Blu-ray Review: Of Gods and Men (2010)

Of Gods and Men recounts the true story of a group of French Trappist monks who lived in a monastery in mountainous Algeria during the 1990s. Although their faith set them apart from the country's predominantly Muslim population, they co-existed well with their neighbours in the remote town they called home. The first twenty minutes or so of the film depicts the symbiotic relationship they maintain with the locals: they provide free healthcare, clothing, advice and also friendship; in return, their Christianity is accepted. Director Xavier Beauvois is keen to contrast the opposing lifestyles, the reverent silence of the monks' quarters - broken mainly by chanted hymns - juxtaposed against the noise and activity of the generally poor Algerians. The serenity of the Tibhirine monastery and the scenic beauty of the surroundings are emphasised, but not to an idealised or unrealistic extent; one remains aware that there are hardships in the monks' lives too, despite their external tranquility.

Such peace is shattered when civil war erupts in the country, triggered by the murder of several Croatian construction workers by fundamentalist terrorists. As soon as this event occurs, which is depicted rather graphically, the film transforms into a suspenseful battle of wills and opposing beliefs. The monks are immediately identified as a likely target for the terrorists, due to their nationality - France being the former colonial power in Algeria - and relative inability (or unwillingness) to defend themselves. All the monks face an impossible decision: leave Algeria and therefore give up their mission and abandon the local populace who depend on them, or remain and risk death. They initially have wildly diverging opinions on what action should be taken; the middle portion of the film depicts how they eventually reach a unanimous - and very moving - decision to stay put.

There are two faces amongst the cast who will be recognisable to Anglophone viewers, Lambert Wilson (The Merovingian in the Matrix sequels) and Michael Lonsdale (Hugo Drax in Moonraker). Wilson is Brother Christian, the leader of the monks, who is burdened with the final decision on whether to stay or go. The actor depicts the inner turmoil, masked by the outward calm required of a monk, very well indeed; his performance is restrained but never inexpressive or remote. Lonsdale's Brother Luc is effectively the monastery's elder statesman, whose quiet resilience and compassion emboldens the mood of the others. The whole ensemble is beautifully played, each man receiving his own screen time and development, even if following each of their individual arcs during the film is a challenge given their identical attire.

Of Gods and Men is a quiet film (there's no music score and few histrionics), and a generally sombre one. The pacing is methodical and extravagant camera movement or attention-grabbing acting are conspicuous by their absence. The restraint on show perhaps prevents it from forging a strong emotional connection, but depicting these events from anything other than a relatively detached distance could feel exploitative or intrusive. It's a poignant re-enactment of men whose actions are worth remembering, told with poise and sensitivity.



Release Information
Country: UK / Region: Free / Version: N/A / Discs: 1 / Distributor: Artificial Eye

Presentation
Any scenes that take place in daylight are absolutely stunning. Really, the level of detail and the lifelike colour reproduction are beyond reproach. There is some grain - more than in most new films, probably - but it only serves to pick out detail rather than obscure it. The transfer is less successful in darker scenes, however, mainly because there is quite common contrast flutter within shots and detail softens noticeably. The subtitles are large and legible, though not Fixed Image Height-friendly (they often appear in the black bar below the frame).

The soundtrack is offered in DTS-HD in both 5.1 and 2.0 configurations. When listening to the 5.1 track you'd be forgiven for occasionally thinking you had selected the stereo one by mistake, as there is a very limited scope to the soundscape most of the time. However, there are a couple of extremely effective uses of the surrounds that prove that the general restraint is an artistic choice rather than a technical deficiency. One moment involving a helicopter approaching the monastery is particularly potent from an aural standpoint.

Extras
A 20-minute documentary is everything that the film is supplied with, detailing the real men and events on which the film is based. It really does enhance your appreciation of the film itself and therefore is a recommended watch.



Summary
Those with patience and decent attention spans will be rewarded with an enriching and moving film in Of Gods and Men. Artificial Eye are to be commended for releasing this on Blu-ray, and at an affordable price too.