For Greater Glory MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +4 Content: +2

Andy Garcia, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Peter O’Toole, Eva Longoria Parker, Bruce Greenwood, Oscar Issac, Ruben Blades. Historical action drama. Written by Michael Love. Directed by Dean Wright.

FILM SYNOPSIS: An epic chronicle of the Cristeros War (1926-1929), which was touched off by a rebellion against the Mexican government’s attempt to secularize the country, For Greater Glory concerns an impassioned group of men and women who each make the decision to risk it all for family, faith and the very future of their country. General Gorostieta (Andy Garcia) is a retired military man who at first thinks he has nothing personal at stake as he and his wife (Eva Longoria) watch Mexico fall into a violent civil war. Yet the man who hesitates in joining the cause will soon become the resistance’s most inspiring and self-sacrificing leader, as he begins to see the cost of religious persecution on his countrymen.

PREVIEW REVIEW: A compelling, thoughtful homage to religious freedom, this action adventure has style and heart, and forthrightly depicts the need for faith. Replete with epic scale and thematic power, it stands a good chance of being remembered come Oscar time.

There are just so many praise-worthy aspects to this film, not the least of which are the solid performances, especially from Andy Garcia (The Godfather 3, Ocean’s Eleven). Mr. Garcia hasn’t reached superstardom ala George Clooney or Brad Pitt, but he has always been a reliable actor, one with depth and class. In For Greater Glory, you realize why everyone in Hollywood is glad to work with him. He’s as good as you get.

And let’s not forget that this is a film that makes use of Peter O’Toole, here playing a priest, a true man of God who returns love for mistreatment. Never heavy-handed or hammy, Mr. O’Toole gives us an insightful and inspiring portrait of a good man who affects the spiritual life of a youngster. Bruce Greenwood (Capote, Racing Stripes, Star Trek 2009, Dinner For Schmucks), also deserves a salute. Known more by face than name, Mr. Greenwood is an actor’s actor. Whether playing a villain or a heroic figure, he always infuses the part with an organic truth. Here, portraying a U.S. ambassador who does the expedient thing over the right thing, Greenwood relays a casual dimension that avoids stereotype.

What’s pleasing about these screen personalities besides their performer’s prowess is the fact that they are willing to take on roles concerning religious persecution. The film reminds us that Christians, like the Jewish people and so many others, have been persecuted for their faith throughout the centuries. It also sends a message that a right to worship can easily be threatened by a corrupted government.

Dean Wright has worked in several show business arenas, including visual effects and as a production supervisor and coordinator. Here he directs this huge undertaking with grace, wit and style. My only complaint is his decision to allow for the herky-jerky camera, a technique used in many films from this era to generate anxiousness or energize a scene. It’s an effect that doesn’t float this Boatwright, for it constantly makes me aware of the camera’s presence. There’s somebody holding that camera and he’s weaving and bobbing it in order to get a desired effect.

The production values, from set and art design to score and editing, are top notch. Perhaps the film’s message is a touch too dogmatically emphasized, but nonetheless, still effective. Its theme of faith is moving and the story points out that tyranny can only last so long before the people rise up.

A clean film, with no objectionable language or exploitive sexual scenes, it’s storytelling at its finest. And while the violence is sometimes difficult to view, especially when seen inflicted upon a child, here the brutality serves to stir our hearts and fortify the film’s narrative. It’s a motion picture that reminds us that a person’s life is fulfilled only when he is willing to stand for a greater glory.

Preview Reviewer: Phil Boatwright
Distributor: Arc Entertainment