MovieChat Forums > For Greater Glory: The True Story of Cristiada (2012) Discussion > Exceptional In Every Way

Exceptional In Every Way

posted 12 years ago by DUKEJBM
3 replies | jump to latest

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.

Andy Garcia is Oscar level good here as General Gorostieta, a man with limited faith who responds and masterfully leads the fight for freedom. EVERYONE is superb in their roles.

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.

[–] Flaricka 12 years ago

As an agnostic who just got back from watching the film, I have to disagree with you. I didn't think of it as a faith-based film. It was a film about religious freedom ... something I think everyone could relate to.

I also enjoyed the film very much, except for a few things. Mostly, the hand-held camera was very distracting to me, and occasionally even made me dizzy.

Overall, I think the acting was superb, and the script was well-written. It's rather long at 2-1/2 hours, but I thought the story was well told.

A couple more interesting points (spoilers ahead):

I thought the US Ambassador's offer of weapons for protection of petroleum interest was ... well ... very interesting!

Also, I didn't much care for the implication that Gorostieta converted at the end, and I can find no evidence that any such thing happened. I think it would have sent a stronger message if they had left that out. The message being that ANYONE who values freedom would fight to defend that freedom ... not just Catholics.

Dee

[–] DUKEJBM 12 years ago

Good points!

I guess I was so fixated at looking at it from my own personal view.

I did have to look away during one of the gun battles because of that shaky cam mentioned. I wish directors would just stop it with that stuff.

[–] chiluvr1228 12 years ago

One of the best movies I've seen in years!