Summary: A French monastery in Algeria is threatened with the escalating problems with Fundamentalists of Islam and are divided as a group to leave or stay. It is based on a true story. It was a good tale of devotion to religion and how it affects people differently.
Review: The cinematography was shot beautifully and the music was really soothing. The actors who played the monks were exceptional. Lambert Wilson plays a determined leader and Michael Lonsdale was very believable as a wise monk. The storyline is an interesting one as it's based on real life events, but it never really captivated my interest. There was drama throughout the film, but it just didn't really excite me as I barely knew what was going on. This movie was also in either French or Arabic and I really couldn't tell which was which at times. I am starting to think with foreign films, they are either way hit or way miss with me.
Further Question/Theme/Philosophy: What was the political atmosphere of Algeria in 1996 like? What is monastery life and do they get closer to God?
Power Rating (Out of 5): 2 Despite a compelling story and a beautifully made film, I just couldn't get into the film. The movie was too slow for me even though it had a deep plot and bigger themes to reflect upon. I think a lot of this might have been that I knew absolutely nothing about the situation in Algeria besides the fact it was once a French colony. It still shouldn't have prevented me from gaining appreciation for the storyline of fundamentalists against a state or civilians even though it did. This film seems like a tale that is replayed over and over again even with missionaries in Afghanistan today and it has inspired me to learn more about the events this movie was based on. It was also inspiring to see the sacrifices that the monks made, but I can't help but think of religion as a tool for the conquering and oppressing of any "native peoples" throughout history.
Favorite Quote:
Should it ever befall me, and it could happen today, to be a victim of the terrorism swallowing up all foreigners here, I would like my community, my church, my family, to remember that my life was given to God and to his country. That the Unique Master of all life was no stranger to this brutal departure. And that my death is the same as so many other violent ones, consigned to the apathy of oblivion. I've lived enough to know, I am complicit in the evil that, alas, prevails over the world and the evil that will smite me blindly. I could never desire such a death. I could never feel gladdened that these people I love be accused randomly of my murder. I know the contempt felt for the people here, indiscriminately. And I know how Islam is distorted by a certain Islamism. This country, and Islam, for me are something different. They're a body and a soul. My death, of course, will quickly vindicate those who call me naïve or idealistic, but they must know that I will be freed of a burning curiosity and, God willing, will immerse my gaze in the Father's and contemplate with him his children of Islam as he sees them. This thank you which encompasses my entire life includes you, of course, friends of yesterday and today, and you too, friend of last minute, who knew not what you were doing. Yes, to you as well I address this thank you and this farewell which you envisaged. May we meet again, happy thieves in Paradise, if it pleases God the Father of us both. Amen. Insha'Allah.
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