I've seen the movie title on Netflix for a while now, but never got around to watch it. It is about the biggest transition of power in Catholic church since the 15th century.
Anthony Hopkin is the resigning Pope Benedict XVI, and Jonathan Pryce as the new pope, Pope Francis. The movie is inspired by true events, and the script writing is stellar.
Although I am not catholic, I do believe in higher spirits. "God" plays an essential role in the movie, he is watching from the above is being reminded constantly. Throughout the movie, the two popes are the only 2 main characters, and there were long and intense conversations between them. Not only the conversation itself is very gripping, the delivery (acting) of it is also very captivating. The debate between the two popes who hold completely different views on the issues of the 21st century, such as divorce, homosexual and transgender.
What interested me the most was Pope Benedict admitting that he could "no longer hear God". He says prayers, but god does not answer. He sees Francis' arrival to Rome as God's answer, and he can hear God through Francis. I find it courageous of Pope Benedict knowing when to step down, and he still serves to God and abides to God's plan.
Pope Francis has enormous love for the poor, as he is born in Argentina to Italian parents. In the early part, he was humming a pop song from ABBA, which immediately indicates he is more forward thinking and in tune with the real world.
The cinematography is a good mix of documentary and theatric. Simple but not dull, grand yet intimate. In my opinion, this movie adds more colour to a religious event, makes a complicated issue easier for the audience. I was engaged with the characters and storyline every minute of the way. The only 0.5 was taken away is the parts of the story telling of the past events of the popes aren't as good as the main story. It's either the actors' delivery isn't as stellar as Hopkins and Pryce, or the director purposely doesn't want to take away the attention from the main story.
I enjoyed this movie very much and I highly recommend it to those who are interested in the story.
