Directed by: Xavier Beauvois
Original title: Des hommes et des dieux
As I read the title, it makes me frowned, 'Was it just another over the top movie with preachy messages?'. However I was wrong, although the pacing is slower than the fastest snail on a race, but it was good, in fact a bit amazing and not preachy at all.
Based on the true story of nine French monks who lived peacefully among the majority Muslim population in Algeria in the 90s, it adds an element of 'reality' into the film. If you happen to google what happened there, the story is scary, seven of the monks were captured and beheaded by a group of religious extremists.
It could be a movie about blood and over dramatic scenes but director Xavier Beauvois dives into the psychological aspect of the monks. Here we can see how the monks and the majority Muslim population lives side by side respecting each others faith and there are lengthy scenes of the monks praying, giving new perspective for the viewer. The monks also provide free health care for the villagers, something the villagers really appreciate.
Beauvois has successfully made a clear distinction between the peaceful Muslim villagers and the extremists on the difference of the level of their tolerance and the way they treat each other.
Trouble comes as the so called extremist ruin the peace and the monks are faced with difficult choices; to leave the village they loved or stay there and be true to their mission at any price.
The tone of the film is very peaceful and the acting is just okay by not focusing on just one character, but if you pay close attention you can get the message of this film.
For action movie lovers, this film which close French Film Festival in Indonesia will make you snore, but for those who wanted to watch something meditative and different, this one is a must.
Original title: Des hommes et des dieux
As I read the title, it makes me frowned, 'Was it just another over the top movie with preachy messages?'. However I was wrong, although the pacing is slower than the fastest snail on a race, but it was good, in fact a bit amazing and not preachy at all.
Based on the true story of nine French monks who lived peacefully among the majority Muslim population in Algeria in the 90s, it adds an element of 'reality' into the film. If you happen to google what happened there, the story is scary, seven of the monks were captured and beheaded by a group of religious extremists.
It could be a movie about blood and over dramatic scenes but director Xavier Beauvois dives into the psychological aspect of the monks. Here we can see how the monks and the majority Muslim population lives side by side respecting each others faith and there are lengthy scenes of the monks praying, giving new perspective for the viewer. The monks also provide free health care for the villagers, something the villagers really appreciate.
Beauvois has successfully made a clear distinction between the peaceful Muslim villagers and the extremists on the difference of the level of their tolerance and the way they treat each other.
Trouble comes as the so called extremist ruin the peace and the monks are faced with difficult choices; to leave the village they loved or stay there and be true to their mission at any price.
The tone of the film is very peaceful and the acting is just okay by not focusing on just one character, but if you pay close attention you can get the message of this film.
For action movie lovers, this film which close French Film Festival in Indonesia will make you snore, but for those who wanted to watch something meditative and different, this one is a must.
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