Romero

The events unfold around the 1977 presidential election and the ensuing civil strife. The regime deploys death squads and blocks voters, while guerrillas wage a harsh insurgency. The film also foreshadows the prolonged conflict that culminates in the Salvadoran Civil War, which lasts into the early 1990s.

Set in San Salvador, the capital of El Salvador, the film depicts a country under a repressive, anti-communist dictatorship during the late 1970s. The city and surrounding regions are scenes of protests, militarized routes, and disappearances as the regime fights a growing guerrilla insurgency. The setting highlights a society under siege where faith institutions and civilians are increasingly targeted.

🕊️ Moral Courage

Archbishop Romero begins to act on his conscience, moving from cautious silence to outspoken critique of the regime. His sermons and public statements reveal a rising willingness to place justice above political convenience. The theme centers on how personal faith can translate into public moral action amid danger.

⚔️ State Violence

The government’s death squads, disappearances, and political intimidation form the film’s grim backdrop. The narrative shows how state violence is used to suppress dissent and maintain power, often hitting innocent civilians and religious figures alike. It also frames violence as a mirror of the regime’s fear and fragility.

🪧 Nonviolent Resistance

Despite escalating danger, Romero advocates peaceful resistance such as Mass, boycotts, and moral suasion instead of retaliation. The film portrays the power and limits of nonviolent protest when the regime refuses to concede. This theme emphasizes dignity, solidarity, and civil courage in the face of oppression.

⛪ Religious Authority Under Pressure

The Vatican’s cautious stance contrasts with Romero’s exposed conscience and public advocacy. The church becomes a battleground for moral authority as faith leaders navigate political pressures, fear, and killers. The narrative examines how religious institutions can act as catalysts for justice or targets of the regime.