The film has received negative reviews, noting its performances and ambition but criticizing the screenplay and presentation of events. As of 2021, it holds a 35% rating on
Metacritic based on 17 critics, and a 20% rating on
Rotten Tomatoes based on 49 reviews. The latter site states: "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."
Roger Ebert of the
Chicago Sun-Times gave the film two and a half stars, and concluded that "it is well-made, yes, but has such pro-Catholic tunnel vision I began to question its view of events." Frank Scheck of
The Hollywood Reporter criticized the film as being 'melodramatic' and 'overlong', but noted that 'Despite its profusion of violent battle sequences, the film is most effective in its quieter moments, such as the scenes in which Calles warily negotiates with the American ambassador (Bruce Greenwood) who is mainly intent on preserving U.S. oil interests'. Nathan Rabin of
The A.V. Club panned the film and called it, 'an endless, plodding educational tool of unusual bluntness and dull force, a blood-soaked primer on intolerance and religious persecution that would benefit from even the faintest tinge of moral ambiguity or narrative sophistication.' In more positive reviews,
Stephen Holden of
The New York Times described the film as an "old-fashioned, Hollywood-style epic" and said that it compared favorably to Christian mega-hits of the 1950s such as
The Robe. He was most satisfied with
Dean Wright, referring to his direction as "impressively spacious." The composer
James Horner also scored high marks for his score, which Holden found "uplifting without being syrupy" and which set an "inspirational mood." Phil Boatwright of the "Baptist Press" called the film "a compelling, thoughtful homage to religious freedom" and said that it brought back memories of
El Cid and
A Man for All Seasons. According to Steven D. Greydanus of Decent Films,
For Greater Glory may help to change the obscurity of the Cristero War in the United States. He observed that the film is "one of the most lavish and ambitious films ever produced in Mexico" and "a sweeping, handsome epic with strong performances, solid production values and magnificent locations across Mexico." However, like several other reviewers, he found the screenplay overbearing and would have liked to have seen more character development.
Accolades The movie received the following awards and nominations: At
ALMA Awards 2012, got nominations: • Favorite Movie • Favorite Movie Actor - Andy García • Favorite Movie Actress - Drama/Adventure - Eva Longoria • Favorite Movie Actor - Supporting Role - Oscar Isaac • Favorite Movie Actor - Supporting Role - Rubén Blades At
Ariel Awards 2013: Nominated • Silver Ariel Best Art Direction (Mejor Diseño de Arte) • Salvador Parra At
Image Awards 2013: Nominated • Image Award Outstanding International Motion Picture At
Movieguide Awards 2013 Won • Faith and Freedom Award Won • Grace Award - Most Inspiring Performance in Movies - Andy Garcia Nominated • Epiphany Prize - Most Inspiring Movie Nominated • Grace Award - Most Inspiring Performance in Movies Mauricio Kuri ==See also==