Far from Men (2014)

This is an action movie of the mind, of the soul. Based on Albert Camus's short story The Guest, this in effect sums up the writers philosophy with clarity and insight. It was shot in Algeria which presents a perfect backdrop - both because it was where Camus grew up and because the stark but beautiful scenery fits perfectly with the story.(It even hints at Camus's own life in Algeria. He was of the working class - real working class, like working with their hands - and with Spanish heritage.) It takes the Camus story a bit further - but always with elements that was in fact part of Camus's life. For anybody who fondly remembers existentialism and how it analysed our human predicament, this movie will be a reason to celebrate. For those who does not know it, but is clever enough to agonize over our predicament - like how do we save our humanity when life forces us into situations that show that we are NOT " fully in control of our destiny" - start here. The acting is superb and the directing is brilliant - and obviously done by someone who understands Camus. Do not expect special effects or action hero stuff. This story goes deeper than that. Far deeper. It is in French but as the dialogue is on the sparse side, the subtitles for English speakers are easy. A movie of a great idea wherein the message, the dialogue and the filming merge together into a powerful statement.

Fmovies: There are those who fight and even kill for something as little as wounded pride. As ridiculous as this may seem, there are many situations and places where revenge the only option. Revenge is not just expected, it is demanded or even mandated. It takes an extremely strong and courageous person to break the cycle of violence.

"Far From Men" takes viewers into the misty Atlas Mountains of Algeria in 1954 and the lives of two men who are trying to break the revenge cycle. It is the beginning of an uprising against the French. Daru, a local school teacher as well as a World War II veteran, is tasked with transporting a prisoner, Mohamed, to a nearby town for trial. Daru chides Mohamed for weakness and cowardice in not attempting to escape or doing much to resist those who hound him. "React!" screams Daru, "aren't you a man?!" Yet things are not so simple. As the two men travel in the moonlight, rainfall and cold of the night, Daru gradually understands the difficult and challenging choices that Mohamed faces. Daru may be able to help Mohamed, yet at what price?

Viggo Mortensen plays Daru and represents him extremely well. I really enjoy the roles that Viggo plays. Usually, as here, Viggo's characters struggle for justice, truth and dignity against formidable odds. All the actors do a fine job in this film. The film images, organization, dialogue, depth, directing, themes and storyline, are also very well done. Really the only things lacking are a fabulous soundtrack, a certain amount of depth to each nuance of the film and, perhaps, a love interest. Far From Men became available on Netflix this week.

A quiet and touching study in love, respect, and morality beautifully acted by Viggo Mortensen and Reda Kateb. As the world swirls around each of them, each facing violence and death in their own universe, fate brings them together and each is saved by the other. A wonderful meditation on setting aside hatred and violence to reach the inner core that each of us carries within.

Do not let the pace frustrate you; parts move as snails, which is what Viggo's parents were called by the French. Set in and amongst the bloody Algiers civil war of the 1950's, one comes to appreciate the need to reach out, not only to those with whom we interact, but to teach the children the universal humanity of us all.

This movie, like the great Japanese movie Departures (2008), asks us to put aside the petty hatred, twisted customs, and violence of much of what we call life, and appreciate the beauty and love we can share with our fellow humans.

An absolutely lovely film.

Far from Men fmovies. Far from Men is relevant to today's political and social situation. Set in a country torn apart by original inhabitants rebelling against invading forces -- and caught in the middle, the ordinary people trying to get on with their lives. Sound familiar? My friend and I could not speak when the film ended, it made such an impact on us. The performances by Kateb and Mortensen are so believable that the audience is swept up into their world rather than watching them act. Set in the stark desert of Algiers, the characters'futile scramble to some safe place is gripping and all-encompassing. One of those films whose scenes haunt you days and months after. Highly recommended: I would see it again.

This is a story about a fraternity that goes beyond cleavages and prejudices. A quiet and brave rebellion against nonsense of violence. Charlie, Niger... That's so cruelly acute to current events. No doubt this story, that takes place in Algeria in 1954, could have been transposed in 2015 or later.

The film is beautiful, it takes its time without being never boring. Action and contemplation are wonderfully balanced.

The relationship between two men, both excluded from their communities, "étrangers" (foreigners) in more than a way, is moving. Each of us is an Arab or a paria for someone else.

Reda Kateb, Viggo Mortensen and the Atlas are glowing, simply fascinating.

Daru (Viggo Mortensen)is a second-generation Spanish-Algerian, teaching Arab children in a remote school during Algeria's struggle for independence. He is viewed as a Frenchman by the Arabs, and as an Arab by the French. He gets saddled with the task of taking Mohamed (Reda Kateb), a common, that is non-political, criminal to the authorities in Tinguit. The pair encounter Algerian freedom fighters, French soldiers, Arab tribesmen, stunning landscapes and more along the way. At each turn, Daru's values, culture, position and assumptions are thrown into question, and his bond with Mohamed deepens. Yet at all points this remains a movie with a compelling storyline and beautiful cinematography. There is never a hint of heavy-handed social commentary or political soap-boxing. As a thriller/adventure, or character drama, it would be excellent. But through Daru and Mohamed's developing relationship, the social and political fabric of Algeria is explored at the same time, with exquisite but down-to-earth sensitivity, from the points of view of two ordinary, honest, and in their different ways fundamentally good men.