superficial point of view, the body is actually limited to life and death, as a foundation and essence of life, while the soul is a conscious existence in the spiritual world that breaks free from the doctrine of science. A very official summary understanding. But the "two words" in this film have a richer and more profound meaning.
The body tends to be a symbol of people in reality, the ordinary, cowardly, cruel and fear of death as a person, as well as doubts about self-existence. The soul tends to be more of a spiritual symbol, that is, faith. Both Christians and extremists in the film have strong religious complexes, but it is still difficult to get rid of the characteristics and shortcomings of being a person, but love and kindness can often perfectly compensate for this inherent weakness.
In a remote and desolate Algeria, where fear and gunpowder are everywhere, there are eight missionaries from France in a simple and quaint monastery. Their purpose is to help those trapped in wars and turmoil, so they are sensitive to fear. The local residents provide precious medical drugs and spread love and peace, but this short-lived beauty has been broken by local extremists.
They murdered migrant workers in a brutal and violent way, and targeted the scarce drugs in the monastery and the missionaries who could be used as hostages. When lives are constantly threatened and intimidated, their fear and nervousness will follow. It is obvious, and this film focuses on how the missionaries in the monastery went from disagreement to unity. Although it ended in tragedy, they made great sacrifices for their persistence and firmness in their beliefs. It shook me deeply.
It can be seen from the simple and simple exchanges between the locals and the missionaries that they have a yearning for love and a better life, as well as an incomparable admiration and dependence on religion. But the murderous social pattern has turned this seemingly ordinary yearning into an unattainable luxury, making this complex the only spiritual pillar to survive, but after all, they are mortals, and their beliefs can only be As a bite of spiritual food or spring water for survival, it cannot rescue them from panic and anxiety in a true sense, and improve or satisfy their living environment or needs.
Nietzsche said that every religion is born out of fear and need. People who feel empty or monotonous in their daily lives tend to believe in religion. The same Algerians living in troubled times have almost no hope in reality. The corrupt government, poor life, crazy extremists, so that they can only seek self-consolation and psychological hints through spiritual support, although still It is impossible to escape fear and threats, but faith at least allows them to hold a little hope in their hopeless lives.
After the extremists were killed, the government invited Christie, a Christian who had a relationship with him, to confirm that Christie saw the sadness behind the body and began to pray for him. This made government officials very disgusted and misunderstood. Even more unscrupulously went to the monastery to conduct harsh and domineering inquiry and investigations on the civilians who came to seek medical treatment. The corrupt and equally brutal government system can be said to be the chief culprit that plunges the country into turmoil, panic, and anxiety. The purpose of the actions of extremists can also be attributed to the crazy threats and revenges against the government and the entire society, as well as self-religion. The extreme persistence and piety of faith.
When the body and soul begin to become contradictory, and life is threatened and must be prepared for death at all times, some negative emotions will naturally emerge, and they will begin to become self-doubt, confusion, hesitation, anxiety, negation and negativity. Purpose and beliefs began to waver. To stay away from here and return to the motherland without hesitation, to throw into the embrace of family members and feel the warmth of home, to become an ordinary person busy or working hard for life, or to stay unswervingly in this dangerous country full of death and continue to preach Love and kindness, adhere to one's faith, and guard the local "comrades". This is a struggle between reality and spirit, and it is a duel between man and god.
After several statements, although I have had the urge and desire to escape selfishly, I think of the trust of those simple people in themselves, the hope and stability of the people, and the mission and responsibility that faith confers on them, and some Christians are devout. And the firm words, and finally after inner struggles and thoughts' comprehension, the eight people finally reached a consensus, staying firmly and obeying God's instructions and arrangements, and the body finally bowed to the soul. Accompanied by the passionate and sad Swan Lake, the eight missionaries were enjoying the "Last Supper". Close-up faces were displayed in front of the camera. The mixed feelings were indescribable, as if they were relieved of their burdens because of each other. The emotion and contentment revealed by existence, their lives were sublimated at that moment, and death had no horror to them.
In the slow and deep shots, through the record and objective angle, we learned a real historical event from the interlacing of light and shadow. Although it involves sensitive religious and social issues, it is extremely moving and moving. Be convinced. The six missionaries in the ice and snow calmly and restlessly embarked on the "Road to Death." Although they seem very small and ordinary, it is difficult to bring substantial changes to the people's lives, but they have given the people more important inner peace and spiritual comfort. Although belief can also become an excuse or reason for human beings to be cruel, it can also bring infinite hope and comfort to human life. Everything has two sides. It is reasonable to focus on the positive side and enlarge it, so as to weaken or avoid the negative aspects that it creates or causes.
Cross-shaped tombstones were erected solemnly and peacefully in the monastery, sacred and solemn. They sacrificed their bodies, but put on a pure and noble sacred garment for their souls. They transcended the moment of life and death. The unrepentant heart has withstood the arduous test, and believes that it has also received God’s testimony, opening the door to heaven for them. Perhaps only the happy and perfect kingdom can be shared by the world. The beauty and peace that you look forward to.
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