The lives of two childhood friends. They both began their studies together at the seminary, but only one of them became a priest. The first, Josemaría Escrivá, became the founder of Opus Dei; the other, named Manolo, faced a life full of struggle and suffering.

The film unfolds as Manolo’s recollections of his own life and that of Josemaría. His motivation for recounting these events is his stepson’s interest in writing a book about Josemaría Escrivá.

At the beginning, the film depicts the childhoods of both boys, Manolo and Josemaría. Later, their friendship falls apart due to Manolo’s conceit. Although they briefly reunite at the seminary, where they both begin their studies, Manolo eventually leaves the seminary and becomes an unstable rebel.

The fates of these two men are intertwined with the growing tension stemming from the hostility between right-wing and left-wing supporters, which ultimately leads to the Spanish Civil War. Both men are drawn into this war, but each in a different way.

Josemaría tries to navigate life’s difficulties by following Christ, whereas Manolo is consumed by hatred. Despite their previous disputes, both men demonstrate their friendship. Manolo saves Josemaría’s life on several occasions, and Josemaría, in turn, seeks to save Manolo’s soul.

The film touches on several moments from the Civil War and analyzes the direct impact of the war on the lives of Manolo and Josemaría. Several profound thoughts by Josemaría Escrivá are woven into the film.

USA / Argentina / Spain, 2011

Crew: Roland Joffé;

Cast: Charlie Cox, Wes Bentley, Dougray Scott, Unax Ugalde, Olga Kurylenko, Golshifteh Farahani, Rusty Lemorande, Ana Torrent, Jordi Mollà, Rodrigo Santoro, Geraldine Chaplin, Lily Cole;

Parents Guide:

A few kissing scenes and a suggested romantic relationship between the girl Ildikó and the leader of a left-wing armed group.
Several violent and combat scenes, including killings, particularly in connection with the Spanish Civil War. A fight between Manolo and Josemaría.
A few kissing scenes.
Smoking appears several times.

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