Simon Dillon reviews the film

One critic described Of Gods and Men as "the most brilliant film you will ever see about a bunch of monks sitting around discussing whether or not they should leave their monastery". A bit reductive perhaps, but nevertheless essentially true. And make no mistake, Of Gods and Men is utterly, utterly brilliant.

The film is based on a true story, about some French monks in Algeria who in the mid 1990s found themselves in danger from the fundamentalist Islamic militia that were threatening to topple the government. These monks were respected and trusted by their local communities, and spent a great deal of time assisting them by providing medicine, amongst other things. They refused military protection, as they were concerned it would then appear that they were taking sides in the civil conflict. However, the question of whether or not they should flee is what forms the bulk of the drama.

There is so much to praise in this film I barely know where to begin. I'll start with the performances. Every cast member is superb, with each of the monks brilliantly and subtly characterised. For instance, the leader of the monks, Christian (Lambert Wilson), is brave, idealistic and uncompromising in his beliefs; a profoundly humane man who condemns the brutal reprisals of the military as much as the atrocities of the terrorists. To take another example, the monastery doctor Luc (the excellent Michael Lonsdale), is in ailing health, but nevertheless continues to treat every single patient who comes to him for help, regardless of which side of the conflict they are on. He is wise and fearless with a quiet wit, and often gives advice to local villagers, most amusingly in one scene on the subject of love. The rest of the monks each have moments where their characters come to the fore. There are crises of faith that are gently and sensitively handled, and their extraordinary courage is portrayed so convincingly that one simply forgets they are actors in a film.

This is a film that really, really needs to be seen in a cinema. Not because it's filled with special effects that will be diminished on television, but for its quiet contemplative atmosphere and for the understated beauty of its melancholy landscapes that linger long after most directors would have yelled cut. Opting for slow, deliberate pacing was unquestionably the correct artistic decision from director Xavier Beauvois, for the audience comes to appreciate that in the silence the monks hear the voice of God. One scene where Christian walks in the countryside to pray resonates particularly powerfully in this regard.

Other stand-out scenes include an extraordinary moment when a military helicopter descends towards the monastery, disturbing the prayers of the monks. They stand, and sing together, and eventually the helicopter leaves. It is an extraordinary picture of the spiritual warfare described in Ephesians 6 verse 12.

Another scene late in the film - a wordless sequence where the monks share a glass of wine and a last supper together as they listen to a tape recording of Swan Lake - is so astonishingly moving that words simply cannot do it justice.

Speaking of music, the use of hymns and choral chants throughout provides a beautiful and appropriate score, with the lyrics often commenting on the plot. Passages from the Bible are used liberally throughout to clever effect, and at one point Christian even quotes the Koran during a tense encounter with Islamic fundamentalists in order to diffuse the situation. There is a possibility some might interpret the film as a plea for religious co-existence, and to a degree that is true. At no point are the monks seen attempting to convert any of the villagers, and the film takes pains to emphasise what Christianity and Islam have in common, despite the fact that there are supremely important differences. But I think this film, above all, is a story that proves what Jesus said in Matthew 5 verse 13 that Christians are the salt of the Earth, preserving order and peace whilst they are present. One key scene shows the monks telling the villagers they might leave, and that they are like birds on branches. The villagers respond by saying the monks are the branch and they are the birds. Without them, they will have nothing to stand on.

All of which makes this sound like a film only those with a faith will enjoy, but that simply isn't the case. Of Gods and Men can be enjoyed by believers and non-believers alike as an intelligent, brilliantly told, profoundly moving story of bravery and faith. I urge you in the strongest possible terms to go and see this film.