Review of There Be Dragons (2011) by Billycat — 13 Jan 2012

A great movie. One of the best I've seen all year. It has a profound realism to the Spanish Civil War and gives us much appreciation for what Spain and it's people went through during the 1930's, a fact of history that is often lost on American audiences. Also the background on the distinctions of social classes and the affect on one's character and one's trajectory through life is very evident. Also, the film's depiction of Catholic priests is very true to the reality, so true that I have strongly recommend it to friends of mine who do not understand or have misconceptions to the Catholic religion. The line of thinking, the attitude, and utmost compassion of all the priests in the film are extremely close to that of the priests I observed in Catholic school. The ideas, the mindset, the philosophies, the outlook on life of the priests depicted in the film is almost exactly what was taught to me as a child and a teen while attending Catholic school. So I greatly appreciate seeing something so true to my the reality of my upbringing depicted on the big screen.

I greatly enjoyed how the film showed the Priest's weaknesses and how he must deal with keeping his vows and the ideals of his vocation in a time of war.

I also did enjoy seeing the strong female character. The Hungarian Communist who falls in love with orator. I liked seeing how well written she was in that even in her most vulnerable to time she does not sell out, she stays true to her ideals. But like most women who are true to themselves, she is punished. But I am glad to see her existence rather than not at all.

True, the Spanish accents could use some work, but other than that I have no complaints.

I think people who do not like this movie are those individuals who hold some bigoted notions. If you looked inside their brain you would find that they either hate Catholics, are threatened by strong women, are racist to Latinos and so by their ignorance lump Spain into the same lot as Mexico and Puerto Rico thinking it's all the same (f.y.i. Spain is part of Europe, not part of Latin America), or don't like upper middle class boys being depicted as ruthless, heartless, murderous spies. Because honestly, there is no other reason not to give this film an 8 at the very least, and that's if you're getting nit picky.

To the critics who put "There Be Dragons" down, you have no depth and so your opinions don't mean a penny to those of us with thinking brains. And have fun at your next Britney Spear's concert, I'm sure your reviews of it will be glowing since it's more your taste.