Eight monks full of peace

The film took home €1.5 million in three weeks. Never before has an independent film reached such a level of success. Critics and sociologists are unable to explain how a film like Des Homes et des Dieux (of Gods and Men), about the lives and the (tragic) destiny of the French Trappist Monks in Algerian, could attract so many viewers, faithful or not, in a country so laic. This miracles main protagonist is its director Xavier Beauvois, with a group of extraordinary actors he managed to bring to life a story full of hidden meanings.

After 14 years of investigation and debate, the death of the monks of Tibhirine in the Atlas mountains remains a mystery. The official version points the finger at a terrorist group, the Armed Islamic Group (AIG). They are accused of kidnapping and killing the French monks. A theory by an American journalist, John Kiser,  and French military personal questions this version. While there is no doubt on who kidnapped the monks, the later accuse the army of killing the monks during an aerial bombardment and of covering up the error by attributing the massacre to the Islamic terrorists.

Xavier Beauvois also had to take into account the fragile diplomatic relationship between Algeria and France, due the colonial history between the two, and the challenges imposed by dialogues on a search for peace with radical Islam. This French director was wise to emphasize the hyper-ritualized life and spirituality of the monks; He stressed the harmony that established itself between their contemplative and social activities and the lives of the villagers of Tibhirine. A testimony of peace that was under constant threat from the terrorists and the army.

Of course the fear of death is always present, like the awful sense of doubt that weighs on the monks when they are faced with the decision if they should stay or go. Under the guidance of the courageous Prior Christian de Chergé not one of the monks feels that they can betray “their neighbours” and they set out on a Mission into Islamic territory. Neither the terrorist nor the military, which suspects the community of colluding with extremists, will succeed. Liberty and fraternity are preserved through the rhythm of prayer (open also to “the enemy”), songs, healings and agricultural activities. All these daily activities create a minimalist narrative that doesn’t leave any space for chaos.               

Even in the last scene of the film, when the monks are climbing a snow covered mountain surrounded by terrorists (as if they were Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane), there is an absolute feeling of sobriety. Many have suggested that the success of Des Hommes et des Dieux is due to the talent of Beauvois and the mobilisation of the Catholic public but the film manages to connect with the average viewer because of its fidelity to a universal story about community spirit that contrasts with the individualist nature of the globalised era.