Of Gods and Men (2010)
This film gave me a rare insight into what faith actually means to deeply religious people, like the monks in this monastery in Algeria. The conflict around them challenges the limits and purpose of their calling, and highlights traits that can’t simply be deduced to just their religion. There is a strong sense of duty and responsibility, of being true to one’s own word and a remarkable selfless sacrifice for the local community. There is so much love between these monks, but not a kind of love that is usually shown in film. It is neither romantic or friendship, more like close kinship. The psalms even started making sense to me in this context. It is very much a film about faith, but thankfully very far from a preachy faith-film. It is grounded, objective and respectful.
Rating: 4