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

A chronicle of the Cristeros War (1926-1929); a war by the people of Mexico against the atheistic Mexican government.

Director:

Dean Wright

Writer:

Michael Love

Stars:

Catalina Sandino Moreno, Oscar Isaac, Santiago Cabrera

2 wins & 8 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Mauricio Kuri	...	José
Adrian Alonso	...	Lalo (as Adrián Alonso)
Rubén Blades	...	President Calles
Catalina Sandino Moreno	...	Adriana
Eduardo Verástegui	...	Anacleto Gonzales Flores
Patricia Garza	...	Fernanda Gonzales Flores
Alan Ramirez	...	Gustavo Gonzales Flores (as Alan Ramírez)
Estefania Alejandra	...	Yolanda Gonzales Flores
Oscar Isaac	...	Victoriano 'El Catorce' Ramirez
Raúl Adalid	...	Father Robles
Nestor Carbonell	...	Mayor Picazo
Erando González	...	La Guada
Santiago Cabrera	...	Father Vega
Jorge Luis Moreno	...	Pablo
Ignacio Guadalupe	...	Bishop Pascual Diaz

Storyline

A chronicle of the Cristeros War (1926-1929); a war by the people of Mexico against the atheistic Mexican government.

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Plot Keywords:

mexico | camp | hanged | rebellion | train | 

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Taglines:

He was the last man to believe in their cause. But became the first willing to die for it.

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Genres:

Drama | History | War

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for war violence and some disturbing images

Details

Official Sites:

Official site

Country:

Mexico

Language:

Spanish English

Release Date:

1 June 2012 (USA)

Also Known As:

For Greater Glory

Filming Locations:

Castillo de Chapultepec, Mexico City, Distrito Federal, Mexico

Box Office

Budget:

$12,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

$1,885,608 (USA) (1 June 2012)

Gross:

$5,669,081 (USA) (10 August 2012)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Dos Corazones Films, NewLand Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

145 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Having been falsely accused of bombing, Blessed Miguel Pro was arrested and shot by a firing squad. Before the order to fire was given, he spread his arms in the form of a cross. His execution is depicted in the closing credits.

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Quotes

[repeated lines]
Enrique Gorostieta: Viva el Christo Rey.
Father Vega: Que Viva.

User Reviews

One of the Best Films of 2012 if not THE Best

An under the radar film about a subject I knew nothing about that absolutely floored me. It's a high quality film with flat out superb performances that makes you contemplate and appreciate faith and freedom like few films have ever managed to convey. Yes, it is a faith based film. If that offends some, then this isn't the movie or the subject for you. Unlike other faith based efforts, this effort is not cheesy or ham-fisted or even preachy.

It's the tale of the Cristeros War (1926-1929); a war by the people of Mexico against the Mexican government who cracked down in brutal ways against the Catholic Church and against religious freedom in general. Andy Garcia is Oscar level good here as General Gorostieta, a man with limited faith who responds and masterfully leads the fight for freedom. It's intense and, at times, surprisingly violent and impactful. This movie delivers real emotion and doesn't dodge tough questions about faith. It delivers an exceptional balance of showing why people behave and choose to engage in certain behaviors even when such behavior is contrary to the core of their belief system.

One thing is certain; no one who has faith will take it or their religious freedom for granted after watching and EXPERIENCING this film. That's how it registered with me at any rate.