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Karol: The Pope, The Man

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I was born and raised in Warsaw Poland. I was 8 years old when Karol Wojtyla became Pope John Paul II. He was all what I new until he passed away last year. I will never forget his words:
"I plead with you-never,ever give up on hope, never doubt, never tire, and never become discouraged. Be not afraid. Do not forget that true love sets no conditions; it does not calculate
or complain, but simply loves". His love to God, Poland and all people was tremendous. He thought us how to forgive and go on.
This movie shows the fundaments of his faith and how it all happened. It is very emotional picture. It is 3 hours long but worth watching every minute of it.

Karol Wojtyla was deeply influenced by the events of the Second World War, or rather, the German invasion/occupation of his native Poland, to be more specific. That's the reason why this film is called what it is; as it tries to convey how the man himself was "made" by a particular historical era into the man the world has since come to know.   If you are looking for an all encompassing 'Life of John Paul II' this isn't the film for you. (See "Witness to Hope" on DVD for that, and/or read George Weigel's biography of Pope John Paul II by that same title.) Roughly half of this presentation concerns the era in which World War Two was fought, leaving not much time to address the half century of this man's service that followed. In many ways, thus, this film is very much a window into Nazi-occupied Poland; a film that one could usefully watch along with "The Wannsee Conference," "Schindler's List," and others. On that level it is a fine film indeed. Piotr Adamczyk, the actor who portays the future pope, moreover, handles the role with remarkable aplomb.   As the story of "The Man who became Pope," however, this film suffers from some very serious shortcomings. In the film pivotal scenes, for instance, are portrayed by a "Father Tomasz Zaleski," who plays Karol's close friend of many years---his spiritual advisor even; a man we ultimately see get shot by a Nazi firing squad. Too bad all this is, in George Weigel's words, "a complete invention. Young Karol Wojtyla did have a spiritual director, Father Kazimierz Figliewicz, but Figliewicz was not his contemporary and was not shot by the Germans, " Weigel has written. Karol's relationship with "Hania," in real life the Polish actress Halina Krolikiewicz Kwiatkowska, is also doctored. A close friend of Karol, she is portrayed as kept in the dark by his decision to join the priesthood (seemingly belied by the fact that he was very open about this with friends supposedly); who then doesn't marry for 7 years---seemingly to imply something here. But she actually married soon thereafter. And her first child was later (1946) baptized by Father Karol. And lastly, to quote Weigel again: "The filmmakers also invent a member of a Wojtyla youth group who is really working for the SB, the secret police. This is not only a total fabrication; it's an insult to the men and women who were, in fact, Karol Wojtyla's closest lay friends, and whose networks were certainly not penetrated by Polish intelligence." But the film adds the fictional priest above, the hint of romantic relations that didn't exist, and---for added measure---some espionage spice that no evidence exists to support. To reiterate: The film is well done and does convincingly convey the spirit of the future John Paul II. Just don't take all the details of the story presented herein as gospel should you choose to view this film along with "Witness to Hope."   God Bless

I would think the best words used to describe this movie were expressed by Pope Benedict XVI:


ADDRESS OF HIS HOLINESS BENEDICT XVI
AT THE VIEWING OF A FILM
ON THE LIFE OF POPE JOHN PAUL II


Thursday, 19 May 2005


Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I am certain to interpret the common sentiments and express living gratitude to those who wanted to offer me and all of you the opportunity to view this moving film tonight; it traces the life of young Karol Wojty³a, leading to his election as the Pontiff known as "John Paul II".

I greet and thank Cardinal Roberto Tucci for his introduction to the film. I then address a word of admiration to the director and writer, Giacomo Battiato, and to the actors, especially Piotr Adamczyk who played the part of John Paul II, to the producer Pietro Valsecchi and to the networks "Taodue" and "Mediaset".

I cordially greet the other Cardinals, Bishops, priests, Authorities and all those who wanted to take part in this viewing in honour of the beloved Pontiff, recently deceased. We all remember him with deep affection and heartfelt gratitude. Yesterday, he would have celebrated his 85th birthday.

"Karol, un uomo diventato Papa" [Karol, a man who became Pope] is the title of the drama, taken from a text by Gian Franco Svidercoschi. The first segment, as we have seen, highlights the situation in Poland under the Nazi regime, with emphasis - now and then very emotionally strong - given to the repression of the Polish people and to the genocide of the Jews. These are atrocious crimes that show all of the evil that was contained in the Nazi ideology.

Young Karol, shocked by so much suffering and violence, decided to do something about it in his own life, answering the divine call to the priesthood. The film presents scenes and episodes that, in their severity, awaken in the viewers an instinctive "turning away" in horror and stimulates them to consider the abyss of iniquity that can be hidden in the human soul.
At the same time, calling to the fore such aberration revives in every right-minded person the duty to do what he or she can so that such inhuman barbarism never happens again.

Today's viewing takes place just some days after the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. On 8 May 1945 the conclusion was marked of that frightful tragedy which sowed destruction and death, in a measure never-before heard of, in Europe and in the world.

Ten years ago, John Paul II wrote that World War II appears with evermore clarity as a "suicide of humanity". Each time a totalitarian ideology crushes man, humanity as a whole is seriously threatened. With the passing of time, memories do not have to fade; rather, they must be a stern lesson for this and future generations. We have the responsibility of reminding especially youth of the forms of unprecedented violence that can lead to contempt for men and women and the violation of their rights.

Under the light of Providence, how can we not read as a divine plan the fact that on the Chair of Peter, a Polish Pope is succeeded by a citizen of that Country, Germany, where the Nazi regime was the most vicious, attacking the nearby nations, Poland among them?

In their youth, both of these Popes - even if on opposing fronts and in different situations - knew the cruelty of the Second World War and of the senseless violence of men fighting men, people fighting people.

During the final days of the Second Vatican Council held here in Rome, the Polish Bishops consigned the "letter of reconciliation" to the German Bishops; the letter contained those famous words that today too resound in our souls: "We forgive and we ask forgiveness".

In last Sunday's Homily I reminded the newly-ordained priests that "nothing can improve the world if evil is not overcome. Evil can be overcome only by forgiveness" (L'Osservatore Romano English Edition, 18 May, p. 7). May the mutual and sincere condemnation of Nazism, as with atheistic communism, be everyone's duty for the building of reconciliation and peace on forgiveness.

"To forgive", our beloved John Paul II again reminds us, "does not mean to forget", adding that "if memory is the law of history, forgiveness is the power of God, the power of Christ that works in the vicissitudes of man" (cf. Insegnamenti di Giovanni Paolo II, XVII/2 [1994], p. 250). Peace is, in the first place, a gift of God, who makes sentiments of love and solidarity arise in the heart of the person who welcomes it.

I hope that, thanks also to this witness of Pope John Paul II commemorated in this meaningful film, there will be a revival on the part of each person in the proposal to work - each in his or her own field and according to one's means - at the service of a definite action for peace in Europe and in the entire world.

I entrust the hope of peace that all of us carry in our heart to the maternal intercession of the Virgin Mary, who is venerated especially in this month of May. May she, Queen of Peace, encourage the generous contribution of those who intend to put their efforts toward the building of true peace on the solid pillars of truth, justice, freedom and love. With these sentiments, I extend to all my Apostolic Blessing.

-- POPE BENEDICT XVI


[...]

I ordered this film from Canada because you can't get the second part in the UK and it was totally worth while. The Pope, The man is wonderful and a little more accurate than A Man Who became Pope which took liberties with the early part of JP's life. I was profoundly moved by many aspects of both films-I will treasure this DVD.

Both films are a beautiful, moving tribute to a man who taught love and practiced what he preached. I think they are wonderfully acted by the title roles- I cannot recommend them highly enough. Pope Benedict himself gave them a favourable review but you don't need to be Catholic, Christian or even religious to recognise the goodness of JPII and see the gift he had with people- especially youth.

This film captures the essence of who Karol was and what motivated him in a time of oppression and fear. It puts the message of John Paul's papacy 'DO NOT BE AFRAID' into a new light when you see how hard he must have struggled not to let fear conquer him in his life.

In 'KAROL; THE POPE, THE MAN' the actors reprise their roles - Piotr Adamczyk is utterly superb in portraying the Pope to the point of his death. This young actor really does deserve praise. Together these are truly great films that inspire and uplift like the man himself.

I hope as many people as possible get the chance to enjoy them

Don't be wrong. This is the second part of the TV series "Karol: A Man Who Became Pope". If the first part is very good, inspirational, it doesn't matter if you are or not catholic, the history of this Pope is a mandatory reference to both centuries, the 20th and 21th. This movie begins when karol became John Paul II. The music.....aaaah, the music was composed for Ennio Morricone....if you enjoy the music of The Mission, you will love this soundtrack.

Pope John Paul II is probably the most famous Pole in recent history. Before he was Pope John Paul II, he was Karol Wojtyla. Before he became the Pope, he was an actor, poet, teacher, and priest. "Karol: A Man who Became Pope" traces his personal history from the early days of the second world war up until the time he becomes the Pope. His life story is an interesting and inspirational.

The movie begins with a young Karol at the start of World War II, we get to see a close up look at the brutal German invasion of Krakow and how Karol managed to lived though it. The arrival and occupation of the city must have been a traumatic experience, and we get to see the death and destruction the Nazis brought from the perspective of Karol and his friends. Events in the war influenced Karol and made him decide to become a priest so he could help others.

With the end of the war, Poland did not have an easy time, as now the Russians controlled Poland. Priests were a persecuted group as the communists were atheists. A spy was placed to watch Wojtyla as he was deemed to be a threat to communism. We get to see the future Pope develop as a person and spiritually, as he touches the lives of so many people. It was incredible to watch how all of this unfolded.

There are several messages in the film. One theme is life and death, as Karol sees others suffer and even die; yet he does not loose his faith. He remains hopeful and strong in situations where others would give up. This brings us to the other major themes of the movie: faith and love. He never lost his faith in a better future. We also see how love can triumph over hate. Love can pave the way to a better future, and whatever banner hate has, it will not triumph over love.

"Karol: A Man who Became Pope" shows us the amazing story of how Karol Wojtyla persevered from Nazi to communist persecution, detailing the incredible story of an amazing man. It was a reminder to me that hope and faith should not be abandoned in bad times; in fact, they are most needed then. I highly enjoyed this inspirational and touching film.

Although fitting a mainstream audience, 'Karol: A Man Who Became Pope,' has to be one of the greatest movies in Catholic cinema. Taking the life of Pope John Paul II (featuring Polish actor Piotr Adamczyk) from the Nazi invasion of Poland to his rise to the papacy, 'Karol...' clocks in at 3:06 without a wasted scene. The acting is decent to solid, and there are enough threads throughout to create a seamless presentation. Relationships are focused upon clearly while the story weaves its way through the ordeal and horror of Nazi occupation to the decades of communism until the man who said, "Evil will devour itself," becomes that self-fulfilling prophecy.

Familiar to most people, not just Catholics, the story is a study in resiliency, a witness to a spirit that isn't broken--even in the direst of circumstances. The highlights include his relationships with Jewish friends, his underground actor days, his eventual embrace of priesthood, and his scholarly and ecclesial roles as they develop. At the forefront are history defining moments that swirl around the main protagonist. Always authentic, never dull, and stirring without a shred of sentimentality, 'Karol: A Man Who Became Pope' is a master portrait of a man and his flock over time.

This movie by far is the best and most accurate biographical movie about Pope John Paul II. There is a second part that is soon to come out in DVD called "Karol: The Pope who remained a man" which portrays the papacy of JPII. This movie shows his early life culminating in his election to the papacy in 1978. It has brilliant international actors who play their parts superbly like Hristo Shopov (Pontius Pilate from "The Passion of the Christ") who plays a major part as the Communist agent who persecuted Karol Wojtyla for many years and Raoul Bova (who brilliantly plays the future Pope's brave friend and priest during World War II). If one really wants to understand Poland under Nazi and Communist occupation and understand how Karol Wojtyla developed his vocation, this is the movie to watch. And watch for the sequel "Karol: The Pope who remained a man", it is equally as good.

This is not just a great Catholic movie but a great movie in general. It focuses on the Pope's path to becoming a Pope. It chronicles his life in Poland during World War II and the Soviet Communism following. I saw the movie with my grandmother who was about the Pope's age about 50 kilometers from the site when Poland was attacked during the war and she thought the movie conveyed the times pretty realistically. Actually, that is also what she said she didn't like about the movie because it brought her back to the times she didn't want to go back to. As for me, the younger generation (I am in my early 20s), the movie was emotional, dramatic and involving. It is hard to believe it was someone's real life because it really reads more like fiction. The acting was great as well. Note: I have only watched this movie in Polish so it may be a different experience watching a version dubbed in English or with English subtitles.

I saw this movie on cable and was inspired. I'm glad quality copies are now available for purchase. This is a film I've watched again and again and shared with others because of the strength, courage, and compassion of Karol Wojtyla.