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 and his wife 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

Jun 1, 2012

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

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Marjorie Baumgarten

Austin Chronicle

Jun 1, 2012

1.5/5

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

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William Goss

Film.com

Jun 1, 2012

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.

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Allen Almachar

The MacGuffin

Jul 31, 2020

C-

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

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Erick Estrada

Cinegarage

Nov 21, 2018

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

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Megan Basham

WORLD

Jun 22, 2018

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.

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pjoe87 C

@pjoe87 May 30, 2026

Unaware of the Cristeros uprising of Mexico, this enlightened me and pushed me to research this episode of mexican history. I would never have thought Mexico was this close to communistic possibility. One of the steadfast communities of Catholocism rose up and defended their faith. What a wonderful testament to the families of central america. The USA and Rome seemed to keep an arms length away from the dispute, but God prevails and many Saints have showed us the way.

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sam t

@RT27239838 Oct 19, 2025

great movie with great performance and spectacular locations

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Bill W

@RT28077011 Jul 20, 2025

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.

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Sam D

@RT15578567 Jun 15, 2025

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

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Shannon T

@RT16388183 Dec 25, 2024

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!

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brice M

@RT79134342 Mar 18, 2024

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)

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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 and his wife 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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