The project was initiated by a member of Opus Dei, is partly produced and financed by the group’s members and has enlisted an Opus Dei priest to consult on the set. News of the project has set off criticism among some former Opus Dei members that the movie will be little more than propaganda for the organization. But Mr. Joffé, in the first interview he has given about the film, said that he had been given complete creative control and that Opus Dei never had any influence on the project
http://povcrystal.blogspot.com/2009/06/there-be-dragons.html
.... I do worry about how objective the film will turn out to be.
Dei, addressing many aspects of Opu Dei's operations.
http://www.americamagazine.org/content/articles/martin-opusdei.cfm
The
growth of such insulated groups with cult-like characteristics is
troubling. I learned recently that OD secretly tried to recruit my
daughter when she was in her early teens. All my husband and I knew was
that there was a gathering of young people at this couple's home, where
religious education and sharing occurred. Our daughter enjoyed some
activities, and we thought how marvelous she was interested. Regular
activities were organized, culminating in an invitation for a week's
trip to the mountains.
Since Michele was quite young at the time,
we were hesitant a bit. By the grace of God, we also became uneasy, and
something did not seem right though we could not pinpoint it. She did
not go on the trip.
Decades pass. She is now in her 40's, and
asked me to look through some old cartons of books to find some of her
favorite stories for her son. When I searched it, I found a little red
book titled, The Way, by Escriva, inscribed by the couple leading the
youth group. I was furious to think that she could have been recruited
to OD without our knowledge.
Several years ago, Michele gave me a chilling expose by a former
young woman who wasted decades in the group. Their recruitment
techniques, recounted in Fr. Jim's article, are truly disturbing. I
find them akin to smoke and mirrors, basically dishonest, and
manipulative of vulnerable populations.
That corporal
mortification is just plain sick, no matter how benignly some portray
it. Much in common with the Legion of Christ. Deny all they want; the
facts speak for themselves. See Opus Dei Awareness Network
http://www.odan.org/ started by a mother who went through hell over her
daughter's involvement in OD while at Boston College. Be informed and watch out for OD disinformation.
BTW, their headquarters in NYC has separate entrances for men and women.