Year: 2011
Runtime: 120 min
Language: English
Director: Roland Joffé
Budget: $36M
During the turmoil of the Spanish Civil War, two lifelong friends find their lives irrevocably changed. One embraces a path of faith and establishes Opus Dei, while the other joins the fight for what he believes in. Their differing convictions place them on opposing sides of a devastating conflict, testing their friendship and forcing them to confront the complexities of a nation at war.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen There Be Dragons yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
Read the complete plot breakdown of There Be Dragons (2011), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
There Be Dragons explores the intricate narrative of the controversial founder of Opus Dei, St. Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer, in a portrayal that ventures to present a more favorable view of the Catholic organization, actively countering the prevailing sentiments established by Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code. Directed by Roland Joffe, this action-laden film intricately weaves in fictional characters while delving into widely resonant themes of love, betrayal, and redemption.
The story kicks off with a young journalist who embarks on a journey to unravel his estranged father’s connection to Escrivá during the chaotic era of the Spanish Civil War. Through this investigation, he uncovers a fascinating drama surrounding the intertwined lives of these two men and the hidden truths within his family’s history.
As Spain faces immense adversity and injustice, the lives of these two friends diverge dramatically; one is drawn toward a life grounded in faith, while the other is ensnared in the brutal realities of war. Throughout the movie, personal conflicts parallel national turmoil, bringing to light each character’s profound struggles.
Only by confronting these challenges can they ultimately weigh the life-altering decisions before them, leading to either tragedy or triumph, and offering a glimpse of potential redemption. There Be Dragons highlights the enduring significance of forgiveness within its narrative—a tale marked by paternal loss, a woman’s quest for love and purpose, and the existential battles of a man whose decisions shape the destinies of those around him.
Last Updated: October 27, 2024 at 22:08
Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.
Personal convictions are tested against the backdrop of a nation's turmoil.This section features films similar to There Be Dragons, focusing on historical dramas where personal faith clashes with political ideology. If you liked the exploration of conviction during the Spanish Civil War, you'll find other stories about moral choices in turbulent times.
Stories in this thread often follow characters whose personal journeys of faith or political belief are shaped by a larger historical conflict. The narrative juxtaposes intimate moral struggles with epic societal changes, creating a tapestry of personal conviction against a backdrop of war or revolution.
These films are grouped together for their shared focus on the intersection of personal belief systems and historical forces. They share a heavy emotional weight, a serious and contemplative mood, and a central theme of how individuals navigate profound ideological divides.
Lifelong bonds are strained to the breaking point by divergent paths.Discover films similar to There Be Dragons that explore the theme of friendships torn apart by differing beliefs. If you were moved by the story of two friends on opposing sides of a conflict, you'll appreciate these poignant dramas about loyalty and forgiveness.
The narrative pattern involves a close friendship established early on, which is then fractured by a major conflict—often ideological, moral, or situational. The story explores the consequences of this rift over time, often through reflection or investigation, leading to a bittersweet reckoning with the past.
This thread groups films that share a core emotional journey: the painful testing of a foundational friendship. They consistently feature a heavy, reflective mood, a steady pacing that allows for character depth, and a bittersweet tone that acknowledges loss while leaving room for understanding.
Don't stop at just watching — explore There Be Dragons in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what There Be Dragons is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of There Be Dragons with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape There Be Dragons. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Get a quick, spoiler-free overview of There Be Dragons that covers the main plot points and key details without revealing any major twists or spoilers. Perfect for those who want to know what to expect before diving in.
Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about There Be Dragons: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.
Discover movies like There Be Dragons that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
There Be Dragons (2011) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
There Be Dragons (2011) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
There Be Dragons (2011) Spoiler-Free Summary & Key Flow
Movies Like There Be Dragons – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
The Endless Trench (2020) Story Summary & Characters
DragonHeart (1996) Detailed Story Recap
Salvador (1986) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
While at War (2019) Story Summary & Characters
The Madonna and the Dragon (1990) Full Summary & Key Details
Dragon Rapide (1986) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
To Kill a Dragon (1988) Complete Plot Breakdown
Blood and Sand (1941) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
To Die in Madrid (1963) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Life in Shadows (1949) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
The Spanish Gardener (1956) Film Overview & Timeline
The Blind Sunflowers (2008) Full Summary & Key Details
The War Is Over (1966) Movie Recap & Themes
Behold a Pale Horse (1964) Story Summary & Characters
Long Live Death (1971) Full Movie Breakdown