TrueJoshNight
Truly Dreadful Film
Robert Joyner
The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one
Roxie
The thing I enjoyed most about the film is the fact that it doesn't shy away from being a super-sized-cliche;
Tim Meade
There is something eerily enigmatic in seeing a lone teacher in a one-room school in the middle of nowhere. It was used to great effect in Ted Kotcheff's re-discovered 1971 Australian classic Wake in Fright and director David Oelhoffen conjures similar ambiance in his ultimately gripping Algerian-based drama Far From Men.Set in 1950s Algeria against a backdrop of growing civil unrest to French colonial rule, Daru (Viggo Mortensen), is an apparently unassuming French teacher in a remote and barren outpost, educating young Arab children on matters French with no apparent nod to their own heritage. His isolated retreat is broken by the manacled arrival of Mohamed (Reda Kateb) on a charge of the murder of his cousin. He is ordered to take the prisoner to the nearest French administrative centre where he knows full well that after a perfunctory trial, the Arab will be found guilty and executed. More than reluctant to undertake this task, which he clearly views as accessory to a killing, events take a dramatic turn leaving the diffident teacher with no moral alternative but to undertake the task. The film then follows their journey as they head out over rocky, mountainous terrain.Oelhoffen and cinematographer Guillaume Deffontaines take full advantage of the Algerian desert landscape, frequently showing the two men pitted against its magnitude and harsh, extreme conditions. It is exceedingly well shot, drawing the audience in with its captivating imagery. Music from Australians Nick Cave and Warren Ellis was unobtrusive.Initially slow-burning, the film bursts into energy with gripping drama, twists and turns. As the back stories unfold, the surprising resilience and phlegm shown by the quiet teacher is understood. The conclusion was unexpectedly poignant.The concept and themes of two diverse men on a road journey pitted against elements and events far bigger than them are not unfamiliar. But the injection of unexpected plot devices and character development keep the film fresh and the audience engaged. Performances from both Mortensen and Kateb are strong and the two actors gel together well.
Lucas Versantvoort
If you want to talk about the enduring relevance of star power, consider the fact I only went to see Loin des Hommes to see Viggo Mortensen in action. Fortunately, the film surrounding him was pretty darn good too.The story takes place in the luscious, green…deserts of Algeria, specifically in 1954, during the Algerian War. (At least I can add it to the growing list of films about conflicts I had no prior knowledge of…) Daru (Viggo Mortensen) is a teacher to a small group of children. One day, his class is interrupted when he is asked to escort a prisoner, Mohamed, (Reda Kateb) to a city where he will face trial. Though he first rejects the idea, especially after he violently clashes with several of the prisoner's pursuers, he finds it in his heart to escort him. Letting him go by himself would only result in his death and Daru would feel partially responsible. Thus begins a road trip of sorts, albeit a very dark one.You can pretty much predict what'll happen (male bonding, etc.), but it doesn't diminish the film's impact in the slightest. If anything, their growing relationship is very believable. But the film's true achievement is its handling of themes like codes of conduct, laws and honor. Almost every source of tension arises from people's differing codes of conduct. Mohamed killed his nephew, because the cousin stole his grain. This would've meant the death of his family. Now, others feel compelled to kill Mohamed in retaliation. Mohamed, however, feels it right to turn himself in as this would ensure the cycle of revenge would end with him – otherwise his little brothers would be honor bound to avenge him again, and so on and so on. Though Daru is hesitant at first, his conscience compels him to escort Mohamed anyway, though his involvement causes several deaths. Later, Daru and Mohamed watch on as two surrendering rebels are mercilessly shot down. Daru tells the commanding officer he's committed a war crime, to which the officer replies he was merely following orders. Following those orders is inhumane , but disobeying isn't exactly a life- and career-enhancing option as well. The whole film deals with conflicts where people's orders, morality, beliefs and so on inevitably end in violence. In the middle of it all, Daru wants to avoid conflict, the impossibility of which is aptly shown during an early scene where his school is attacked by Mohamed's pursuers. Daru breaks a window, shouting how he doesn't want to harm them moments before shooting outside to secure his own safety.One final mentioning of Mortensen's acting can't be omitted. His acting is, as ever, quite natural. It's also stunning how he, an American, speaks several languages here in what is basically a foreign language film, and yet it never feels unnatural; it never feels like he's showing off or something. I recently read an interview with Mortensen where he said he just wants to be in films that he could easily watch years from now. Loin des Hommes is one he can definitely add to that ever-growing list.
Florence Roux
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.
GUENOT PHILIPPE
What a pure delight this terrific movie made in natural settings. We find here Viggo Mortensen at his very best, at his peak. The kind of lonesome, tired hero as he was in HISTORY OF VIOLENCE or EASTERN PROMISES, although quite different, but somewhere similar...The kind of hero whom I have always been in love with. Far from the super hero on whom I puke. I hate. Rade Kateb gives also here a powerful performance, as usual. You have in this feature the sad and beautiful story of a short and poignant friendship during war in Algeria. Two very different men who will have to fit together, against all odds. A gripping, poignant drama that made me weep. The school teacher's character played by Mortensen is terrific. One of the most brilliant performances I have ever seen since a long time, believe me. I will comment soon another movie about war in Algeria, a rare film named L'OPIUM ET LE BATON. Back to this one, I would have imagined Madds Mikaelsen in Motensen character. Those two are tremendous actors, very similar in many ways. But that's my own opinion.
