A fictional but deep treatment of French Cistercian monks whose peaceful life in rural Algeria runs afoul of armed Muslim militants. Their attempt to maintain piety and humanity is arrestingly specific, rooted, and charitable but not sanctimonious. Xavier Beauvois directed with a perceptive lucidity that echoes films by Rossellini and Bresson. Old, wise-eyed Michael Lonsdale is the center of gravity and grace as the brother who is also a stoical doctor. Honest fear is folded into prayer, chanting, resonant silences, and a wonderful supper set to Tchaikovsky’s Swan Lake. (2011) — David Elliott
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