Customer Reviews

Pope John Paul II

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Cary Elwes and Jon Voight lovingly and skillfully portray one of the most beloved figures of our times. The research and numerous interviews with the Vatican and Pope John Paul II's close associates, make for a humorous and insightful storyline. It emphasizes his connections with Poland even after he becomes Pope and the "little stories" that reveal his humility and his devotion to God and to his friends and homeland. This is a much more personal and intimate portrait than we are accustomed to, and it was very moving.

The lead actors are excellent and the pope's devoted assistant and his secretary of state are especially interesting. Karol Wojtyla's fellow cardinals from Poland are played powerfully by Christopher Lee (Star Wars, Lord of the Rings) and James Cromwell (Babe).

On the down side, this was made as a TV movie and the budget limitations show in a number of the crowd scenes. Sadly incongruent with the overall quality.

This moving film truly captures the personality, spirit and character of Pope John Paul II thru the two powerful performances by Cary Elwes ("Princess Bride" fame) as the younger Pope, Karol Wojtyla, and the critically acclaimed performance by Academy Award winner, Jon Voight. Both actors give stellar performances to show the many facets of the Pope's personality and life, from his challenging youth in war torn Poland through his last days in the papacy.
Contrary to what another reviewer said about budget limitations, this is actually a big budget movie for television, a 20 million dollar production. It also had a full theatrical release throughout Poland, and had tremendous box office susccess, second only in revenues to "The Passion of the Christ". This is a very beautifully filmed production that has a great look to it, shot on location in Rome and Poland.
Director John Kent Harrison also wrote the screenplay, after interviewing those who were closest to the Pope, and Harrison just nails the story of the Pope's life so well. Both Elwes and Voight have publicly stated how greatly honored and humbled they were to play JP II, and they both said they worked extremely hard to portray the Pope as best as possible. They both succeeded admirably.
Voight was nominated for an Emmy Award for his performance, one that Variety called "remarkable", and USA Today said "Voight stands out as he closely mirrors our image of the Pope . . .with a mix of majesty and humility, humor and steel." Finally, the renowned Peggy Noonan said it was "Brilliant and warm . . the best work of Jon Voight's storied career."
I wholeheartedly agree. A memorable and deeply inspiring movie on John Paul II.

Jon Voight should receive an Oscar for this one, his best performance yet. Truly the best picture on the Life Of John Paul THE GREAT Buy this NOW you wont be disapointed.

This film is moving and enjoyable. Two different actors play John Paul II -- Carey Elwes until he becomes Pope, and John Voight after. Both get his voice down very well, so that the change in actor is not jarring at all. Voight portrays the slow decline of John Paul II's health extremely well. A very moving portrayal. The weak points of the film are primarily due to the limited (3 hour) time span. Especially the events of the pontificate seem to fly by, and it can sometimes be confusing as a result -- did he just visit Poland again? The first half is less emotionally moving than, for example "Karol, A Man who became Pope", but seems much more grounded in the facts.

This movie will make you cry. When I first saw it on T.V, I was very please in the way the movie was played and set up. This movie explains the life Karol(Pope John Paul II)and how he suffer during the World War II. Karol was a brave man with a great heart. I have never seen a man with a great and kind heart like Karol a.k.a John Paul II. This man is truely a servant of God. Two thumbs up!!!

Jon Voight provides a moving portrayal of one of the most under-stated personalities of the late 20th century. As a young man facing the Nazi invasion of his homeland he expresses the theme of his life saying that such an abyss of hate can only be met with an equal abyss of love. Becoming a priest in defiance of the Nazi followed by Communist authorities, he planted the seeds that would lead that country to freedom once again. As Pope he stood up for what was right and encouraged non-violent resistance as the tool of revolution. His homilies on the what he called, "the theology of the body" gave the logical and inspiring defense of human sexuality based on dignity and respect for human life. A man unimpressed with the difficulty of the cause so long as the cause was just and the methods of fighting for it did not contradict the dignity of mankind, his impact on the world will ripple out to the centuries that follow. He was a hero worthy of imitation and veneration. This portrayal is a good start at carrying on that message.

I was born in Warsaw, Poland and I was only 8 years old when Karol Wojtyla became our Pope. I think this movie is excellent, true story.
There are some political and historical inconsistencies - but only Pope and his polish fellows would know the difference. Besides it - A+ ! Jon Voight did wonderful job portraying this great man. God Bless Him.

A very faithful rendering of the late Pope John Paul II's biography. Jon Voight is at his best! The feature starts with the Pope's assasination attempt in St. Peter's Square and then moves to flash backs of Karol Woytyla's life. A stunning performance that communicates the spirit and hope this Pope has instilled in us all. A must see!
Mgr Alexander Cordina

This is one of the most moving movies I have ever watched. It's message is one that should be understood by all. I liked its message so much I purchased a copy for each of my children. You do not have to be Catholic to understand the meaning behind the life of Pope John Paul. The world should watch this movie. Very well done by the actors and director. I strongly recommend you take the time to watch it.

I met Pope John Paul II both as a young pope and when he was dying. In watching this video, I thought at some points I was actually seeing Pope John Paul II. Cary Elwes and Jon Voigt really captured the spirit of John Paul beautifully. An excellent movie that even my teenagers in the parish are enjoying.