappist monks living in a remote monastery. The men, united by faith and a deep bond with the surrounding Muslim community, face a growing threat as violence draws nearer. The film builds slowly — almost too slowly — but it does so deliberately, mirroring the internal tension of these men as they wrestle with fear, faith, and the looming decision of whether to flee or stay. Xavier Beauvois directs with restraint and reverence. The film rarely dramatizes conflict; instead, it lingers in the stillness — in prayer, in silence, in the small routines of daily life. The cinematography captures the quiet beauty of the mountains, and while the pacing can frustrate, there are moments of breathtaking emotional depth. A prime example is the now-iconic helicopter scene, where the monks embrace in prayer as the thundering sound of rotor blades signals the storm closing in. While the narrative centers on the monks, the context is crucial: these events are based on the 1996 kidnapping and murder of seven monks from Tibhirine. Though an Islamist group, GIA, claimed responsibility, later reports suggest the deaths may have been caused by a failed rescue attempt by Algerian security forces — a chilling ambiguity the film does not address, to its credit. The absence of emotional narration enhances the authenticity. It feels like a document rather than a drama, which reinforces its impact. These were not action heroes or martyrs in the cinematic sense — just men, torn between fear and devotion, trying to do what’s right. In the end, Of Gods and Men is not for everyone. It’s slow, spiritual, and demands more than most films do. But it rewards those who stay with it, offering a deeply moving meditation on conviction, community, and sacrifice. To rate this film is difficult. It’s like a rollercoaster: one moment a flat and uneventful drama, the next, heartbreakingly beautiful. I land in the middle — the depth got to me. Recommended if you have the patience. It's worth the wait Rating: ⭐ 7/10 Production: 8/10 Cinematography: 8/10 Authenticity: 9/10