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Director: Xavier Beauvois. With Lambert Wilson, Michael Lonsdale, Olivier Rabourdin
ALGERIA, the mid-1990s. In a village in Tibhirine, a small group of French Cistercian monks offer their allegiance to God, but tend to the sick and needy irrespective of religious beliefs. During an unsettled 12 months, however, this semi-idyllic life is increasingly under threat from Islamic fundamentalists who are growing more desperate by the hour. Filmed, mostly, in a simple, almost leisurely style, watching it is a very poignant and moving experience. Everything – music, prayer, daily rituals, the need to be viable financially – is shown to have a place. These monks are real people and their turmoil as to whether to hold fast or consider their own safety makes for absorbing drama, beautifully played by all.
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