The Two Popes
Introduction (from IMDb): “An intimate story of one of the most dramatic transitions of power in the last 2,000 years. Frustrated with the direction of the church, Cardinal Bergoglio (Jonathan Pryce) requests permission to retire in 2012 from Pope Benedict (Anthony Hopkins). Instead, facing scandal and self-doubt, the introspective Pope Benedict summons his harshest critic and future successor to Rome to reveal a secret that would shake the foundations of the Catholic Church. Behind Vatican walls, a struggle commences between both tradition and progress, guilt and forgiveness, as these two very different men confront their pasts in order to find common ground and forge a future for a billion followers around the world. Inspired by true events.”
After watching this movie a few weeks ago, I knew that I wanted to recommend it here, but I wasn’t sure which holiday to tie it to. After I heard the announcement on the radio today that Pope Francis had passed away, I knew that the right holiday was Easter, which was just yesterday.
With an 88% Fresh score on Rotten Tomatoes, the movie was and is critically acclaimed. Here are some of my favorite review snippets:
- “I'm strongly attracted to movies about real, true faith, because that necessarily involves conflict, struggle, and doubt.” (Fletcher Power, Wichita Public Radio).
- “Quietly riveting and unexpectedly lighthearted, the Two Popes presents two completely different men finding a middle ground, and in the process, a friendship.” (Dan Buffa, KSDK News, St. Louis).
- “Hopkins and Pryce are a joy to watch, relishing every 'Odd Couple', back and forth moment on their belief systems.” (Kelechi Ehenulo, Confessions from a Geek Mind).
- “Intelligent filmmaking, telling a very difficult, highly sensitive tale in a low-key, old-fashioned way, and still coming out as entirely relevant to the times.” (Milana Vujkov, Lola on Film).
Why I recommend this movie. Although I am a Christian, I am not a Roman Catholic. I came to the movie without knowing much about either Pope Benedict or Pope Francis. I learned a lot and came to appreciate both men. The Wikipedia entry for the movie says:
"Although much of the content is based on historic events, including speeches and philosophical debates that were published, most other aspects were fictionalized: "What you always do is you speculate", McCarten [one of the two screenwriters] said in an interview. "Hopefully that speculation is based in facts and the truth, and hopefully it's inspired", he added."
I certainly found the film moving and inspirational. I think you will too.