Romero

Raul Julia delivers a resonantly powerful performance as the title character in this brutally heroic true story of the life and death of El Salvadoran Archbishop Oscar Romero. Initially, Romero is seen as a quiet, bookish man, who questions the fervent political activity of his friend Father Rutilio Grande (Richard Jordan), who labors in behalf of the oppressed Salvadoran people. After Romero is named Archbishop in 1977--precisely because of these traits which assure the powers-that-be that he "won't make waves"--he is gradually drawn to the side of the guerilla fighters who are dying by the droves as the militaristic puppet government (funded by U.S. dollars) rules with an iron fist. When Father Rutilio is assassinated, Romero can keep silent no longer, and openly defies the aristocracy and military, while exhorting the people to work towards their freedom. Romero, which had a limited theatrical release, deserves a much wider audience, and may well be a contender for Oscar honors. This story of an intelligent book-learned man, who left the comfort of contemplation for an ultimately fatal course of meaningful action, is an inspiring story which not only serves to illuminate the tragic situation in war torn El Salvador, but also offers us a true hero in these decidedly anti-heroic times. Highly recommended. (R. Pitman)