Of Gods and Men

[Dawid Dahl]

Just saw a remarkable and very moving film, called Of Gods and Men, which I highly recommend. It's playing in theatres now. Here's my review/analysis/thoughts about the film:

 

http://www.integralmonastery.com/2011/02/of-gods-and-men.html

 

(Saw your comment on the Facebook page, Mary. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on the movie when you get the chance to see it!)

[Balder]

This looks like a really interesting film, Dawid (and I liked your review of it).  I'll look out for this so I can rent it.

[Mary W.]

Yes, Dawid, that was a beautifully moving film!

It conveys more inner turmoil and fear and love and courage through facial expression, glance, gesture, and pregnant silence than any other recent film (full of complex dialogue and effects and dramatic moments) has. Although it is not a "silent" film (in the way that "Into Great Silence" was), silence and a richness of presence are elegantly woven through it.

I also loved how it depicted a contemplative community engaged in active service to and with others of a different tradition -- no proselytizing -- in the spirit of interreligious respect and solidarity with the poor and suffering. (Thus, although I know they are completely different in approach and intent, I think this is a better film than  "Into Great Silence").

Finally: I saw "Of Gods and Men" as a contemporary dramatization of the Paschal mystery -- Jesus' suffering, death, and resurrection. Those monks were Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane, agonizing, feeling abandoned, faltering before accepting the cup they were to drink. They were Jesus celebrating a last supper, savoring beauty and expressing gratitude and sorrow in the face of their impending death. They were Jesus walking the walk of a love that stays the course no matter the cost.

I'm sure I will watch it again.

[Dawid Dahl]

Mary, your review is 10 times better than mine! :P I agree with every word.

 

"I also loved how it depicted a contemplative community engaged in active service to and with others of a different tradition -- no proselytizing -- in the spirit of interreligious respect and solidarity with the poor and suffering."

 

Yes, yes, yes.

 

"Those monks were Jesus in the garden of Gethsemane, agonizing, feeling abandoned, faltering before accepting the cup they were to drink. They were Jesus celebrating a last supper, savoring beauty and expressing gratitude and sorrow in the face of their impending death. They were Jesus walking the walk of a love that stays the course no matter the cost."

 

That's exactly it. Thanks for highlighting that.

[Edward theurj Berge]

It's good to hear your articulate impressions Mary. Wish we could draw you out to  participate more in the other discussions. I appreciated your comments in the Black Swan thread. Seems you only contribute to those conversations with a Christian bent and I wish you'd bring your keen insights to some of the other, not specifically Christian topics.

[Mary W.]

Dawid -- Thanks -- but I actually prefer your review! It belongs in a newspaper or a magazine.

Edward -- Thanks for your words and for your invitation. With a fuller schedule lately, I have less free time to spend in online forums -- so perhaps here I tend to preserve my commenting for subjects and discussions I feel relatively "competent" in. Admittedly, when I'm here I'm usually lurking and learning. OTOH, I have recently posted in "Wilber's Message to Japan" and "Godawful Album Covers" (though, yeah, the G word is there, lol) -- both "non-specifically Christian" topics.  ;-)