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There Be Dragons (2011) movie poster

Characters & Themes

There Be Dragons (2011) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
2011 · 120 min · English
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Directed by
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.

Biography Drama Cast, crew & box office
On this page (8)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Characters explained (2)
  3. 3 Where & when it takes place
  4. 4 Themes & meaning (3)
  5. 5 Character & meaning questions
  6. 6 Movie threads
  7. 7 Movies like There Be Dragons
  8. 8 Every angle
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2 main characters · contains spoilers

There Be Dragons Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of There Be Dragons (2011), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

  • St. Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer

    St. Josemaría is portrayed as a figure of faith during a turbulent time. His unwavering commitment to his beliefs stands in contrast to the chaos surrounding him, providing a source of strength and inspiration. He exemplifies qualities of compassion and resilience amidst adversity.

    • 🙏 Faith
    • 🌟 Leadership
    • 💪 Resilience

  • Young Journalist

    The young journalist serves as a catalyst for the story, delving into his father's past to uncover hidden truths. His quest reflects a journey of self-discovery and reconciliation, as he grapples with his family's legacy. His character embodies curiosity and determination despite facing daunting circumstances.

    • 🔍 Investigation
    • 📖 Legacy
    • 🧠 Introspection

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:40

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Setting

Where and When Does There Be Dragons Take Place?

The setting of There Be Dragons (2011): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

Spanish Civil War

The Spanish Civil War lasted from 1936 to 1939, a time of great chaos and division in Spain. It was characterized by fierce combat between Republicans and Nationalists, resulting in profound impacts on Spanish society and politics. The struggles experienced during this time serve as a critical backdrop for the characters' journeys toward love, betrayal, and redemption.

Location

Spain

The film is set against the backdrop of Spain during the tumultuous period of the Spanish Civil War. This era was marked by significant political and social upheaval, which shaped the lives and destinies of many individuals. Spain's rich cultural heritage and its strife during this time provide a poignant atmosphere for the unfolding drama.

  • 🏰 Historical
  • 🚩 Conflict

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:40

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3 major themes

There Be Dragons Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is There Be Dragons (2011) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Love

    Love is a central theme in the film, depicted through relationships that evolve amidst chaos. Characters grapple with their emotions, revealing how love can inspire both greatness and suffering. The pursuit of love intertwines with their quests for identity and redemption.

  • Betrayal

    Betrayal emerges as a poignant element, illustrating the tensions and conflicts among friends and family during the war. Characters face moral dilemmas that test their loyalties, ultimately leading to profound consequences that affect their lives and relationships.

  • Redemption

    The theme of redemption flows throughout the narrative, highlighting characters' efforts to confront their past mistakes. Their journeys reveal the potential for personal growth and forgiveness, reinforcing the importance of facing one's demons for a chance at salvation.

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 20:40

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Character & theme questions

There Be Dragons Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about There Be Dragons (2011): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Where is the movie set?

The film is set in Spain, specifically during the Spanish Civil War. This setting provides a poignant backdrop of political and social upheaval that shapes the characters' lives and destinies throughout the story.

  • spain
  • setting
  • spanish civil war
  • location
Q2

When does the story take place?

The story takes place during the Spanish Civil War, which lasted from 1936 to 1939. This era of fierce combat between Republicans and Nationalists created profound division and impacted Spanish society significantly.

  • time period
  • 1936
  • 1939
  • spanish civil war
  • era
Q3

What was the Spanish Civil War?

The Spanish Civil War was a major conflict fought from 1936 to 1939 between Republicans (who supported the elected government) and Nationalists (led by General Franco). It resulted in profound social and political upheaval in Spain, with lasting consequences for the nation.

  • spanish civil war
  • history
  • republicans
  • nationalists
  • franko
Q4

Who is Josemaría Escrivá in the film?

St. Josemaría Escrivá is portrayed as a figure of unwavering faith during the turbulent war period. His character represents commitment to spiritual beliefs amidst chaos, exemplifying compassion and resilience. He is based on the real founder of Opus Dei.

  • josemaría escrivá
  • opus dei
  • faith
  • founder
  • saint
Q5

Who is the young journalist in the story?

The young journalist serves as the story's catalyst, investigating his father's hidden past. His quest represents a journey of self-discovery and reconciliation as he uncovers his family's complex legacy during the war era.

  • young journalist
  • father
  • investigation
  • self-discovery
  • past
Q6

What role does love play in the film?

Love is a central theme depicted through relationships that evolve amidst the chaos of war. Characters grapple with their emotions, revealing how love can inspire both greatness and suffering, intertwining with their quests for identity and redemption.

  • love
  • relationships
  • emotion
  • identity
  • redemption
Q7

How is betrayal depicted in the movie?

Betrayal emerges as a poignant element showing tensions among friends and family during the war. Characters face moral dilemmas that test their loyalties, leading to profound consequences that deeply affect their relationships and personal journeys.

  • betrayal
  • loyalty
  • moral dilemma
  • war
  • relationships
Q8

What does redemption mean in this story?

Redemption flows throughout the narrative as characters confront their past mistakes. Their journeys highlight the potential for personal growth and forgiveness, emphasizing the importance of facing one's demons for a chance at salvation.

  • redemption
  • forgiveness
  • personal growth
  • salvation
  • past mistakes
Q9

How is Opus Dei portrayed in the film?

The film depicts one of the main characters embracing a path of faith and establishing Opus Dei. This Catholic institution, founded in 1928, is shown emerging during the turmoil of the Spanish Civil War, representing spiritual commitment amid conflict.

  • opus dei
  • catholic
  • faith
  • organization
  • religious
Q10

Why do two friends end up on opposing sides?

Two lifelong friends find their lives irrevocably changed when one embraces faith while the other joins the fight for different beliefs. Their differing convictions place them on opposing sides of the devastating conflict, testing their friendship and forcing them to confront complex moral questions.

  • friendship
  • opposing sides
  • conflict
  • beliefs
  • war
Q11

Is the film based on true events?

Yes, the film has biographical elements, depicting St. Josemaría Escrivá de Balaguer, the real founder of Opus Dei. While some characters and events are fictionalized, the historical backdrop of the Spanish Civil War and its impact on real people provides authenticity.

  • biography
  • true story
  • historical
  • josemaría escrivá
  • real events

Movie threads

More Movies Like There Be Dragons, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes There Be Dragons tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Movies like There Be Dragons exploring faith and ideology in history

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.

  • historical
  • moral conflict
  • spiritual
  • serious
  • contemplative
  • ideological
  • Tone: serious, contemplative, bittersweet
  • Pacing: steady, character-driven
Why these movies?

The story pattern: 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.

Why they belong together: 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.

There Be Dragons movie poster

There Be Dragons

2011
Days of Glory movie poster

Days of Glory

2006
Les Misérables movie poster

Les Misérables

1978
Moral movie poster

Moral

1982
Persona Non Grata movie poster

Persona Non Grata

2015
Joseph movie poster

Joseph

1000
Heroes for Sale movie poster

Heroes for Sale

1933
From Hell to Victory movie poster

From Hell to Victory

1979

Movies about tested friendships like in There Be Dragons

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.

  • friendship
  • betrayal
  • redemption
  • tragic
  • bittersweet
  • reflective
  • Tone: bittersweet, tragic, reflective
  • Pacing: steady, investigative
Why these movies?

The story pattern: 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.

Why they belong together: 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.

Our Friend movie poster

Our Friend

2019
Boys on the Side movie poster

Boys on the Side

1995
The Princess and the Warrior movie poster

The Princess and the Warrior

2001
The Climb movie poster

The Climb

2020
Seeking a Friend for the End of the World movie poster

Seeking a Friend for the End of the World

2012
Look Both Ways movie poster

Look Both Ways

2006
My Bromance movie poster

My Bromance

2014
Battle Cry movie poster

Battle Cry

1955

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Movies Like There Be Dragons

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Browse all movie summaries
Dragon Rapide movie poster

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The Madonna and the Dragon

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The War Is Over

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Life in Shadows movie poster

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To Die in Madrid movie poster

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Long Live Death movie poster

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The Spanish Gardener movie poster

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Every angle

There Be Dragons (2011) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about There Be Dragons in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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