I almost never go to the theater to see a movie. When I do, it is usually a children’s movie. I love movies, but older, pre-1970 ones make up the vast majority of my viewing. However, I went to see the new film “For Greater Glory” late last night.

The movie is based upon true events from the 1920’s in Mexico in which the country’s president systematically squelched religious freedom and began to persecute devout Catholics who refuse to go along with the government’s laws, particularly those prohibiting public expressions of faith. (Can you see why this film caught my attention and interest?)

For Greater Glory is a remarkable movie. It is entertaining, inspiring, emotional and timely too. I expect many movie critics to ignore or hate it for a variety of reasons including even its morality and values that defy its R rating.

I wonder if that restricted rating was given by the MPAA to deter some of this film’s most likely supporters. I did not hear a single profanity and there are no sex scenes. I suspect the rating came solely from two difficult scenes involving an effort to get a character to renounce his faith. I cannot say more than this without spoiling some things for those who may yet see the film. I will spoil the title, however. In one powerful scene, which probably drove some Hollywood movie and art critic types crazy, Peter O’Toole, plays an elderly priest who learns that government troops are coming to punish him for holding public mass outdoors and wearing his clerical clothing in public. (Taking one’s Christian faith outside the four walls of the church has never been all that popular.) O’Toole’s character is tearfully urged to hide as he sits in one of his church pews. He responds, “There is no greater glory than to die for Christ” a thought which carries throughout the rest of the film.

This is one secular movie worthy of seeing and supporting. In one sense it is reminiscent of films in the Golden Age of Hollywood when respectful portrayals of faith were common on the silver screen. It is also very good entertainment with high quality production values.

You can view the trailer and see more about the movie here: http://www.forgreaterglory.com/