I really liked it. Joffe digs into deeper issues that engage the soul. You have to put up with artsy cuteness, but overall a cinematic triumph with a powerful message. . Here Joffe is particularly fascinated by the Christian concept of forgiveness. He dwells on the heroism that enables forgiving even the most heinous of deeds and the capacity for good to come out evil. As St. Josemaría preaches and practices forgiveness, he appears more courageous than the rebels facing bullets and beatings. Christ?s mandate to forgive, which seems so unpalatable to so many, through the lens of Joffé is the greatest and most noble act of all. In his rendering of St. Josemaría Escrivá, Joffé paints a new kind of hero, not a muscle-bound stoic who has been hardened by life into a perpetual scowl, but a joyous leader whose serenity draws others to his path. As played by Charlie Cox, Escrivá almost always has a smile on his lips. Quite soul-stirring.

I was expecting the movie to have the focus on the Spanish Civil War and the struggles of different factions involved during that time but in the end, it was really about the friendship between 2 individuals who went on opposite directions. The powerful thing about it is how the loyalty of one sustained the other even after his death and eventually, freed him from "his dragon." Beautiful and uplifting!

Watched TBD last night in Greenville, SC. Wow! I'm going back again to watch it tonight. There wasn't a dull moment, and according to a friend of mine who knows the details of the life of St. Josemaria Escriva, it is a very accurate portrayal. The actor who portrays the saint, Charlie Cox, does a superb job and is very affable and sympathetic. Also, Dougray Scott is outstanding as Robert. Admittedly this is a very Catholic movie (despite the fact that Roland Joffe, who directed it, is agnostic). But you don't have to be Catholic to appreciate the values touted here: charity, courage, bravery, forgiveness. The Da Vinci Code has met its match! Get the REAL story of Opus Dei here (sorry, no albino monks to be seen in it)