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Clare-Hope Ashitey as Marie

The film—conceived by BBC journalists David Belton and Richard Alwyn, written by David Wolstencroft (MI-5) and directed by Michael Caton-Jones (whose credits include everything from Rob Roy and Memphis Belle to Basic Instinct 2)—is a tad thin in other areas, too. Catholics and Protestants alike may quibble with Father Christopher's explanation of the doctrine behind the Eucharist, for example, though perhaps for different reasons. But the film is blessed with excellent performances, and it is clearly motivated by a desire to make this tragedy known. If you see it, stay for the credits, which reveal that a number of the film's crew are survivors of the genocide themselves. Hopefully future films will get closer to their stories.

Talk About It

1. The film begins with a Buddhist proverb: "Every man is given the key to the gates of heaven. The same key opens the gates of hell." Do you agree? How does this proverb underscore human responsibility for our actions? Which characters open the gates of heaven, and which characters open the gates of hell?
2. What sort of character is Father Christopher? How has he been written and performed? Is he a good man who happens to be Christian? Is he a deeply devout Christian whose goodness stems from his faith?
3. In a moment of despair, Father Christopher says that everyone is just doing what they are told—whether it is coming to mass or slaughtering their neighbors. In which scenes do characters merely do what they are told? In which scenes do they make decisions for themselves? Do the people who make decisions for themselves always make the right decisions? Is there any value to doing what you're told?
4. Father Christopher tells Joe to "find fulfillment in everything." How is this possible, especially in a situation like the Rwandan civil war?

The Family Corner

Beyond the Gates is rated R for strong violence (scenes of people being attacked with machetes, etc.), disturbing images (including the discovery of some dead nuns who appear to have been raped) and language (roughly half-a-dozen four-letter words in English and French, and at least one use of Jesus' name in vain).

Photos © Copyright IFC Films

© Peter T. Chattaway subject to licensing agreement with Christianity Today International. All rights reserved. Click for reprint information.

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