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Of Gods and Men

Play trailer Poster for Of Gods and Men PG-13 2011 2h 2m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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93% Tomatometer 113 Reviews 75% Popcornmeter 10,000+ Ratings
An order of Trappist monks whose members include Christian (Lambert Wilson) and Luc (Michael Lonsdale) live among the Muslim population in a quiet corner of Algeria. As the country is plunged into civil war in the mid-1990s, the men of God must decide whether to stay among the impoverished residents who have been their neighbors, or flee the encroaching fundamentalist terrorists. The situation that unfolds, based on actual events, has tragic consequences.
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Of Gods and Men

Of Gods and Men

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Critics Consensus

Patient and restrained, Of Gods and Men asks deep, profound questions that will linger in the audience's mind long after the movie.

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Critics Reviews

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J. R. Jones Chicago Reader Aug 10, 2011
Alternately harrowing and humbling, this is a story of ordinary men whose compassion is tested in the cruelest, most profound fashion. Go to Full Review
Ann Hornaday Washington Post Jul 28, 2011
4/4
Beauvois takes his time limning the daily rhythms of the monastery, lingering on its most lyrical and sensuous moments, so that when violence finally reaches its gates the effect is all the more chilling. Go to Full Review
Tom Long Detroit News Apr 8, 2011
B
The film, directed by Xavier Beauvois, moves back and forth between the monks doing their daily chores and the decisions they must face as a group. Go to Full Review
Richard Propes TheIndependentCritic.com Sep 18, 2020
3.5/4.0
Examines the fragile yet luminous weaving together of God within the lives of humanity in a way that is at times painful, heartbreaking, inspiring, and awesome. Go to Full Review
Felicia Feaster Charleston City Paper Jan 17, 2020
[A] meditative, serene film about faith and bravery. Go to Full Review
David Harris Spectrum Culture Nov 6, 2019
4/5
Unlike most films where religion is portrayed as a dehumanizing or negative force, Beauvois makes it clear that he sees this band of monks in clearly humanistic terms. Go to Full Review
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Audience Reviews

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Huntin P @PaxVobiscum80 3 days ago Amazing to think the head monk is the same actor who was in the Matrix sequels. Unrecognisable. Based on a true story, this movie is simply devastating. It is the most astonishing study of a test of faith and of courage. A small group of monks find themselves in danger when the area they live and work in is transformed into a civil warzone. They are advised to leave by the security services, but as the villagers say, you are the branch and we the birds; if you leave, we will fall. The actors convey so much that is internal, inward. Their hearts are troubled, the dark night of the soul is upon them. The spiritual intensity of their performances, the quiet urgency of their disquieting situation. The scene where a military helicopter hovers menacingly outside the chapel as the monks are at prayer! Whatever your beliefs, be sure to make time for this one. See more Keith K. @goa64 May 26, 2026 Humble. Reflective. Unfolds slowly like a solid examination of conscience. The ‘last supper’ scene is cinematic brilliance as the camera catches every nuance of pained emotion in their bodies, their faces, and ultimately their eyes. A perfect ‘what would I do if that were me’ movie with so many possible modern-day, faith-related scenarios. See more Ana F. @RT95078477 May 8, 2026 Beautiful story of faith , commitment, and, most importantly, love. See more Rebecca S @RT70213763 May 6, 2025 This is a great dramatisation of a grace-filled event in recent history See more Georgan G @RT98616417 Jan 12, 2025 Not being religious, I had difficulty enjoying this film. I strongly believe in helping others & had they been giving their lives for others, it would have made more sense to me. What good did they do the local community by not being there for them after the war? See more S R @ScottR May 26, 2022 1001 movies to see before you die (Added 2011; Removed 2014). I saw this because my Catholic friend said it was his favorite movie. For me, I did appreciate its slow method to expose the viewer to monastery life and then contrast it with the Algier culture. It highlighted the importance of Monks and their commitment to their religious teachings, but it was not one that kept my interest. The cast was good though, bringing in some popular actors. It was an STG DVD. See more Read all reviews
Of Gods and Men

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Movie Info

Synopsis An order of Trappist monks whose members include Christian (Lambert Wilson) and Luc (Michael Lonsdale) live among the Muslim population in a quiet corner of Algeria. As the country is plunged into civil war in the mid-1990s, the men of God must decide whether to stay among the impoverished residents who have been their neighbors, or flee the encroaching fundamentalist terrorists. The situation that unfolds, based on actual events, has tragic consequences.
Director
Xavier Beauvois
Producer
Pascal Caucheteux, Etienne Comar
Screenwriter
Xavier Beauvois, Etienne Comar
Distributor
Sony Pictures Classics
Production Co
Armada Pictures, Why Not Productions, France 3 Cinéma
Rating
PG-13 (Some Disturbing Images|Brief Language|Startling Wartime Violence)
Genre
Drama
Original Language
French (France)
Release Date (Theaters)
Feb 25, 2011, Limited
Release Date (Streaming)
Mar 9, 2014
Box Office (Gross USA)
$4.0M
Runtime
2h 2m
Aspect Ratio
Scope (2.35:1)
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