Atlas 7 Monks film

Memorial Grove of the Seven Monks of Our Lady of Atlas
The seven trees are bare of winter leaves.
 The rock and plaque of the monks buried in snow.

  

thetimes.co.uk

Watch the “Of God and Men”

           

Their faith under fire.

How Of Gods and Men director Xavier Beauvois has brought France to tears

Kate Muir

·                     The Times

·                     Published: 03 December 2010

Of Gods and Men

Xavier Beauvois, 15 020min)

•••••

This is an intensely passionate film, and that the passion is religious makes it no less moving. Xavier Beauvois fictionalises the true story of seven French monks kidnapped by fundamentalists In the Atlas Mountains of Algeria. The

. monks show extraordinary understanding and the

, camera focuses on each man's decision to stay, facing almost certain martyrdom.

The Cistercian brothers provide a doctor's surgery for the Muslim villagers and have strong bonds of friendship within the community. The story begins in the glorious dappled light of the ancient olive and cedar trees of the mountains and ends with helicopter gunships roaring in during civil war.

This film is France's Oscar contender and the winner

of the Cannes Grand Prix. Kate Muir

(Picturehouse; Edinburgh Filmhouse; Glasgow

Film Theatre; Sheffield Showroom)