By June L.
Jan 20, 2012, 20:46 GMT
Based on events in the life of Josemaria Escriva (canonized by Pope John Paul II as a 20th Century Roman Catholic Saint) “There Be Dragons “ is a fascinating story.
Director and writer of the screenplay Roland Joffe created a fictional character Manolo Torres as a contemporary of Josemaria Escriva and the juxtaposition of the two lives in a terrible time enhances the value of Father Escriva’s works.
Robert Torres (Dougray Scott) has been asked to write a biography of Josemaria Escriva.(Charlie Cox.) He calls his father who lives in Spain to tell him that he will be coming to do research, even though they have been estranged for several years.
Rather than see Robert in person, Manolo (Wes Bentley) sends him tapes telling the story of his life and his connections with Josemaria. The story is revealed in a series of events, beginning with childhood and going up to the time of the Spanish Civil War, around 1938. We see the boys first as friends and equal in lifestyles and advantages. Manolo’s father is a hard businessman and Josemaria’s father owns a chocolate factory.
It is during a visit to the factory Josemaria learns from wise old Honorio (Derek Jacobi) that the cocoa bean is hard and rather ugly but with “patience, skill, hard work and love one can unleash the divine flavors hidden within.” It is the lesson of Josemaria’s life, as this theme occurs in many different times and events. While Manolo chooses a dark and wayward course, Josemaria makes every decision based on a love for life and his fellow creatures, and uses his skill and patience to try and help others live a better life.
There is much to harass him and to sway him away from both his belief and his calling, his life is often in danger in the war torn country, but he faces the dragons and never loses his way.
This film has a beauty that exists in spite of the wartime horrors of its time period.
There are moments of strength and courage, devotion and conviction as well as the belief that it can all be better. This isn’t a film that knocks the viewer over the head with the message; it is subtle and encouraging and leaves one with many thoughts.
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