So you've heard about For Greater Glory and are wondering if it's worth your time? Let me tell you straight up – this isn't your typical Hollywood action flick. When I first stumbled upon this film during a lazy Sunday streaming session, I nearly turned it off after 20 minutes because the pacing felt slower than I expected. But hang in there, because once the conflict ignites, holy smokes does it grab you. Based on true events few people know about, this 2012 historical drama dives deep into Mexico's brutal Cristero War, where ordinary folks took up arms against government oppression. The movie's got stellar performances, messy politics, and battle scenes that'll have you holding your breath.
For Greater Glory Quick Scoop
Before we dive deep, here's what you absolutely need to know:
- Where to Watch: Amazon Prime (rental), Apple TV, Vudu
- Runtime: 2 hours 23 minutes – grab snacks!
- Release Date: June 1, 2012 (US theaters)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 12% critics (ouch), 76% audience (go figure)
- My Personal Rating: 7/10 for history buffs, 5/10 if you just want explosions
What's For Greater Glory Actually About?
Okay, so here's the deal: For Greater Glory movie tells the true story of Mexico's Cristero War (1926-1929), which I'd never even heard of before watching. When the Mexican government started executing priests and banning religious practices, farmers and townspeople formed guerilla armies to fight back. The film follows Andy Garcia as General Gorostieta, a retired military atheist who gets hired to lead this ragtag army against government troops. Yeah, you heard that right – an atheist leading a religious rebellion. That irony alone kept me hooked.
It's not all battle scenes though. We see the war through multiple perspectives: a young boy José (Mauricio Kuri) witnessing his priest's execution, a conflicted government officer (Oscar Isaac), and Eva Longoria as a determined activist. The real shocker? The US government actually supported the anti-Catholic Mexican regime during this period. Mind blown when I read that in the credits scroll.
Confession time: I almost quit during the first 30 minutes because the political setup felt drier than week-old tortillas. But when young José joins the rebellion after seeing his priest murdered? That's when the film grabbed me by the collar. Suddenly these historical figures became real people fighting for survival.
Key Historical Figures in the Film
| Character | Real Person | Actor | Historical Importance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Enrique Gorostieta | General Enrique Gorostieta Velarde | Andy Garcia | Military leader of Cristeros (died 1929) |
| Anacleto Flores | Father José Reyes Vega | Eduardo Verástegui | "Priest-soldier" executed by firing squad |
| President Calles | Plutarco Elías Calles | Rubén Blades | Mexican president enforcing anti-clerical laws |
| Adriana | Based on multiple female activists | Eva Longoria | Represented women's crucial role in resistance |
Where and How to Watch For Greater Glory Today
You won't find For Greater Glory on Netflix these days, but don't sweat it. Here's where I've successfully streamed it recently:
- Amazon Prime: Rent HD for $3.99 or buy for $12.99 (most reliable option)
- Apple TV: Same pricing as Amazon, sometimes has extras
- Vudu: Often has discount rentals around $2.99
- DVD/Blu-ray: Available on Amazon from $9 used (great for history teachers)
Fair warning: avoid shady streaming sites promising free views. I tried one last year and got malware that took three days to remove. Not worth the headache for a $4 rental. If you're into director commentaries, spring for the Blu-ray – Dean Wright's insights about filming in Mexico add serious context.
Why the Ratings Are So Wildly Divided
Check out this bizarre rating split:
| Source | Rating | Common Complaints | Common Praise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Critics (Rotten Tomatoes) | 12% | "Overlong," "simplistic," "preachy" | "Powerful performances" |
| Audience (Rotten Tomatoes) | 76% | "Slow start," "too violent" | "Moving true story," "educational" |
| IMDb User Reviews | 6.8/10 | "Poor pacing," "whitewashed history" | "Andy Garcia's best role," "authentic battle scenes" |
Why such a gap? From what I've seen, critics slammed For Greater Glory movie for its conventional approach, while actual viewers connected with the emotional core. One IMDb reviewer nailed it: "This isn't Oscar material, but it made me research Mexican history for three hours afterward." Couldn't agree more – it's flawed but sticks with you.
Breaking Down Key Characters and Performances
Andy Garcia carries this film like a pack mule climbing the Sierra Madre. His General Gorostieta transformation from cynical mercenary to true believer feels earned. That scene where he finally crosses himself before battle? Chills. Eva Longoria surprised me too – her quiet intensity as activist Adriana provides crucial emotional grounding amidst chaos.
But let's talk about Peter O'Toole's final film role as Father Christopher. His 10-minute appearance as an imprisoned priest is pure acting masterclass. When he whispers "Viva Cristo Rey!" before execution, you'll forget to breathe. Shame he wasn't in more scenes.
Performance that didn't work for me? Rubén Blades as President Calles. Felt like cartoon villain territory with all the sinister scowling. Real history shows Calles was more complex – missed opportunity there.
What Works (and Doesn't) in For Greater Glory
Let's get real about the film's strengths and weaknesses:
The Good Stuff:
- Battle scenes feel brutally authentic – no glorified heroics
- Gorgeous cinematography of Mexican landscapes
- Young Mauricio Kuri's heartbreaking performance as José
- Handles religious themes without being overly preachy
- Educational value makes history tangible
The Not-So-Good Stuff:
- First act drags like a broken wagon
- Too many characters with insufficient development
- Historical simplification borders on propaganda at times
- 143 minutes feels excessive – could lose 20 minutes
- Spanish accents come and go like bad cell service
Most frustrating moment? When revolutionary leader Victoriano "El Catorce" Ramirez gets introduced as this legendary badass... then disappears for an hour. Such wasted potential for an incredible true-life figure.
For Greater Glory Movie FAQ
Got questions? I certainly did after watching. Here's what I dug up:
| Question | Answer | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Is For Greater Glory historically accurate? | Mostly, but condensed timelines and composite characters | Real events are dramatic enough without Hollywood embellishment |
| Why was the Cristero War fought? | Government banned Catholic worship, executed priests | Explains why farmers became soldiers overnight |
| Is Andy Garcia Mexican? | Cuban-American – caused controversy in Mexico | Local actors protested casting non-Mexicans in key roles |
| Was the US involved historically? | Yes! Supported anti-Catholic government with weapons | Film downplays this uncomfortable truth |
| Why isn't this famous in US? | Limited release (500 theaters) and poor marketing | Explains why you've probably never heard of it |
| Is it overly religious? | Surprisingly balanced – focuses on freedom over dogma | Accessible regardless of personal beliefs |
Should You Watch For Greater Glory? My Take
Look, this ain't no Marvel movie. If you want quick cuts and constant explosions, look elsewhere. But if these describe you, give it a shot:
- History buffs craving less-known events
- Fans of thoughtful war dramas (think The Patriot but grittier)
- Teachers needing classroom material about religious freedom
- Anyone who appreciates Oscar Isaac before he was famous
Personally, I've watched For Greater Glory twice – once for the story, once to catch historical details I missed. Does it have flaws? Absolutely. The pacing made me check my watch several times. But that final shot of endless white crosses in the desert? Haunting. Still sticks with me years later.
Funny story – after watching, I actually booked a trip to Mexico City and visited the Museo Cristero. Seeing actual rifles used in the rebellion gave me chills. Movies rarely make me do that. So yeah, despite its imperfections, this For Greater Glory film delivers something rare: a history lesson that punches you in the gut.
More Like For Greater Glory: What to Watch Next
If the film resonated with you, here's my personally curated watchlist:
| Movie | Why It Fits | Where to Stream |
|---|---|---|
| Cristiada (For Greater Glory's Mexican title) | Same film with Spanish dubbing | Amazon Prime Mexico |
| Roma (2018) | Shows Mexico's social turmoil differently | Netflix |
| The Mission (1986) | Similar religious oppression themes | HBO Max |
| Pan's Labyrinth (2006) | Spanish Civil War brutality meets fantasy | Amazon Prime |
| Gettysburg (1993) | Epic battle sequences done right | Hulu |
Steer clear of Hollywood's Cristero project that's been "in development" since 2015. Rumor has it they want Antonio Banderas to star, but I'll believe it when I see trailers.
Final Reality Check
Here's the raw truth: For Greater Glory won't win cinematography awards. The dialogue sometimes clunks like a rusty wagon wheel. But when it hits its stride – particularly during the siege of Guadalajara – you'll forget all its flaws. That scene where priests march toward firing squads singing hymns? Powerful stuff.
My advice? Watch with historical context, be patient through the first act, and appreciate it as an important story Hollywood usually ignores. Few films make me immediately Google real events afterward. This one did. And honestly? That educational punch makes its shortcomings forgivable.
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