Of Gods and Men (2010)

Under threat by fundamentalist terrorists, a group of Trappist monks stationed with an impoverished Algerian community must decide whether to leave or stay.

Director:

Xavier Beauvois

Writers:

Xavier Beauvois (adaptation), Etienne Comar (scenario)

Stars:

Lambert Wilson, Michael Lonsdale, Olivier Rabourdin

Nominated for 1 BAFTA Film Award. Another 20 wins & 29 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Lambert Wilson	...	Christian
Michael Lonsdale	...	Luc
Olivier Rabourdin	...	Christophe
Philippe Laudenbach	...	Célestin
Jacques Herlin	...	Amédée
Loïc Pichon	...	Jean-Pierre
Xavier Maly	...	Michel
Jean-Marie Frin	...	Paul
Abdelhafid Metalsi	...	Nouredine
Sabrina Ouazani	...	Rabbia
Abdellah Moundy	...	Omar (as Abdallah Moundy)
Olivier Perrier	...	Bruno
Farid Larbi	...	Ali Fayattia
Adel Bencherif	...	Le terroriste
Benaïssa Ahaouari	...	Sidi Larbi

Storyline

In 1996, in Algeria, eight French monks of The Monastery Notre-Dame de l'Atlas of Tibhirine have a simple life serving the poor community that was raised around the monastery. During the Algerian Civil War, they are threatened by terrorists but they decide to stay in the country and not return to France.

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Plot Keywords:

monk | algeria | catholic church | based on true story | 1990s | 

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Taglines:

In the face of terror, their greatest weapon was faith.

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Genres:

Drama | History

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for a momentary scene of startling wartime violence, some disturbing images and brief language

Did You Know?

Trivia

Mostly shot in an abandoned monastery in Azrou, Morocco.

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Goofs

When Luc leans against the painting, his face and left hand touch it noticeably higher in the close-up than during the preceding shot.

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Quotes

Christian: 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.

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Connections

Referenced in Maltin on Movies: The Adjustment Bureau (2011)

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Soundtracks

Ô Père des Lumières
Written by Didier Rimaud and Marcel Godard
(c) Tous droits réservés
(p) Abbaye de Tamié (générique de fin)

User Reviews

Top-notch Performances

In 1996, in Algeria, eight French monks of The Monastery Notre-Dame de l'Atlas of Tibhirine have a simple life serving the poor community that was raised around the monastery. During the Algerian Civil War, they are threatened by terrorist but they decide to stay in the country and not return to France.

One night, the extremists break in the monastery and abduct seven monks. A couple of months later, they are found dead in controversial circumstances.

"Des hommes et des dieux" is a film based on a true story and supported by top-notch performances. The official and non-official versions of the death of the Tibhirine priests can be found in Internet. My vote is seven.

Title (Brazil): "Homens e Deuses" ("Men and Gods")

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook [France] Official site

Country:

France

Language:

French Arabic

Release Date:

25 March 2011 (USA)

Also Known As:

Of Gods and Men

Filming Locations:

Morocco

Box Office

Budget:

EUR4,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$308,895, 27 February 2011

Gross USA:

$3,951,596

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$43,803,417

Company Credits

Production Co:

Why Not Productions, Armada Films, France 3 Cinéma

Technical Specs

Runtime:

122 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1