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Karol - A Man Who Became Pope
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Karol - A Man who became Pope: a movie you will not forget!
Review date: 2008-08-24 Rating: 10 out of 10
I expected this movie to be good, having read the previous reviews but I did not expect to be totally blown away by it. It was fantastic and held me for the full 3 hours from start to finish. I thought the acting and the locations were fantastic and I found it very moving having travelled to Krakow myself 2 years ago and read so much of the horror of the Nazi occupation of Poland. The film is about Karol Wojtyla's life from the beginning of the Nazi occumpation until he became Pope. It tells the stories of some of those who came into contact with him during this time and shows the human side of Pope John Paul 2. In particular I found the period after World War 2 very interesting as I had limited knowledge of the reality of communism in Poland during this period. But it is the triumph of hope and love which really hits you during this movie and in a world which often seems to be enslaved by darkness it shone a light, that no matter how dark a situation seems there is always hope and love will triumph. This movie will make you laugh, and make you cry and you will walk away feeling inspired by the example set by Karol Wojtyla who was without doubt one of the most important figures of the 20th Century. Well worth every penny!!
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Reviews
love the choice too few take
Review date: 2008-03-27 Rating: 10 out of 10
This film is probably the most profound and remarkable piece of art I have had the priveledge to experience.It truly touched my soul, words cannot do it justice, suffice to say the impact it has had on my life and those I have passed it onto has been of a truly trancendent nature.It is with sincere grattitude I write these words to all those involved in the film ,I applaud you all,but mostly my love and thanks go to John Paul 2nd who was and is the personification of all that love is and can be,for me this film shows that those who open themselves selflessly to Gods love can achieve miracles,there is no doubt what happens when one is assisted,it is the draw to live a life of purpose greater than ourselves, its for everyone. God bless
Amazing film
Review date: 2007-05-21 Rating: 10 out of 10
This film is a beautiful, moving tribute to a man who taught love and practiced what he preached. I think it is wonderfully acted by the title roles. I cannot recommend it highly enough. Pope Benedict himself gave it 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.
There is a second part to this production- 'KAROL; THE POPE, THE MAN' in which 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. The second part is only available through Amazon Canada but if you have a multi region DVD player then it is worth ordering. It is done with the same sensitivity and a higher level of accuracy that 'A Man Who Became Pope'. 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
The Primacy of Love
Review date: 2007-05-10 Rating: 10 out of 10
I got this dvd a couple of years ago after having read George Weigels biography "Witness to Hope" and have played it a few times which, for a movie, is unusual for me. I think its because of the triumph of hope and love ,in the most adverse circumstances, that inspires me about Karol Wojtyla's life, so you don't have to be a roman catholic, or particularly religious, to take something from this movie.
The movie covers the period from Wojtyla's late teens, just before the outbreak of war, through to the point when he is elected pope in 1978. The appeal he had seemed to transcend religious divides and I think the movie captures what animated its subject - love. It's a theme repeated throughout - doing the right thing for the right reasons. As he says at one point "Love explains everything", even the reason for our existence.
It is ironic that the two figures in the western world who are thought to have had the greatest influence in the demise of the Soviet Union were both former actors: Ronald Regan and Pope John Paul II. It almost suggests that each had been marked out for a role in what was to become one of the most significant events in modern history. Didn't Shakespeare write "All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players" ?
The intended destruction of Poland as nation, including all its culture, by the Nazi's is captured brilliantly in the portrayal of Hans Frank, Hitler's Governor of Poland (who later was to repent and accept his execution as just punishment for his crimes). The attempted suppression of any spiritual aspect to life in the communist era is also very well captured in the figure of the party chief who shadows Wojtyla as his influence begins to rise amongst the polish people. But special credit to the acting out of Karol, I think it captures that sensitivity and idealism that made him attractive to people from a wide spectrum of life, especially the young.
I aim to be watching this film again and again.
An excellent story
Review date: 2006-11-23 Rating: 6 out of 10
The story protrayed in this film is excellent. It sheds light on a person so important to faith and history. While I am facsinated with the content itself, some parts of the film let it down. Mainly due to the poor quality graphics and some poor acting (and scriptwriting I might add) in areas mean this film shall not be remembered for its literary merit - which is why I can only award it 3 stars.
Those interested in the person and papacy of John Paul II should perchase it, and it should also be in the DVD/Video library of any devout Catholic. However, those not interested in such topics should avoid this film, as they are not likely to enjoy it.
Product Details/Specifications
Recording label: Universal Pictures UK
Manufacturer: Universal Pictures UK
EAN: 5050582362282
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 1
Format: PAL,
Release date: 2005-11-14
Audience rating: Suitable for 12 years and over
Region code: 2
Running time: 180 minutes
Language: English (Original Language)