Customer Reviews

Romero (IMPORT)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Raul Julia's performance is deeply moving and perhaps unforgettable as the Archbishop Romero whose assassination shocked the world. ---- This film is a brutal yet beautifully done reminder of what people have suffered and are suffering in other countries, people who do not have the daily blessings we enjoy in the United States. ---- The political issues are obviously complex, and the controversy about "liberation theology" goes on, but the story of this one man, so well adapted here, is something that we should face. The film moves slowly, yet gracefully. It is starkly realistic and at times raw and chilling, and overwhelming. The faith of Romero, his transformation in the face of the suffering he witnesses, is an inspiration. ---- The film can make one very uncomfortable for giving us a view of a world we would like to put out of our thoughts, either because we feel helpless or we simply don't want to accept how good our lives are here, and how much has to be done for the world's poor and the world's oppressed. This is very strong, this material, and it is worth seeing for Julia's performance alone. It should move us to action, even if action is no more than a small donation for the poor. The film has left me deeply troubled, but better for having seen it.

The previous reviewer missed a large part of the point of this film. Archbishop Oscar Romero was among dozens of Catholic priests, religious and lay people murdered or tortured for their Gospel witness of support for the poor. The greed of the wealthy is the prime villain in the peice--and the repeated comment that "we want to live like the North Americans" helps viewers to understand what inspires that greed.
Church prelates were on both sides of the conflict, and Romero himself came to his position as a result of becoming archbishop and seeing first hand the terrible suffering of the poor because of the civil war in El Savlator. An inspiring portrait of the witness that is still being carried out by martyrs like last year's Sister Dorothy Stang--who, like Romero, was murdered for her stand in solidarity with the poor.

I can't describe the contend of this dvd which is a nice documental to me, and which is not even close to real repression and abused happen from the goverment of E.S. with the help of tio caiman US [money & guns ] TO KILL INNOCENTS PEOPLE IN THE 80'S AND 90'S this movie bring me sad memories of how el salvador suffer those times. but one thing is for sure el salvador is small in land but big in heart. I recomended this movie to all people . this is a classic

I'm not Latin, or Catholic, or poor or privileged, so I watched this as a complete outsider. The late Raul Julia was astonishing as Oscar Romero and there's no other word for it. His conversion from the bookish don't-make-waves bishop to the fighter for the poor and repressed is utterly believable and unforgettable in its power and conviction. Every supporting actor in this film, from the late Richard Jordan as the priest whose murder begins Romero's conversion to Tony Plana as the priest turned guerilla who completes it, seems equally devoted to seeing that this story is told exceedingly well. I will never forget this film.

This movie is excellent as both an educational tool concerning political and economic realities in El Salvador in the years surrounding 1980, and a dramatic biography giving insight into the development of Oscar Romero's thought and faith. It requires patience to watch, but rewards the viewer with valuable insights.

This film relates the life of Msr. Romero's final days. The richness that Raul Julia's acting prowess gives this film makes it one of the most compelling films I've ever seen. For those who know the life story of Msr. Romero, this film touches the tip of the iceberg of how much he meant to the Pueblo Salvadoreno. His scrimage with church officals and their take on the war is inspirational, to say the least.
He brought the church out of the church buildings and brought it to the people that needed it the most.
This film is a jewel and chronicle of the type of impact a single man can have once he realizes his life's purpose.

I bought the movie because I'm enamored by Latin history and culture, especially in Central America in the 70's and 80's. The movie is great!! But as a DVD it is less than adequate. It's obviously mastered from an average-grade video (cassette?). It's that marginal, quality-wise. If ever it is properly remastered I will repurchase it and give my current copy away. What a shame this film could not be mastered from the negative or interpositive for best grain, sharpness and color saturation. Raul Julia put his soul into this movie. It would be nice to present it the way I viewed it in the theatre.

This inspiring film is carried by the powerful portrayal by Raul Julia of the courageous archbishop of El Salvador , Oscar Romero who was assassinated by the military junta supported, armed and funded by the US.

The film shows a reluctant hero who is catapalted from political complacency with the exploitative ruling class into an outspoken voice for the persecuted poor of El Salvador.

The ultra-conservative Romero was chosen to be archbishop by the Vatican because he was expected to maintain the status quo. (Pope John Paul's II obsession with anti-communism was the impetus behind the Vatican's determination to eradicate liberation theology- the spiritual movement that promoted justice for the poor based on the Gospels.)

The religious term 'metanoia'means a radical change of heart and Raul Julia sensitively and intensely captures this spiritual event within Romero after his priest-friend is extrajudicially murdered.

Romero's emerging courage to be the voice of the voiceless in the face of a violent state adversary is inspiring and teaches us that the timid, the conservative can rise up against injustice. Must rise up to end the suffering of the persecuted poor.

A significant follow up book, is Disturbing the Peace, the story of Fr Roy Bourgeois who began the School of Americas watch..Fort Benning in the USA is the training school of international torturers who have murdered thousands of people throughout South America.

Let me start off by recognizing the makers of this film who are the Paulist press. Any good Catholic knows that the Paulists tend to toy with dissent. Now having stated that on to the review:
I agree that Raul Julia's performance was exceptional. He brought out he character of the late Archbishop very well. And along with the sets and extras they merit 3 stars out of 3 .
What I did not like about the film is its overtly gross support of Liberation Theology that has been denounced by the Church as heresy, due to its incorporation of Marxism. The archbishop himself wasn't a liberation theologian...he denouced Marxism. And he was critical of the greed of the rich. He didn't hate them. He was constantly reminding them of the need to look after the poor.
The film also failed to show the spirituality of this man...and merely portrays him as a fighter that gave provocative speeches that aroused the passions of the crowds. But it fails to tell us that he was also cautious....
So if you want a good biopic of Romero, I suggest that you DON'T by the movie. If you're interested still, then I'd advice you to rent it.
Once agin Holy Mother Church has told us not to harbour resentment or envy towards anyone. The rich are not to be hated for what they have. That is communism. Some of the rich were once poor. And the poor should be cared for by giving them employment, education and a sense of self worth. I think Oscar Romero would agree!

One of the best illustrations of the abuse of power in the Catholic church, Romero depicts a priest in Latin America who tries to care for his congregation in ther spiritual needs AND their physical poverty. Fearful of communism, the Catholic church helps to cause his murder and the slaughter of several nuns at his parish. Powerful and gripping.