Des hommes et des dieux (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 19 wins & 27 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 | catholic church | heroism | terrorist | community | 

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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

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook [France] Official site

Country:

France

Language:

French Arabic

Release Date:

25 March 2011 (USA)

Also Known As:

De dioses y hombres

Filming Locations:

Morocco

Box Office

Budget:

€4,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$308,895, 27 February 2011, Limited Release

Gross USA:

$3,954,651

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

Did You Know?

Trivia

Included among the "1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die", edited by Steven Schneider.

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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: Once they were gone, all we had left to do was live. And the first thing we did was - two hours later - we celebrated the Christmas vigil and mass. It's what we had to do. It's what we did. And we sang the mass. We welcomed that child who was born for us absolutely helpless and already so threatened. Afterwards, we found salvation in undertaking our daily tasks: The kitchen, the garden, the prayers, the bells. Day after day, we had to resist the violence. And day after day, I think each of us ...

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Connections

Featured in Me Before You (2016)

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Soundtracks

Voici La Nuit
Written by Didier Rimaud and Abbaye de Tamié
(c) CNPL - Studio SM

User Reviews

I was taken elsewhere by this film

At the strong recommendation of the panel of 'Le Masque et La Plume' I went to see this film.

I was struck by, as others have said here, the fraternity that existed between the priests. I thought the most interesting aspect of the film was the relationship between the priests. At times you can feel the tension because of the strong decision they had to make. Also it being 7-8 men living together it was interesting to see the different personalities in a group environment; you have the natural leader, the introverted, the brave, the scared etc.etc.

I imagine like most people who've seen this film the performance by Wilson Lambert was very touching. He was totally believable as the cloister's leader.

Unfortunately the church is undergoing a very hard time in regards mostly to child abuse, it's nice to have a reminder of the positive aspects. I myself went to a catholic school with some Brothers and a monastery on campus. I have a very positive image.

Particular favourite scenes are when they prepare and sell the honey at market and of course when they listen to Swan Lake and enjoy a glass of wine.