In the mid-1990s nine Trappist monks who have been living the religious life in Algeria must decide if they will stay or leave their monastery in the face of violent Islamist terrorism. They have lived in perfect harmony with the village Muslims, providing a medical clinic for them and selling their produce at the village market; the villagers depend on the presence of the monastery. The movie is focused on their difficult decision to leave or remain. The monks truly seem to love each other and to take succor from their faith. There are several devastating scenes: the monks continuing their chanted service as a helicopter hovers a few yards from the monastery, the monks debating whether to leave around a table, the monks drinking a glass of wine while listening to an excerpt of Swan Lake, wordlessly enjoying the moment of brotherhood and beauty.
Of Gods and Men is one of the most powerful films about faith, responsibility, and the religious life I have seen. All the acting is wonderful, but of special note is Lambert Wilson (last seen as the evil Merovingian in the Matrix) as the doctor monk. He brings a dignified humanity to the role. Some warnings: it's in French with subtitles, it has one scene of horrific violence (otherwise the violence all occurs off screen), and it does not end happily. It is based on true events. Of Gods and Men is a very unusual and intelligent film, as good as anything I've seen in a while. I recommend it highly.
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