Watch Monsenor: The Last Journey of Oscar Romero

Monsenor: The Last Journey of Oscar Romero is a biographical drama film that chronicles the final years in the life of Oscar Romero, a prominent Roman Catholic priest who became the Archbishop of San Salvador, El Salvador in the late 1970s. The film, which was released in 2011, stars Pablo Alvarenga as Romero, and was directed by Ana Carrigan and Juliet Weber.

Set against the backdrop of the civil war in El Salvador, Monsenor: The Last Journey of Oscar Romero depicts the struggle of Archbishop Romero to stand up for the rights of the poor and oppressed in his country in the face of violent opposition from the military and the government. As the film begins, Romero is a conservative and cautious church leader who is initially reluctant to speak out against social injustice and violence.

However, Romero's views begin to change after a close friend, Jesuit priest Rutilio Grande, is murdered by government forces for his work with the poor. The event prompts Romero to re-examine his beliefs and to speak out against the atrocities committed by the military and right-wing death squads. He becomes an outspoken advocate for human rights, often using his weekly radio broadcasts to denounce the violence and call for an end to the conflict.

As Romero's profile grows, so does the danger he faces. Death threats and intimidation tactics become a part of his daily life, and he faces increasing pressure from the Vatican to tone down his rhetoric. Nevertheless, Romero refuses to back down, even as he becomes increasingly isolated and vulnerable.

The film also explores the personal and spiritual journey of Romero. Through a series of flashbacks and dream sequences, we see his early years as a humble parish priest, his transformation into a leader of the church, and his struggles with his own faith and doubts about his calling.

Throughout the film, Alvarenga delivers a powerful and nuanced performance as Romero, capturing both his personal and public struggles as he strives to make a difference in the world. He is supported by a strong cast, including Alberto Arene as Rutilio Grande, and Salvador Carranza as a conflicted government official who ultimately decides to join Romero's cause.

The film is visually stunning, with beautiful cinematography capturing both the peaceful beauty of El Salvador's landscapes and the stark horror of the war-torn urban streets. The haunting musical score, composed by David Murphy, adds to the film's emotional resonance, creating a sense of foreboding and unease.

Monsenor: The Last Journey of Oscar Romero is a moving and inspiring portrayal of one of the most important religious figures of the 20th century. It explores themes of faith, courage, and social justice, and serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there are those who are willing to stand up for what is right. The film is a must-see for anyone interested in the history of Central America, the role of the church in social justice movements, or the life and legacy of Oscar Romero himself.

Monsenor: The Last Journey of Oscar Romero is a 2011 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 28 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.2.