For Greater Glory: The True Story of Cristiada (2012) download link free

For Greater Glory: The True Story of Cristiada (2012)

Synopsis:

The film opens with screen titles describing the anti-Catholic provisions of the 1917 Constitution of Mexico. Civil war erupts when newly elected Mexican president, Plutarco Elias Calles (Rubén Blades), begins a violent and relentless crackdown against the country's Catholic faithful. The film depicts the carnage by showing churches being set on fire, nuns subjected to extreme harassment, Catholic priests murdered and countless faithful peasants killed and then publicly hanged on telegraph poles.

The story shifts to Father Christopher (Peter O’Toole), a Catholic priest, who is ruthlessly murdered by the Federales (government forces). The killing is witnessed by a thirteen-year-old boy named José Luis Sanchez (Mauricio Kuri). Driven by anger and rage, José joins the rebels, or Cristeros ("soldiers for Christ"), fighting against Calles. Their battle cry is "¡Viva Cristo Rey!" (meaning "Long live Christ the King"). The rebel leader, retired general Enrique Gorostieta (Andy Garcia), an agnostic, takes an interest in young José and the boy soon becomes his protégé. Later while fighting against the Federales, José is captured in a firefight and is tortured to force him to renounce his belief in God. When he resolutely defends his faith, he is executed. The next year Gorostieta is killed in a battle at Jalisco.

Production

The film is based on The Cristero Rebellion, the 1976 chronicle of the war written by French historian Jean Meyer who resides in Mexico. The film took three years to complete and was shot in Mexico City, Durango, Zacatecas, San Luis Potosí, Tlaxcala and Puebla.

Release

The film had a robust opening in Mexico taking first place in gross admissions at the box office, and second in total receipts, behind Titanic 3D. As of May 11, 2012, it had grossed $2.2 million.

Reception

The film has received mixed-to-negative reviews from American critics, with many echoing Roger Ebert's complaint that "it is well-made, yes, but has such pro-Catholic tunnel vision I began to question its view of events." As of June 20, 2012 it holds a 35% rating on Metacritic based on 17 critics, and a 17% rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 42 reviews. The latter site states: "It has laudable aspirations, but For Greater Glory ultimately fails to fulfill its goals due to an overstuffed script, thinly written characters, and an overly simplified dramatization of historical events."

Stephen Holden of The New York Times described the film as an "old-fashioned, Hollywood-style epic" and said it compared favorably to Christian mega-hits of the 1950s such as The Robe. He was most satisfied

 with Dean Wright referring to his direction as "impressively spacious". Composer James Horner also scored high marks for his score which Holden found "uplifting without being syrupy" and which set an "inspirational mood".

The fact that the Cristero War is little known – even in Mexico – is illustrated by film critic Steven D. Greydanus. He writes that For Greater Glory may help to rectify the situation. He observes that the film is "one of the most lavish and ambitious films ever produced in Mexico" and "a sweeping, handsome epic with strong performances, solid production values and magnificent locations across Mexico." However he found the screenplay overbearing and would have liked to have seen more character development.

Film critic Phil Boatwright wrote that the film is "a compelling, thoughtful homage to religious freedom" and it brings back memories of El Cid and A Man for All Seasons. 

Lauren Markoe examined the relevance of the film to the current political climate in the United States. The birth control mandate has pitted the Obama administration against the Catholic Church. 

Directed by Dean Wright

Produced by Pablo Jose Barroso

Written by Michael James Love

Starring:

Andy Garcia

Eva Longoria

Eduardo Verastegui

Peter O'Toole

Music by    James Horner

Cinematography Eduardo Martinez Solares

Studio: NewLand Films

Distributed by           ARC Entertainment (USA)

                                  20th Century Fox (Mexico/non-USA)

Release date:      June 1, 2012 (U.S.)

                             April 20, 2012 (Mexico)

Running time:      143 minutes

Language:       English

Budget:           $12 million

Box office: $5,004,261

For Greater Glory: The True Story of Cristiada (2012) download link free