Pope John Paul II Movies
- 2007
The release Santo Subito!: Pope John Paul II sets footage of the speeches and singing of the titular Papal Father to an original score comprised of Gregorian chants, electronic Trip hop music, and melodies performed on traditional acoustic guitar. Compositions heard on the soundtrack include: "Dio, Nostro Padre," "Cristo Salvatore," "Monte Sinai" and "Dio di Misericordia." ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide
The Seed of Faith provides a forty-five minute documentary exploration of the life of the late Karol Józef Wojtyla, better known as Pope John Paul II - the second longest-reigning papal father in church history. Via a combination of rare photos and archival film, the program specifically explores the Biblical themes of hope and faith as manifest in John Paul II's life, paying particularly close attention to his ability to forgive Mehmet Ali Agca, the man who attempted to assassinate him. The film also traces John Paul's ascendancy from a humble childhood in Poland to the highest seat in the Vatican. Along the way, it cites his opposition to Communism and leftwing causes. The documentary pulls its theme, and its title, from Jesus's promise about having faith as small as a mustard seed, in Matthew 17:20. ~ Nathan Southern, All Movie Guide
- 2003
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Pope John Paul II is one of the most famous and controversial religious figures of his time, and his tenure as the leader of the Catholic Church has seen him winning enthusiastic support from many Catholics around the world at the same time that their obedience to his teachings is waning considerably. The Life & Times of Pope John Paul II is a documentary from filmmaker Terence McKenna that explores Karol Wojtyla's tragic early life in Poland, his stay in a forced labor camp during the Nazi occupation, his decision to become a priest, and his rise through the church hierarchy to become pope. The film also explores John Paul II's participation in political matters in the 1980s and '90s -- most notably his sometimes secretive role in the battle to defeat Communism -- and his uncertain role as he confronts ill heath while the Catholic Church endures one of the most painful crises in its recent history. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
- 2001
Do Not Be Afraid: The Life and Teachings of Pope John Paul II follows the career of Karol Wojtyla, the man who would one day be named Pope John Paul II. Ordained a priest in 1946, Wojtyla became the first native of Poland to be made pontiff of the Catholic Church, and the first non-Italian elected pope since 1522. Employing archival footage and an English-language interview with the pope, this HBO production depicts Pope John Paul II's life from his days as a student of philosophy, literature and drama, to his stint as teacher of ethics and technology, to his rapid rise from priest to Archbishop to Cardinal, and, finally, to the Catholic Church's highest office, where he became a world renowned public figure dispensing the Christian message of peace. ~ Steve Blackburn, All Movie Guide
- 1997
For this Italian-Polish-German co-production, Krzysztof Zanussi adapted the 1949 play Brat Naszego Boga by Karol Wojtyla, aka Pope John Paul II. Acknowledging the theatrical origins, the opening takes place in theater dressing rooms where the actors discuss their roles. Early scenes take place on stage before expanding cinematically. John Paul II recently canonized painter-turned-priest Adam Chmielowski as Saint Brother Albert, and the play was a tribute to Chmielowski, who gave up a comfortable life to work with the poor. The story begins in 1863 when Chmielowski (Scott Wilson) joins an uprising against occupying Russians and has a leg amputated. Working as a painter, Chmielowski is seen in his studio with various friends. After encountering a group of homeless people, he devotes much energy to helping them, eventually entering the priesthood to deal with the problems of poverty. Director Zanussi previously dramatized Wojtyla's life in From a Far Country (1981). Shown at the 1997 Venice Film Festival. ~ Bhob Stewart, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Scott Wilson, Christoph Waltz, (more)
- 1996
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This biography presents the life story of Pope John Paul II, who surmounted great odds to become the leader of the faith practiced by millions of people around the world. Pope John Paul II came to Rome from his native Poland, and became the first non-native Italian in five centuries to hold that position. The documentary traces his early life in Poland, and the hardships he endured under the communist regime. The program then turns to the travels and accomplishments of this pope, who has reached out to many lands and faiths on his mission of peace. Archival film clips, photographs, and interviews with friends, colleagues, and historians tell the story of the beloved pontiff. ~ Rose of Sharon Winter, All Movie Guide
- 1995
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In this home video produced with the cooperation of the Vatican, His Holiness Pope John Paul II serves Mass at St. Peter's Basilica, as well as in some of the great nations of the world, including France, Spain, Canada, Poland, and the Philippines. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
The life and career of Russian composer/conductor Igor Stravinsky is explored in this profile originally produced for the National Film Board of Canada and featuring a then eighty-year-old Stravinsky reflecting on his rich and varied musical career. In addition to offering a firsthand account of a musical legend, this release captures Stravinsky's creativity in action as he conducts the CBC Symphony Orchestra and the Festival Singers of Toronto in a special recording of "Symphony of Psalms". ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide
