OK for kids 16+
Epic tale about religious freedom gets very bloody.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that For Greater Glory, which sheds light on one of the bloodiest moments in Mexican history, doesn't shy away from depicting war-related carnage: Children and the elderly are beaten and shot point blank; countless others are seen with nooses tied around their necks and then hung from ceilings and telegraph lines, with their corpses shown motionless for many scenes. And that's just the beginning. That said, aside from some drinking, there's not much else of note, content-wise -- there's no sex, hardly any swearing, and plenty of acts of heroism. Bottom line? It's an inspiring story, but one that's sometimes hard to stomach.
- Families can talk about how the Mexicans defied the government to honor their faith, even when threatened with imprisonment or death. Why do you think they did that? Teens: Have you ever fought hard for something you believed in?
- Talk about For Greater Glory's many brutally violent scenes. How does this kind of violence compare to what you might see in a horror movie? Which has greater impact?
- Which characters would you consider role models? Why?
The good stuff
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Messages: The movie's core message is that you must stand up for what you believe in, as that's the only way to live in peace with yourself. Also, faith can see you through the toughest of personal and physical challenges.
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Role models: There are many heroes in this movie, but Jose, a teenager, tops them all, standing up for what he believes in despite ridicule, danger, and death.
What to watch for
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Violence: For Greater Glory has an inspiring, courageous message, but the war violence is relentless. Countless people -- including women, men, and children; old and young; and characters viewers will be attached to -- are stabbed, shot point blank, hung on telegraph poles (with the camera lingering on them as they swing from rafters), and tortured in scene after scene. It almost never lets up.
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Sex: Not an issue
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Language: Very infrequent use of "hell."
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Consumerism: Not an issue
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Characters drink liquor at social occasions and while alone, pickling their worries in tequila and sorrow.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Part of History Silenced by al_soto
So, I read the critics, and basically they're complaining that the movie is "too Catholic" and so it's narrow and rigid. I saw the premiere in Los Angeles, and I beg to disagree. Of course, Mexico was 90% Catholic at the time, so the anti-government rebels are mostly all Catholic, and they fight from a Catholic disgust with their government. However, I love movies that expose me to a part of history that has been silenced, and therefore give me something totally new to learn about and learn form. I had never, ever heard of the Cristero rebels of Mexico. Also, I love the theme of standing up for your convictions, and being a Hispanic I am proud to see a part of Mexico stand up historically against tyranny and defend their right to worship God freely.
5
The Greater Glory is better than better! by winniemae
OMG!! This movie is Awesome. Andy Garcia has outdone himself in this movie. He is totally awesome in this role. This movie is so action packed and yet emotionally heartwarming. You will fall in love with some of these characters, which by the way is based on a true event with real people from the past. Eva Longoria is beautiful in this movie & so warm & touching. I would have to say this movie is a Must See and I plan on going again to see it maybe several more times to catch all the action & dialogue. So much history, so much to think about & how this can relate to our future. I've heard it said that to ignore the lessons of the past, is to repeat the same mistakes in the future! Go SEE this movie, spread the word!
5
Great Movie by FastEddieNYU
Don't be discouraged by the critics' reviews of For Greater Glory. Most claim that the characters are not well developed, thus making the story clunky or shallow. It is true that a number of smaller characters are rather two dimensional, but the leads, Garcia's character and the boy, Jose, are covered very well.
When some critics say that the movie was too Catholic and that it ought to have included other religions, they are stuck in a misplaced pluralism or inclusivity that plagues institutions across the board. This is the story of the Cisteros in early twentieth century Catholic Mexico, not about a plurality of religions in contemporary America. This is a historical piece with a universal theme, not an NPR bit on the "odd" phenomenon of religions.
Audience reaction was positive in the theaters. People laughed out loud, sobbed, and wanted more. No one left until well into the end credits. I'm certainly purchasing this film on DVD after another view in theaters.
5
Critics wrong again by amcfly
This movie is awesome. Go watch it and make up your own mind. It seems that all movies that have some type of redeeming value are doomed to be rated badly. I have seen various films now that have been rated badly that were actually good family films. While this movie may lean a little on the violence of war, it is nonetheless riveting and moving. The fact that it really happened makes this film even more interesting. This rarely spoken of piece of history is sad in many respects due to the fact that many lives were lost because of the whims of a man drowning in his lust for power and control. This common theme never seems to go out of style with the utterly corrupt no matter what century.
Ignore the critics. As soon as I read that the critics had panned the film, I immediately did the opposite of what they wanted me to do and went to see the film.
i am glad I did. . the audience was clapping at the end and so was I.
4
For Greater Glory by patty0112
Baffled by the critics poor rating. An absolute must see for all Catholics, Christians, and, for that matter, all freedom loving people. Perhaps that is precisely the problem.
The acting was superb by all and, in particular, an outstanding performance by Andy Garcia. Your attention will be held the entire time, and, you will be very moved knowing that the story is true.
5
Fantastic Movie. A must see. by alhernant
This movie is based on a real heroic life story of faith and courage.
Perfect timing...while we are fighting for our religious freedom in US.
Viva Cristo Rey y La Virgen de Guadalupe!
I am so proud of my latin heritage!
4
johnwayne by neil.feuer43
Before seeing this MASTERPIECE, I read the critics reviews. they destroyed every aspect of this POWERFUL AND MUST SEE MOVIE. AS USUAL, THE BIASED MEDIA IS COMPLETELY, YES, COMPLETELY OFF TRACK. EVERY LITTLE DETAIL OF THIS MOVIE WAS DONE TO PERFECTION AND BEAUTY, THE STORY ITSELF IS THE ISSUE OF OUR DAY, 90 YEARS OLD, AND YET, WE HAVE RELIGIOUS FREEDOM, FREEDOM OF SPEECH AT STAKE, A GOVERNMENT THAT IS SO CORRUPT AND IT IS BEYOND BELIEF. A GOVERNMENT THAT ONLY WANTS TO CONTROL, POWER
THIS IS THE ONE OF THE FINEST MOVIES EVER MADE AND BROUGHT TO SCREEN BY INDEPENDANTS AND S OTHER THAN ANDY GARCIA, AND PETER O'TOOLE AT THE BEGINNING, EVA LONGARIA OF COURSE, A CAST BY THE THOUSANDS OF UNKNOWNS, AND ONE THAT HOLLYWOOD COULD LEARN FROM. THEY SHOULD VIEW MOVIE, USE IT AS ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF AMERICAN EXCEPTIONALISM, MEXICAN EXCEPTIONALISM, ETC.
NO DOUBT THIS MOVIE WILL NOT GET THE CREDIT IT DESERVES AND THE AUDIENCE THAT MISSES IT BECAUSE OF THE CRITICS REVIEWS, I AM TRULY SORROW FOR.
5
VIVA CRISTO REY!!! by ddcantonwine
FOR GREATER GLORY
Just saw the movie and it's message is a POWERFUL ONE!! It is a well done movie with a moving scene where a Martyr Jose', walks his own VIA DOLOROSA. It will leave you speechless!! I'd go see it again. ~~VIVA CRISTO REY!!!
5
Inspiring! by mommendonca
In this age it is difficult, if not impossible to find movies that inspire us to keep the faith. For Greater Glory is one movie that will do just that.