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It’s a new day, but age-old social complexities remain as a small enclave of Roman Catholic Trappist monks in Tibhirine, Algeria begin their morning routine with religious chants that are followed by a Muslim cleric’s distant call to prayer. It’s a subtle, yet great juxtaposition to begin Of Gods and Men by writer/director Xavier Beauvois (Le petit lieutenant).

Initially, everything is peaceful between the nine Trappist monks and the predominately Muslim village next to them. Brother Luc (Michael Lonsdale, Ronin, Moonraker) provides invaluable medical aid to poor villagers while they in turn invite the monks to Islamic celebrations. For his part, Brother Christian (Lambert Wilson, Sahara, The Matrix Reloaded), who leads the monastery, works hard to maintain peaceful relations by studying the Koran.

The situation around Tibhirine and throughout Algeria deteriorates as extremist, Islamic fundamentalist groups launch terrorist attacks against the government and any foreigners they can find. Tension within the monastery rises as confrontations with terrorists and military authorities causes some monks to have a crisis of faith, and to debate whether or not to stay.

Nominated for best film at the 2010 European Film Awards and 2011 Independent Spirit Awards, Of Gods and Men is based on events which culminated in the kidnapping and murder in 1996 of seven Trappist monks in Tibhirine. It’s a story presented with a gritty determination by a cast clearly motivated to ensure they honor men who ultimately sacrificed themselves in the name of peace.

While the acting is solid throughout, particularly by Lonsdale whose character is constantly called upon to wear a brave face, there are occasions where the pacing slows to a dead turtle’s crawl. Too much silence also erodes the palpable moments of tension, which are spaced too far apart for most of the film. The chanting and singing is fine, but after a while becomes too much. We get it. These are holy men devoted to God. Move on with the story.

On a letter grade scale from “A” being excellent to “F” for failing, Of Gods and Men receives a B-. 

Now showing through May 4 @
Tivoli Cinemas
Westport Manor Square, 4050 Pennsylvania, KCMO
Visit www.tivolikc.com or call 913-383-7756 for more information.

By Michael D. Smith

Indie Film Editor

Michael D. Smith earned a Bachelor of Arts in history at College of the Ozarks in Point Lookout, Missouri followed by a Master of Arts in history at the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

Inspired by such critics as Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert, Michael started reviewing films in 1992 for College of the Ozarks's student-run newspaper. After returning to the Kansas City area in 1994, he continued film reviewing by writing for the Cass County Democrat Missourian in Harrisonville.

In 2000 Michael joined Sun Publications in Overland Park, Kansas where he served as its film critic and Arts and Entertainment Editor. During his tenure there, he was also the film critic for the "Fine Arts Radio Hour" and "Celebrity Scoop" radio shows on KXTR. After leaving the Sun in late 2002, he became the A&E writer for the Olathe News in Olathe, Kansas. He also worked as a freelance writer for The Squire in Leawood, Showcase Publishing in Lake Ozark, Missouri and the Kansas City Star.

Michael is currently a member of the Kansas City Film Critics Circle, a professional film critic organization established in 1966 by the late Dr. James Loutzenhiser.

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