Romero (1989)

Although it has its amusing moments, in eneral the plot does not convince.

what a terribly boring film. I'm sorry but this is absolutely not deserving of best picture and will be forgotten quickly. Entertaining and engaging cinema? No. Nothing performances with flat faces and mistaking silence for subtlety.

The movie's not perfect, but it sticks the landing of its message. It was engaging - thrilling at times - and I personally thought it was a great time.

A clunky actioner with a handful of cool moments.

In 1977, the military in El Salvador helps the conservatives win the crooked election. Oscar Arnulfo Romero (Raul Julia) and Father Grande (Richard Jordan) help the poor. Romero as Archbishop of San Salvador has to balance the factions inside the church. The National Guard massacres dozens of worshippers. Grande is killed by death squads. Romero tries to free Rafael Zelada from the guerrillas. Atrocities continue as he struggles to find a way.This is an important biopic of a compelling historical figure. Raul Julia is pulling back to play a calming presence in uncertain times. He does have some power acting moments. His performance is mostly one-note and that keeps tension from rising. Maybe an energized inner monologue could heighten the tension.

The comment about the overall editing seems harsh. The first portion of the film is admittedly not the best editing, but after that it is bordering on great. One scene in particular is worth looking at again and again. The film has the feel of two different editors and in fact that is what happened. This film is one of my all time favourites. It evokes mood and place and emotion and passion and atmosphere. All the elements of exceptional visual story telling. The fact that it is based on a real man who followed a very disciplined life and belief system, and had the courage and desire to stand up to certain perils makes this film a standout on every level.

Romero is easily one of the best films made in the 1980's. The film is astounding. It is in fact very depressing, but shows the cruel and unusual ways of the San Salvadorian government in the 1970's. The film is violent and sometimes disturbing. I showed this film to my freshman classes at school, and they were somewhat disturbed. The main reason this film is so good, is Raul Julia's performance. His role as Oscar Romero really gave light to the film, and also impressed many of my students. His assassination scene is handled very well. Great Film. You must see this wonderful adaptation of you are to get the truth of what happened in Oscar Romero's life. Rated PG-13 for Strong Violence, Language, and some Sexual References.

"Romero" is about injustice in the world but presents this theme without "preaching." It draws in the viewer through the excellent performance of Raul Julia (rest his soul! he is missed!). "Romero" is also about class differences and the intolerance of the powerful towards social change. It's a great film for teaching Americans about what life is like in the rest of the world. It's a Hollywood film that managed not to go Hollywood.