A brilliant film experience

Published: 14 August 2011

OF Gods and Men is a film for very broad satisfaction.
Its greatest appeal for me was the uncomplicated spirituality and trust within the community of Trappists in their remote Algerian setting.

The dramatic events that infiltrate a simple setting take place in the 1990s and yet in many ways the expression of faith is timeless and could just as much be happening well before Vatican II.

There are many scenes of monks chanting (French) in chapel, also we see them about their physical labours, often ministering to the locals, and as well it is clear that Mary is a prominent feature in the monks' religious life.

The camera often returned to Mary's statue in the garden.

This last feature charmed me since Mary seems neglected in our current times for some reason(s); I hope that the French, Italian and Spanish Catholics etc never withdraw their outward devotions to Mary because we are always in need of her light.

I believe this film should be seen by as many people as possible.

Further, religious education teachers would find it an excellent subject to choose for extended study periods as a result of a theatre block-booking.

I congratulated the theatre management on screening the film.

MARGARET TIAINEN
Holland Park West, Qld