Film Review: Andy Garcia is Heroic, Story Isn’t in ‘For Greater Glory’

Printer-friendly versionPrinter-friendly versionE-mail page to friendE-mail page to friendPDF versionPDF version
No votes yet

CHICAGO – “For Greater Glory” attempts to bring back the David Lean style epic – even recruiting Peter O’Toole from “Lawrence of Arabia” to participate – in the story of a Mexican religious war in the 1920s. While a sincere effort, it can’t match the story to the epic history. The cast includes Andy Garcia, Eva Longoria and Bruce Greenwood.

HollywoodChicago.com Oscarman rating: 3.0/5.0
Rating: 3.0/5.0

Without knowledge of this 20th century footnote, the premise of an atheist president outlawing the Catholic Church in Mexico seems impossible now, but that is what happened. The acting is mucho heartfelt, as the cast works diligently to portray an important piece of history. Andy Garcia strikes a perfect balance between his heroic stance and the conflict his character feels about religion in the first place, but the film is muddled and focuses on story elements that are not as compelling as the main conflict.

In 1920s post revolution Mexico, President Pultarco Calles (Ruben Blades) cracks down on the Catholic Church and religious freedom in general, fearing a conservative backlash to the new government. The laws are heavily enforced, priests are exiled from their parishes and mass is forbidden to be said. When a peaceful protest proves fruitless, and the government starts executing dissenters, armed civil war begins within the country.

The war quickly becomes personal. Young teenager José Luis Sanchez (Mauricio Kurl) witnesses the execution of Father Christopher (Peter O’Toole) and vows to fight with the rebels. General Gorostieta (Andy Garcia) reluctantly is recruited into the conflict, despite the protests of his wife (Eva Longoria) and lack of religious conviction. As the casualties pile up, the United States gets involved, as Mexican Ambassador Dwight Morrow (Bruce Greenwood) intervenes with the president. Despite the knifepoint of the Federal troops, historic progress is made by the willingness of the Cristeros (soldiers of Christ) to continue battling for their freedom to worship.

“For Greater Glory” opened on June 1st. Featuring Andy Garcia, Eva Longoria, Bruce Greenwood, Santiago Cabrera, Peter O’Toole and Mauricio Kurl. Screenplay by Michael Love. Directed by Dean Wright. Rated “R”

StarContinue reading for Patrick McDonald’s full review of “For Greater Glory”

Andy Garcia as General Gorostieta in ‘For Greater Glory’
Andy Garcia as General Gorostieta in ‘For Greater Glory
Photo credit: Hana Matsumoto for ARC Entertainment

StarContinue reading for Patrick McDonald’s full review of “For Greater Glory”

Michele Perry's picture

For Greater Glory

This movie is truly a great movie!! Loved it and I can never (in past history) been able to sit through any war movies. I wouldn’t even go to the ladies room during this movie because I didn’t want to miss any of it. Excellent— should be in every language and shown everywhere. AND it was a perfect balance between realism and not pushing it to unnecessary gruesome extremes. It was filmed with such integrity. A smart film and we love Andy Garcia and the young fellow who played the boy martyr who is exceptional. Telling everyone I know to see this movie!!

Lou's picture

Inspirational Movie

Viva Cristo Rey!

Comment viewing options

Select your preferred way to display the comments and click "Save settings" to activate your changes.

User Login

Free Giveaway Mailing

TV, DVD, BLU-RAY & THEATER REVIEWS

  • Manhunt

    CHICAGO – Patrick McDonald of HollywoodChicago.com appears on “The Morning Mess” with Dan Baker on WBGR-FM (Monroe, Wisconsin) on March 21st, 2024, reviewing the new streaming series “Manhunt” – based on the bestseller by James L. Swanson – currently streaming on Apple TV+.

  • Topdog/Underdog, Invictus Theatre

    CHICAGO – When two brothers confront the sins of each other and it expands into a psychology of an entire race, it’s at a stage play found in Chicago’s Invictus Theatre Company production of “Topdog/Underdog,” now at their new home at the Windy City Playhouse through March 31st, 2024. Click TD/UD for tickets/info.

Advertisement



HollywoodChicago.com on Twitter

archive

HollywoodChicago.com Top Ten Discussions
referendum
tracker