Romana

On March 25 the movie There be Dragons by Roland Joffe was screened in Spain. The story, set in the Spanish civil war, is centered on the research of a journalist, Robert (Dougray Scott), into the life of Josemaría Escrivá (Charlie Cox). While carrying out his work, Robert discovers that his Father, Manolo (Wes Bentley), with whom he has had no contact for eight years, was a friend of Escrivá during his childhood. The founder of Opus Dei thus becomes one of the protagonists in the film, which includes scenes from his childhood and his attitude towards the war.

After its screening in Spain, There Be Dragons traveled to theaters in the United States (May 6), Portugal (May 19) and Turkey (May 27), and will soon be shown in Latin America, Canada, the United Kingdom, China, India, the Philippines, and in some of the English-speaking countries of Africa.

The movie was widely discussed in the press and on the internet. The commentaries stressed, among other things, the striking exposition of the human drama of forgiveness, the convincing representation of the life of a contemporary saint, the insightful analysis of evil, and the need to struggle to overcome the obstacles that everyone encounters in life.

In Rome the movie was presented on March 21 at the North American College before eminent personalities of the Church and the world of culture. Present were the director, Roland Joffe, and one of the producers, Ignacio Gomez-Sancha.

There Be Dragons has already had a big impact on the lives of many people. The St. Josemaría web page has several testimonies from people, including actors taking part in the film, who have made important changes in their lives, or who have come to see the priesthood in a more positive light.