A story set in a monastery high in the mountains of Algeria sometime during the ‘90s. French monks devoted to propagation of Christianity live a life of silent contemplation, in harmony within the largely Muslim community serving the poor. As violence and terror slowly take hold of the region, the monks are faced with the decision whether to stay or to leave. The fifth feature film by Xavier Beauvois, [Of Gods and Men] won the Grand Prix at the 2010 Festival de Cannes. The film is based on an actual event that took place in 1996 where a bunch of French monks were taken hostage by Algerian guerrilla, later to be found beheaded. A grand theme of practice of love through extraordinary self-sacrifice flows throughout the film. Rather than openly condemning terrorism or highlighting postcolonial conflict, Beauvois touches with his portrayal of men striving to uphold their ideals even under extreme circumstances. Principal photography took place at a real monastery in Morocco, and Lambert Wilson’s performance is utterly believable and masterful. (RHEE Soue-won)