It's Just Movies

— by JOSUE SANCHEZ —

If you watch the teaser and trailer for “There Be Dragons,” without knowing it’s partially based on a true story, you would probably find yourself thinking it was a mix between “The Rite” and “The Davinci Code.” It has similar elements, such as the troubled priest, the supernatural feel and the big cathedral=like buildings and sets.

But with the official trailer for the film — which stars Charlie Cox and Wes Bentley — we have a more complete look. Now, I feel we can actually enter into this real world and travel to the past to witness the events unfold in this partially true story.

I really love the “Love and War” aspect if it — since the movie is proclaiming to be an action-adventure romance. In the trailer, the war scenes kind off reminds me of “Cold Mountain” and “Enemy at the Gates,” (which both star Jude Law). Love stories that are interrupted by war are always timely, since this has been happening since the  beginning of man. And knowing the previous work of the director (Roland Joffé), movies such as “The Mission,” really gets my hopes up this movie can actually accomplish what it sets out to do.

Here is the very detailed description I found at the movie’s official website:

“There Be Dragons” is an epic action-adventure romance set during the turmoil of the Spanish Civil War. The story traces the lives of two young men, Josemaria Escriva (Charlie Cox) and Manolo Torres (Wes Bentley), childhood friends who are separated by the political upheaval of pre-war Spain to find themselves on opposite sides as war erupts. Choosing peace, Josemaria becomes a priest and struggles to spread reconciliation by founding the movement Opus Dei (Work of God).
Manolo chooses war and becomes a spy for the fascists. During this time, he becomes obsessed with a beautiful Hungarian revolutionary, Ildiko, who has joined the militia in pursuit of passion and purpose. But when Ildiko rejects him and gives herself to the courageous militia leader Oriol, Manolo’s jealousy leads him down a path of betrayal.
He commits heinous acts that will torment him until the end of his life. Only on Manolo’s deathbed will Josemaria’s message of forgiveness finally have a profound impact on him and on his estranged son, who comes to learn the truth of his father’s dark past.
As personal and national battles rage, the characters’ lives collide and their deepest struggles are illuminated. Only then can they face the ultimate choices that will result in tragedy or triumph and a chance for final redemption.

After visiting the official site, certain aspects of why I had enjoyed the trailer became evident. Academy Award-winner Eugenio Zanetti (“Restoration”) lends his magical touch as art director to this movie. Now throw in Academy Award-winner Yvonne Blake (“What Dreams May Come”) as wardrobe and costume designer, and Academy Award-winner Michelle Burke (“Quest for Fire,” “Dracula”) as makeup designer and you’ve got an explosion of art for your eyes to enjoy.

So, once again, doing research for an article actually helped me get excited for the project. Also, while doing research, I found the same comments over and over in the comment section of all the sites: Where are the dragons? Well, you are not going to find them here, for the dragons are metaphorical.

So, check out the trailer and let us know what you think in the comment section.

“There Be Dragons” will hit theaters May 6, 2011.

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Follow Josue Sanchez on Twitter at http://twitter.com/Josue_can.