Pope John Paul II is an almost three-hour production that examines the extraordinary life of St. John Paul II. Though it is currently in movie format, it was originally released as two parts in a TV mini-series on December 4, 2005 by CBS. The film featured well-known stars such as Jon Voight, Cary Elwes, Ben Gazzara, James Cromwell, and Christopher Lee, and it received a nomination for “Best Family Television Movie or Special” at the Young Artist Awards.
I was inspired to watch Pope John Paul II after going through the extensive readings in my Church history class about him. Since I had previously seen this film close to 10 years ago, I was excited to re-watch it again from a more mature and knowledgeable point of view.
The date is May 13, 1981 and John Paul II (Jon Voight) is seen getting ready to greet people in St. Peter’s Square. The movie gives the air that it was a normal day and that all are happy and at ease. That mood changes when John Paul II is shot four times and is immediately rushed to the hospital. We see the drama that surrounded this attempted assassination, and while John Paul II blacks out from blood loss we are transported back in time to Krakow in the year 1939. He was then known as Karol Wojtyła (Cary Elwes). The first half of this film shows events from Karol’s life such as his experience under both Nazi and Soviet rule, along with his eventual ordination to the priesthood.
Towards the middle of the movie, we see the now Cardinal Wojtyła at the Vatican. This is his second time working as a cardinal to elect a new pope, as he had just previously been at the Vatican to elect the recently deceased Pope John Paul I. After receiving the most votes he accepts his role and becomes the first non-Italian pope in over 400 years. The next half of the movie carries on to show his beginnings as pope, the healing he went through after his the attempt on his life, and his overall influence in bringing about the fall of Communism.
This film made me think, laugh, and feel deep emotions due to its portrayal of John Paul II’s wit, charisma, and the suffering he went through in his life. Besides the comments from my husband regarding a few poorly integrated green screens, I thoroughly enjoyed the film’s fantastic scenery and beautiful soundtrack. The only thing that bothered me was the transition from Cardinal Wojtyła (Cary Elwes) to Pope John Paul II (Jon Voight). I was rather saddened to see Cary Elwes, who acted magnificently, going so soon, but in hindsight, I completely understand the importance of the cinematographic transition which happens at this point.
I would highly recommend this film to anyone interested in learning about St. John Paul II’s life, understanding his widespread influence, or gaining insight into the period of oppression that he witnessed. I give this film a 5 out of 5 stars!
Pope John Paul II can be purchased at: https://www.ignatius.com/Pope-John-Paul-II-P1969.aspx
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