The Shoes of the Fisherman (1968) Reviews

Be prepared to hunker down to this almost three-hour spectacle. Critics misplace their concerns for the subplots, which include the marital woes of the news anchor, George, and the philosophical struggles of priest David. In reality, Georges troubles permit the backdrop through which the newsman can narrate, thereby avoiding a more tedious reversion to voiceovers. The biggest fault here was failure to update the early cold war setting to a slightly more distant future that would have lent a prophetic light to Davids torment, and believability to the finale. Insight into Vatican pageantry traditions, and Quinns successful portrayal of the protagonist thrust into the position of redeemer that he endures despite grave misgivings, are the real jewels of this film.
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Had never heard of this movie until a friend told us he loved it. We were intrigued based on his brief story about the plot, but never imagined this movie to be the spectacular movie it is. It is some production that allows viewers to see the majestic Vatican, the entire Papal election process, and the beauty of Rome. Quinn and the supporting actors were excellent. The story is beautiful, very human, and of course, impossible. We will never see what happened in this movie in real life, but it was inspiring. Deserves 5 stars.
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It's a very rare thing - a fictional movie about papal hierarchy changing the world - but this film, while not popular when it was released, definitely has a message for all people. I loved the movie, the acting was good, but particularly the character of Kiril, a man risen from nothing who willingly offers to return to nothing to save the world. It's an inspiring story and worth watching!
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