MOVIES: "For Greater Glory" - Page 7

Treeman · #91 Jun 11, '12, 6:11 pm

I have seen it twice. I have been slipping in my faith a little and this movie gave me the kick I sorely needed. The courage they showed, that inspires me and thats what I want to be also.

**GEddie** · #92 Jun 11, '12, 7:41 pm

I saw it the 2nd day of release and may see it again before it closes.

It is intense, but no more so than any other "war picture". And while it did not inspire me to aspire to martyrdom (I am horrified of death), I could not help but deeply admire the children as well as clergy who "persevered unto the end."

I think this film should be up there with Gibson's PASSION as a must-see for North American Christians. We need to be reminded just how non-pretty the faith life can become!

ICXC NIKA

aicirt · #93 Jun 12, '12, 2:18 pm

Four of us saw it Sunday and highly recommend it. Although I went to parochial school, I do not remember this ever being discussed. Too bad.

The theater was full and all sat in rapt attention through the credits where they gave a bio on the characters lives after the war.

This would have been a movie where the nuns would take us on a class trip....like THE ROBE, 10 COMMANDMENTS, and BEN-HUR.

**GEddie** · #94 Jun 12, '12, 2:47 pm

By all means, see it this wk, if possible.

Here in my city of 279,000 souls (overwhelmingly Mexican/Chicano), the film's showings have been drastically curtailed less than 2 wks into release. Despite the local interest in the history (Mexico is only 4 miles away), I'd not be surprised if it closed within the week.

A priestly friend of mine is quite fluent in the history and the life of Blessed Jose, however, he is unsure about the historicity of the General's conversion. Also, the General and Padre Vega did not die almost side by side, as shown, although both were killed late in the conflict.

He did say however, that the story of Jose's life and martyrdom were in essence historical.

Three years of conflict is impossible to represent fully in 2.5h on screen. And some subplots (such as those involving the US ambassador) don't add much to the story.

Still, it is very much worth seeing. Do that before it is too late.

God Bless and ICXC NIKA

John Walsh · #95 Jun 12, '12, 4:22 pm

I desired to see the film from the ads on Catholic radio prior to release and given unexpected mention by our pastor the first Sunday after release. Purchasing my ticket that same Sunday had me entering a theater for the first time since 1996. The theater was surprisingly full, quiet and focused. Few left briefly for nature's call thanks to the chilly theater & length of the film.
I was moved enough to try to see it again this week, aquire a DVD player and copy when available.

catholictiger · #96 Jun 13, '12, 9:00 pm

Warning post contains spoilers

I saw it today and I loved it. First of all while it wasn't the best technical movie I've ever scene, acting was shaky at times pace was to slow to start, to much character development needed. But the inspirational moments in this movie amazed me and it was still an enjoyable movie.

One of the most inspirational moments for me was the kid Blessed Jose Luis Sanchez de rio. The amount of faith that he had in the fact of great evil and great pain and suffering, inspired me. I cry sometimes during movies and when he was being led to be exacted I was crying but at the same time I had a large smile on my face, and was full of joy. While I think people would see that moment as a sad moment. I don't think there is any sorrow in that moment of the movie. That moment was filled with joy not because of what evil was being done to him, but his faith through all of it. Even as young as 15 his faith was so strong that in the face of death itself, he refused to reject Christ, and he continued to proclaim that name of the Lord saying "Viva Cristo rey" Seeing a kid with SO much faith brought joy to me. I am also planning to ask for this ones intercession for the religious persicusion this country and my own formation to priesthood. That I may have his courage and faith in Jesus Christ, so that any form of religious persecution that comes on me or anyone near to me, I may never back down because of fear but stand in the face of evil itself and say as Jose said "Viva Christo Rey" or in english "long live christ the king"

May blessed Jose Luis Sanchez Del Rio pray for us that we may stand firm in the face of religious persecution.

**Dale_M** · #97 Jun 15, '12, 3:50 pm

Some bad news and good news:

The bad news is that For Greater Glory is now showing in only 380 theaters, which is half of what it opened in.

The good news is that during its second week of release, its box office gross only fell 46%.

http://boxofficemojo.com/movies/?pag...eaterglory.htm

That figure would be proportional to the decrease in the number of theaters, which suggests that the movie continues to attract a new audience. In wide screen releases there is often a disproportionate drop in revenues between first and second week because the audience most eager to see it have already done so.

**GEddie** · #98 Jun 15, '12, 4:29 pm

I saw it for the 2nd time last night.

The theater was almost full.

However, it has been curtailed to only one showing at that theater. Hopefully everybody who wants to see it will hurry up and do so.

ICXC NIKA.

fom4life · #99 Jun 16, '12, 11:44 am

Quote:

As usually, the main stream media are doing their best ridicule this excellent film. But then that is to be expected by the secular godless media, who do not want anything good, and try to discourage people from supporting a really great film.

I think the reason the film has such a low rating on Rotten Tomatoes is due to the quality of the filmmaking and not necessarily the message of the film. A film is not good just because it has a message that is important and has a great Catholic theme. I think that the message of the film is an important one for today but i was not impressed by the film due to the quality of the script. I am probably one of the few dissenting voices of Catholics who do not really like this film but I didn't think there was anything extraordinary about the it. It reminded me of Braveheart. Freedom being oppressed by the ruling class. More historically accurate but less entertaining to watch as a film. Both have inspirational speeches given by the main character. I was often confused as to why certain characters were doing certain things (and could not tell certain characters apart) and didn't think the transformation of certain characters (Andy Garcia) stood out in anyway. He seemed the same character throughout the picture. I would never discourage anyone from seeing the film but I wouldn't encourage anyone to see it either despite some scenes that were inspirational (the martyrdom of the young boy).

My opinion (which I am entitled to before I start being branded as a heretic) is that it is a mediocre made film. 'Of God's and Men is a much better film as well as some other Hollywood classics such as 'In the Inn of the Sixth Happiness' and 'Keys to the Kingdom' that touch on religious themes.

aicirt · #**100** Jun 16, '12, 12:18 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by fom4life

I think the reason the film has such a low rating on Rotten Tomatoes is due to the quality of the filmmaking and not necessarily the message of the film. A film is not good just because it has a message that is important and has a great Catholic theme. I think that the message of the film is an important one for today but i was not impressed by the film due to the quality of the script. I am probably one of the few dissenting voices of Catholics who do not really like this film but I didn't think there was anything extraordinary about the it. It reminded me of Braveheart. Freedom being oppressed by the ruling class. More historically accurate but less entertaining to watch as a film. Both have inspirational speeches given by the main character. I was often confused as to why certain characters were doing certain things (and could not tell certain characters apart) and didn't think the transformation of certain characters (Andy Garcia) stood out in anyway. He seemed the same character throughout the picture. I would never discourage anyone from seeing the film but I wouldn't encourage anyone to see it either despite some scenes that were inspirational (the martyrdom of the young boy).

My opinion (which I am entitled to before I start being branded as a heretic) is that it is a mediocre made film. 'Of God's and Men is a much better film as well as some other Hollywood classics such as 'In the Inn of the Sixth Happiness' and 'Keys to the Kingdom' that touch on religious themes.

I'll watch OF GOD'S and Men. Apparently, you can bring it up on your computer. The other two were made in the 50s. Besides THE PASSION OF CHRIST, we haven't had any religious movies. Yes, telling the characters apart was difficult. But it sure held our attention and no one moved until the credits were finished. At least it wasn't the garbage we've sometimes spent our $ on....and walked out....happy to say.

Muzhik · #**101** Jun 16, '12, 1:09 pm

YES!YES!YES!YES!YES!YES!YES!YES!YES!YES!

I just checked the web page of my favorite indie film theater and saw that it is now here in town! I will definitely be going to see it this weekend! There was no clue that it was coming here. It certainly wasn't in their list of films to expect, and there wasn't anything on the wall when I dropped my daughter off for the midnight showing of "Rock of Ages". It's like an opening suddenly appeared, they needed to fill it, and it was available. I noticed that it's their banner film on their site, so they must have been getting other people than just myself asking about it.

Wow!

fom4life · #**102** Jun 16, '12, 1:56 pm

Quote:

I'll watch OF GOD'S and Men. Apparently, you can bring it up on your computer. The other two were made in the 50s. Besides THE PASSION OF CHRIST, we haven't had any religious movies. Yes, telling the characters apart was difficult. But it sure held our attention and no one moved until the credits were finished. At least it wasn't the garbage we've sometimes spent our $ on....and walked out....happy to say.

The movie is not Garbage but it really didn't hold my attention. I didn't want to see the film again after watching it. A consider a film really good and worthwhile if I want to watch it again afterwards. This is not one of those types of films. Again i don't think it is a bad film just not a great one. When a good relgious film comes out I will encourage people to see it. I will not encourage people to see a film just becasue it is relgious. Quite a few secular films often have relgious ideas hidden in the story or are rich enough in story to draw out relgious ideas. Folks like Fr. Robert Barron have the unique ablity to draw those moments out.

And thanks to the internet and sites such as 'Decent Films' USCCB', Plugged In Online , Common Sense Media, Christianity Today Movies, Roger Ebert, and Screen It, Just to name a few, there is no reason why a person ever has to spend time or money on a film that is morrally (or artistically bad).

fastenatingguy · #**103** Jun 16, '12, 2:26 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by fom4life

I think the reason the film has such a low rating on Rotten Tomatoes is due to the quality of the filmmaking and not necessarily the message of the film. A film is not good just because it has a message that is important and has a great Catholic theme. I think that the message of the film is an important one for today but i was not impressed by the film due to the quality of the script. I am probably one of the few dissenting voices of Catholics who do not really like this film but I didn't think there was anything extraordinary about the it. It reminded me of Braveheart. Freedom being oppressed by the ruling class. More historically accurate but less entertaining to watch as a film. Both have inspirational speeches given by the main character. I was often confused as to why certain characters were doing certain things (and could not tell certain characters apart) and didn't think the transformation of certain characters (Andy Garcia) stood out in anyway. He seemed the same character throughout the picture. I would never discourage anyone from seeing the film but I wouldn't encourage anyone to see it either despite some scenes that were inspirational (the martyrdom of the young boy).

My opinion (which I am entitled to before I start being branded as a heretic) is that it is a mediocre made film. 'Of God's and Men is a much better film as well as some other Hollywood classics such as 'In the Inn of the Sixth Happiness' and 'Keys to the Kingdom' that touch on religious themes.

Of course you are entitled to your opinion. That's what makes the world go 'round.

I had not heard of "Of Gods and Men" until you mentioned it, and will seek that out. The others are classics and I enjoyed them years ago. I think this speaks in some way as to why this movie struck a chord for so many here: not many compelling recent movies in this "category" compared to the more typical Hollywood stuff (some of which is good, but a lot of which is just lacking, in my opinion).

fom4life · #**104** Jun 16, '12, 3:15 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by fastenatingguy

Of course you are entitled to your opinion. That's what makes the world go 'round.

I had not heard of "Of Gods and Men" until you mentioned it, and will seek that out. The others are classics and I enjoyed them years ago. I think this speaks in some way as to why this movie struck a chord for so many here: not many compelling recent movies in this "category" compared to the more typical Hollywood stuff (some of which is good, but a lot of which is just lacking, in my opinion).

I would actually go as far to say I enjoyed 'Couragous' and 'Fireproof'. A little preachy but overall enjoyable. There are not many true GOOD Strickly Christian films being made. Passion of the Christ being the chief example of a great film.

'For Greater Glory' I believe will probably mostly appeal to Catholics. If a good compelling Christian film is to be made it must be of such a quality that non-Christians will want to see it because it tells a compelling story. 'For Great Glory' may have a compelling story but is not a compelling film especially to those who do not share the faith. 'Of God's and Men' is an example of a quality film that can appeal outside of relgious circles. A lot of the really good relgious films belong mostly to the golden days of Hollywood. Although in recent time Fr. Barron's non-fiction series Catholicism is a good standard of film making that those trying to bring the messege of Christ should strive for. LOTR is a distinct Catholic work that was made into a very good motion picture. So it can be done.

bauerice · #**105** Jun 16, '12, 7:00 pm

I saw it today, incredible!