For Greater Glory

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For Greater Glory

R

2012

2h 23m

History

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

21%

Tomatometer

48 Reviews

78%

Popcornmeter

25,000+ Ratings

In late 1920s Mexico, retired Gen. Gorostieta (Andy Garcia) and his wife (Eva Longoria) watch their country degenerate into violent civil war when the government enacts a series of anti-clerical laws. Gorostieta is at first hesitant to join the rebels, known as Cristeros, until he begins to see the cost of religious persecution on his countrymen. Though the odds are against him, the general nevertheless transforms a ragtag band of rebels into a formidable fighting force.

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Critics Consensus

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.

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Ben Sachs

Chicago Reader

As generic as the title, this historical drama spares no cliche in depicting Mexico's Cristero War of the late 1920.

Jun 1, 2012

Full Review

Marjorie Baumgarten

Austin Chronicle

You'll be forgiven (on earth if not in heaven) should you find yourself humming "Onward, Christian Soldiers" as you exit the theatre.

Rated: 1.5/5

Jun 1, 2012

Full Review

William Goss

Film.com

It's the stuff of real life, and of high drama, but Dean Wright's directorial debut translates little of that latter quality to the screen.

Jun 1, 2012

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Allen Almachar

The MacGuffin

In terms of technical skill and storytelling ability, it falls flat before getting a chance to get on its feet.

Rated: C-

Jul 31, 2020

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Erick Estrada

Cinegarage

Dean Wright's film confirms that there isn't a film that truly depicts the Revolution yet. [Full Review in Spanish]

Nov 21, 2018

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Megan Basham

WORLD

If these events seem to fit a little too neatly into modern narrative, seem almost too ready-made for current controversies... a few minutes' worth of research confirms the essential truth of the story.

Jun 22, 2018

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Bill W

It's a story of an important, but often unknown history in Mexico. Seriously, how many people know Mexico had a communist revolution in 1917? We must tell the story or it could happen again. All in all, it's an accurate account. Many of the scenes have actual photos from the time incling the many priests hanging from telephone poles. About the only flaw I detected was a priest (Peter O'Toole) wouldn't present a rosary as a necklace.

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

07/20/25

Full Review

Sam D

This was a fantastic movie set in a time when the real Church was visible, now but a remnant. An important time in Mexican history. May Our Lady of Guadalupe keep the true faith alive in Mexico

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/16/25

Full Review

Audience Member

A great movie that includes the story of St. José Sánchez del Rio, a 14 year old boy that was martyred during the Mexican Cristero War in the 1920's. I highly recommend!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/25/24

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brice M

it is a extremely moving and compelling story, and I cried many times. and it portrays very well a time in history untold in classrooms, a time where catholics were persecuted and freedom of religion was restrained in a cruel and evil way. very great portrayal and I just love it.(side note: the death of saint Jose is accurate to his death almost every part I just loved that)

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/18/24

Full Review

Augustine J

For Greater Glory is a passible movie that illustrates the conflict known as The Cristero War. It's hard to judge this movie, because it is made primarily for one audience, that being devout Catholics, and this movie very heavily panders to them. You can judge it based on it's merits as a movie or you can judge it based on what it's trying to do. If you balance out the two of them, I'd give it a 7/10. If you want a to learn more about the Cristero War, go ahead and watch it, it's alright.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

12/25/23

Full Review

Shay C

This is a really good film. Classic in its depictions of heroes and villains. There's good drama without the gratuitous violence. There's a hint of old-school romanticism in there.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

10/18/23

Full Review

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Dean Wright

Director

Andy Garcia

Gen. Gorostieta

Eva Longoria

Tulita

Peter O'Toole

Father Christopher

Oscar Isaac

El Catorce

Santiago Cabrera

Father Vega

No

93%

80%

No

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Synopsis

In late 1920s Mexico, retired Gen. Gorostieta (Andy Garcia) and his wife (Eva Longoria) watch their country degenerate into violent civil war when the government enacts a series of anti-clerical laws. Gorostieta is at first hesitant to join the rebels, known as Cristeros, until he begins to see the cost of religious persecution on his countrymen. Though the odds are against him, the general nevertheless transforms a ragtag band of rebels into a formidable fighting force.

Director: Dean Wright
Producer: Pablo José Barroso
Screenwriter: Michael Love
Distributor: ARC Entertainment
Production Co: Dos Corazones Films, NewLand Films
Rating: R (War Violence|Some Disturbing Images)
Genre: History, Drama
Original Language: Spanish
Release Date (Theaters): Jun 1, 2012, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Sep 10, 2012
Box Office (Gross USA): $5.7M
Runtime: 2h 23m

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