Don't listen to the negative reviews

True to its essence, the characters remain on the same line and manage to entertain the viewer, each highlighting their own distinctive qualities or touches.

There is, somehow, an interesting story here, as well as some good acting. There are also some good scenes

There's no way I can possibly love it entirely but I just think its ridiculously bad, but enjoyable at the same time.

From my point of view, I think it would be a good movie if it were not so repetitive. The sequences are repeated and the same sequences are repeated again. It does not advance. There comes a time when you think about passing it on. What happens is that as you are going to make a criticism, you do not.He has a great cast of actors. They tell when they talk and when they do not, the problem is that they are a long time to count.The film tells very well that difficult decision between what they think as people and what they think as monks.This casting is very well chosen since they are all elderly.If it had lasted for forty minutes less would be much better.Although I do not like photography or planning. Except the end if you have a good picture.It really seems like you're in the middle of a war. The atmosphere is very good.The problem is that I get very long

"Of Gods And Men" a.k.a "Des hommes et des dieux" is a French film that centers on the monastery of Tibhirine.During the civil war in Algeria in 1996,nine Trappist monks lived in harmony with a largely Muslim population until seven of them were kidnapped and died to unknown circumstances.It features a cast led Lambert Wilson and Michael Lonsdale.The title of the movie was taken from Psalm 82:6–7 that states, "I have said, Ye are gods; and all of you are children of the most High. But ye shall die like men, and fall like one of the princes."It was also loosely based on the experiences of the Cistercian monks of Tibhirine in Algeria from 1993 until their kidnapping in 1996.This is a touching movie about a group of monks who live ordinary lives that goes through a tough test when the civil war in Algeria happened.Their faith was tested when they were kidnapped by religious extremists and they have shown they are willing to give their life for God and for self-sacrifice when religious violence occurred.It was also a good spiritual film that is compelling as it will allow the viewer to undergo self-introspection especially when it comes to their spiritual life and how much as they willing to sacrifice when it comes to God and this aspect of this life. It also deals very well with the negative effects of the hate that people have for each other due to differences in spiritual beliefs.Overall,we are treated to a good film about spirituality and religious hatred.

You don't have to be a Trappist Monk to watch this film - but I think it would help. Although very slow, the pace of the film was appropriate for the contemplative life these 8 men (French Trappist monks living in a monastery in Algeria) led. This is the very dramatic story of these men who had dedicated their lives to following Christ and serving where he placed them. When threatened by Islamic fundamentalists, they did not respond with hatred and guns. but with the love of Christ - and with the certainty that He was in charge of their lives. They accepted their life as it was - and accepted the fact that they would probably be forced to give it up for Him.This made me think - "Is this really what Christ wants of us?" To repay hatred and threats with love and prayer. To not strike back at our enemies, but embrace them and even pray for them?Of course that is what He said when He was on the earth - so why do we not do it? Why do I not embrace that calling/ that approach?There are some outstanding moments in the film: when they finally decide to stay - not to leave for France; the obvious love these men had for each other; the prayerful singing (arm in arm) while the enemy helicopter hovers outside the monastery (evidently deciding or not to send a missile into it); and the last supper with Swan Lake soaring majestically over the meal.This film has a definite message - one best contemplated by the individual as he examines his own life - his own approach to evil - his own path following the Lord.I'm glad that I stayed with this film. It was worth it.

delicate pledge for tolerance. splendid poem about love, sacrifice and force of faith. but basic virtue remains the measure of image, dialog, acting. it is not a film about a Catholic monastery community, it is not about politic or terrorism. its subject is far to be complicated. it is the existence as puzzle of decisions and sacrifice. nothing more. nothing else. sure, the presence of Michael Lonsdale or Lambert Wilson, the hymns, atmosphere, the Christian lesson without any thesis demonstration, Jacques Herlin who remembers the silhouette of Abbe Pierre are important bricks for film. but essence is the feeling of viewer. the subtle emotion. because it is a film about daily reality. and inspired answers to its challenges.