The Two Popes
Netflix | Release Date: November 27, 2019
7.6
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 199 Ratings
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165
Mixed:
29
Negative:
5
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8
ajzeg01Jan 10, 2020
This is a very enjoyable and interesting drama about Pope Benedict meeting the future Pope Francis before his resignation. I think movies based on historical events that I actually remember happening in my lifetime, like this and Zero DarkThis is a very enjoyable and interesting drama about Pope Benedict meeting the future Pope Francis before his resignation. I think movies based on historical events that I actually remember happening in my lifetime, like this and Zero Dark Thirty, are really neat. I learned a lot about how the Catholic Church operates and how they choose a new Pope. The performances are very strong and the film is well-made and well-written, however I really wasn’t that into the flashback sequences. I thought they were very inconsistent in how they were made, some were in black & white and some were in colour and some were in a different aspect ratio. I thought it was confusing why the director made those choices. Other than that, this film is pretty solid. Give it a watch on Netflix, it’s good!… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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5
tropicAcesDec 5, 2019
Theory of Everything, Darkest Hour, Bohemian Rhapsody and now this; what is it with Anthony McCarten writing boring biopic films about historical figures?
6 of 8 users found this helpful62
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7
moviemitch96Dec 20, 2019
A simple yet expertly acted biopic from two great veteran actors! Sir Anthony Hopkins and Johnathan Pryce are a delight to watch interact with each other, and their dialogue and exchanges with one another are brilliant. Granted, it is aA simple yet expertly acted biopic from two great veteran actors! Sir Anthony Hopkins and Johnathan Pryce are a delight to watch interact with each other, and their dialogue and exchanges with one another are brilliant. Granted, it is a little slow and played a bit safely and close to politics in an effort to cater to everybody, which comes off a little weak, but really you should just come for the performances, because Pryce and Hopkins are at the top of their game here.… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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9
cflanmacDec 22, 2019
What a stunning move! Outstanding performances by two of the world's greatest living actors. No car chases; no sex, but a terrible moral dilemma and some A+ photography.
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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8
JumpCut_OnlineDec 4, 2019
The Two Popes is not the film I thought it would be. What seemed to be a standard performance showcase ends up being a thoughtful meditation on change, faith, and the burdens we place on ourselves as life goes on. The result is an insightful,The Two Popes is not the film I thought it would be. What seemed to be a standard performance showcase ends up being a thoughtful meditation on change, faith, and the burdens we place on ourselves as life goes on. The result is an insightful, moving, and often very funny film with something truly profound to say. Bolstered by a strong script and a pair of brilliant performances from Hopkins and (especially) Pryce, The Two Popes is a spiritual journey well-worth taking.… Expand
2 of 3 users found this helpful21
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8
BHBarryDec 21, 2019
“The Two Popes” stars Jonathan Pryce (as reformist Pope Francis) and Anthony Hopkins (as traditionalist Pope Benedict) in this bio-drama written by Andrew McCarten and directed by Fernando Meirelles. The film tells the story of German born“The Two Popes” stars Jonathan Pryce (as reformist Pope Francis) and Anthony Hopkins (as traditionalist Pope Benedict) in this bio-drama written by Andrew McCarten and directed by Fernando Meirelles. The film tells the story of German born Pope Benedict as he contemplates renunciation of his papal title and the ultimate ascension of Argentinian born Pope Francis as the successor prince of the Catholic church. This is an interesting and inspiring movie and a tribute to the current Pope whose values and humanity are present in every stage of his career including, most importantly, the manner in which he governs and administers his religious followers as its leader.
If the film has one drawback, it is just too long and contains dialogue between these two theological giants that makes it difficult for the viewer to remain focused because of its length. On the positive side, the film gives an introspective look at the makeup of these two men, how they differ in perspective and how really human they both are. Add to that actual footage of real life events, glimpses as to the inner workings of the papacy and spectacular views of the Vatican, all of which are gifts to the viewer for having tolerated the long theatrical experience. I give the film an 8.0 for its honest portrayal of life in the Vatican and those who reside in it.… Expand
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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9
GiesonDec 21, 2019
Either you are a believer or not, "The Two Popes" delivers great entertainment, thanks to the incredible Oscar-worthy performances by Pryce and Hopkins, a great editing and a witty script
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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8
KeithDowDec 10, 2019
While church doctrine remains severely problematic, the movie itself is truly a spectacle of wondrous filmmaking.
1 of 2 users found this helpful11
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6
imthenoobDec 22, 2019
Pryce and Hopkins do an amazing job, which is no surprise considering how talented they are as actors. Sadly, the film doesn't do their performances justice. While it is not a bad movie, a lot of the flashback scenes feel tacked on and out ofPryce and Hopkins do an amazing job, which is no surprise considering how talented they are as actors. Sadly, the film doesn't do their performances justice. While it is not a bad movie, a lot of the flashback scenes feel tacked on and out of place. It doesn't fit the narrative well and to me, it felt like they were rather unnecessary. And at times, the movie felt a bit cheesy and made me roll my eyes more than once.

Overall, not bad, worth checking out for the performances but that is about it.… Expand
1 of 3 users found this helpful12
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3
katezoeDec 30, 2019
A boring and simplistic movie with uninspired cinematography and set design. Expect more from Netflix.
0 of 5 users found this helpful05
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8
TVJerryDec 15, 2019
When traditional Pope Benedict (Anthony Hopkins) decided to step down in 2013, he called the future reformist Pope Francis (Jonathan Pryce) to Rome. The discussion of their conflicts takes up much of the narrative with some side trips toWhen traditional Pope Benedict (Anthony Hopkins) decided to step down in 2013, he called the future reformist Pope Francis (Jonathan Pryce) to Rome. The discussion of their conflicts takes up much of the narrative with some side trips to crucial events in the past. When you put 2 powerhouse actors together you can expect a tremendous time and in this case, it pays off…and not in bold emotional grandstanding, but in quiet interactions and underplayed drama. Despite the inevitable debates over doctrine, the script maintains interest by developing the budding friendship of this unlikely couple. With restraint, intelligence and compassion, it's a fascinating look into this crucial time in Catholic history, resulting in a sweetly affecting film. (Mostly in English but some sections are subtitled Spanish and Latin.)… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
TyranianApr 25, 2020
Pretty good depiction of potential conversations between the two Catholic leaders. Very well-acted.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
mrmonsterDec 24, 2019
I liked The Two Popes, but I did not love it. On one hand, it is carried by two great performance from Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce. On the other hand, the film lacks any real depth, it does not do much more to tell us the story of whatI liked The Two Popes, but I did not love it. On one hand, it is carried by two great performance from Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce. On the other hand, the film lacks any real depth, it does not do much more to tell us the story of what happened than anyone who watched the news around the time wouldn't already know. It stops just short of being great by not going the extra mile.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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6
jfrisbyDec 24, 2019
Great performances by Hopkins and Pryce, but the film really feels like it turns into a fluff-piece-biopic of Pope Francis halfway in (and it cuts to a tv-movie level flashback of his earlier life), and the interesting philosophicalGreat performances by Hopkins and Pryce, but the film really feels like it turns into a fluff-piece-biopic of Pope Francis halfway in (and it cuts to a tv-movie level flashback of his earlier life), and the interesting philosophical conversation between the two basically stops. Feel like a lot of potential was wasted here, especially after seeing something like The Young Pope.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
GotHeeeemJan 1, 2020
If you believe in God its a 10/10 movie. If you dont you might wanna pass on it because you might not get it. Overall though its a great movie to learn a little more about who the current pope is and how one becomes pope. Great acting andIf you believe in God its a 10/10 movie. If you dont you might wanna pass on it because you might not get it. Overall though its a great movie to learn a little more about who the current pope is and how one becomes pope. Great acting and directing throughout the film.… Expand
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9
HealingToolboxDec 24, 2019
9 or 10 depending on how much you appreciate a dead-on reflection of our current zeitgeist. This is meaty conversation about how the zeitgeist of 2019 can, must and is, shifting away from worship of elites and billionaires; and towards,9 or 10 depending on how much you appreciate a dead-on reflection of our current zeitgeist. This is meaty conversation about how the zeitgeist of 2019 can, must and is, shifting away from worship of elites and billionaires; and towards, attention to the 99% as measured by what we do, or fail to do, for the underprivileged.

This is IN NO WAY a buddy comedy. It is a talk-fest with the added grace of extraordinary fortuitous good pacing. In the second half, each pope confronts their own greatest perceived sin. In turn each pope listens to the confession of the other and forgives. This is not quite a character arc for either character. For me since authentic forgiveness in any form is so rare in movies, I found it way engrossing and moving. No more painless way exists to learn the "origin story" of the current Pope Francis. The details, trials and tribulations were new to me. The Darkest Hour with Gary Oldman as Churchill is the other movie like this, by the same screenwriter. See it.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
Brent_MarchantJan 17, 2020
A modestly engaging look at the sometimes-contentious, sometimes-brotherly relationship of Pope Benedict XVI and his successor, Pope Francis, and how their highly unusual transition via the former's resignation came into being (and why).A modestly engaging look at the sometimes-contentious, sometimes-brotherly relationship of Pope Benedict XVI and his successor, Pope Francis, and how their highly unusual transition via the former's resignation came into being (and why). Through a series of prolonged conversations and strategically inserted flashbacks, viewers learn how Francis was unwittingly groomed for a destiny he nearly tried to disavow and the behind-the-scenes maneuverings of his predecessor to encourage him to embrace it. While this insightful offering features fine performances by Oscar nominees Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce and a number of thoughtful dialogues about faith, tradition and the future of the Church, its sometimes-uneven pacing and occasionally wooden exchanges tend to bog down the flow of the narrative despite the best efforts of its two leads to conceal these shortcomings. Not a bad film but certainly not one up to the hyped praise it's received, either.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
drambuie_Feb 9, 2020
This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I was crying and I am not even a catholic. A man who could never forgive himself for his mistakes becomes the pope because everyone else believes in him and his kindness. And a man who understands the weight of his sins and resigns. All these, among vital differences who turn out to become friendship(?) and forgiveness. Simplistic narrative and amazing performances.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
alejandro970Jan 19, 2020
The stimulating meeting of Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis, especially focusing on the crisis that caused his abdication to papal seat. The chemistry between actors works at every minute, with several compelling moments that make difficultThe stimulating meeting of Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis, especially focusing on the crisis that caused his abdication to papal seat. The chemistry between actors works at every minute, with several compelling moments that make difficult to choose which is the better.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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10
DeanomiteJan 5, 2020
If you are a fan of excellent debate, you will enjoy this movie. I had not known why Benedict abdicated (first Pope in 700 years to do so). It was because the church got caught bishops being blackmailed for homosexuality into moneyIf you are a fan of excellent debate, you will enjoy this movie. I had not known why Benedict abdicated (first Pope in 700 years to do so). It was because the church got caught bishops being blackmailed for homosexuality into money laundering (that's not in the movie), and the abuse scandal. These 2 men agree on nothing but do not repeat ignorant emotional arguments, instead they both defend their positions well. I like when Francis said a sin is a wound to be cleaned, not just forgiven. confession does nothing for the victim. "Banks beg for deregulation like a tiger begging to be let out of a cage. They devour everything." I had not respected Benedict until seeing the courage required to give up the papacy and encourage someone he disagreed with on every issue. There is much information here also, I did not know that Francis got 2 priests abducted by a dictator and tortured for 5 months, then took the name of 1 of them in papacy as a symbol of penance.… Expand
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7
JLuis_001Jan 8, 2020
This is Before the Vatican.
Why do I say this? because like in Linklater films, this one is entirely sustained by the good dialogues and the excellent performances by Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
beeanadouMar 25, 2020
Great experience to see some details about the Vatican city whereas unable to be seen as a tourist. Never thought Hannibal would be a good candidate for papa and good commercial for Vatican city BTW.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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7
TheRaggedFlygonJan 22, 2020
The Two Popes is a fine biopic that is well written and well acted. Hopkins and Pryce both deliver fantastic performances and the writing is able to strike a nice balance between comical and serious. The chemistry between the two actors makesThe Two Popes is a fine biopic that is well written and well acted. Hopkins and Pryce both deliver fantastic performances and the writing is able to strike a nice balance between comical and serious. The chemistry between the two actors makes for an overall entertaining movie that I can appreciate.

Where this movie falls short for me is the "Why should I care?" aspect. This movie fails to take any risks and follows a very predictable progression. That is not to say this film is bad by any means, I just believe that it will fail to make a lasting impression on me.

McCarten clearly knows how to write a solid biopic, but I fear that this might be his weakest work in the genre yet. Nevertheless, The Two Popes is an enjoyable film that anyone with two free hours and a Netflix subscription should consider checking out--just manage expectations accordingly.… Expand
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6
BrunoVn00Feb 7, 2020
The performances from Jonathan Pryce and Anthony Hopkins were really good and some of the scenes they share together are interesting to watch and not much else. The movie actually started good. The conversations Pope Benedict and CardinalThe performances from Jonathan Pryce and Anthony Hopkins were really good and some of the scenes they share together are interesting to watch and not much else. The movie actually started good. The conversations Pope Benedict and Cardinal Bergoglio share are actually pretty well written and acted. I could even rewatch any day some of those conversations they have. It is interesting to see their opposite ideologies and thoughts about the catholic church. However, I found myself dozing off during the last hour of the movie. I don't know, the movie just stopped being interesting after a while, not because I'm not interested in the catholic church but because the way the rest of the movie is executed during that last hour is really...Boring. The characters stopped having charisma or acting like human beings and it felt like they were just reading a Power Point presentation to the audience. It relies HEAVILY on flashbacks and narration and that's why it becomes boring. I could barely finish watching it. It started really good but started to decline until it became a boring and uninteresting biopic. The cinematography and other technical aspects are nothing special. I can't say they are bad but just...Bland and uninspired. I mean the movie looks like those stock demo videos you see on TV screens in stores to show their capabilities, which it's nothing bad, but just to give you an idea of how dull the visual presentation is.

Overall, while not a bad movie, it's a movie that could've been so much better.… Expand
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8
zNeverSleepingJan 9, 2020
Este filme possui um dos melhores diálogos que tive o prazer de acompanhar.

Quase que inteiramente, o filme foca em dois papas, cujo tem ideias bem distintas mas são muito inteligentes de acordo com sua linha de raciocínio. Você fica presoEste filme possui um dos melhores diálogos que tive o prazer de acompanhar.

Quase que inteiramente, o filme foca em dois papas, cujo tem ideias bem distintas mas são muito inteligentes de acordo com sua linha de raciocínio. Você fica preso ao filme, com os olhos vidrados e só se dá conta ao termino da conversação. A cinematografia me pareceu muito unica, com planos dificilmente utilizados no cinema e que funcionam muito bem aqui. As imagens reais que o filme apresentam trazem uma imersão interessante, e é aqui que vemos um possível problema do filme. Sua cinematografia, diálogos, imagens reais e o fato de que o mesmo se anuncia como baseado em uma historia real, fazem parecer que aquilo que estamos vendo se trata de personalidade destes dois papas, como se aquelas conversas e embates tivessem acontecido, e na minha opinião, isso é perigoso. É necessário prestar atenção nesse ponto, pois essa pode ser uma influencia forte.… Expand
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8
ger89Dec 21, 2019
El tratamiento es interesante, es en fin de cuentas una comedia, aunque toma temas delicados, que le dan cierto peso trágico. Los personajes están muy humanizado (ambos protagonistas) aún siendo una película sobre dos papas.
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6
Mauro_LanariDec 27, 2019
(Mauro Lanari)
It is true that Meirelles' subject bears the traces of a healthy rethinking during the working process: from the manichaeistic clash between two bankruptcy theologies (Catholicism is not encountering any "Pope Francis effect")(Mauro Lanari)
It is true that Meirelles' subject bears the traces of a healthy rethinking during the working process: from the manichaeistic clash between two bankruptcy theologies (Catholicism is not encountering any "Pope Francis effect") to the marvelous upheaval of what is asserted in 2 Corinthians 12, 9: "But He said to me, «My grace is all you need. My power is strongest when you are weak.»" No grace or divine power but the full manifestation of the weakness of two human beings.… Expand
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8
BeardedYodaJan 15, 2020
The Two Popes is an overall well made film with excellent acting and dialogue. However, the second half of the film contains a very large flash back sequence that isn't as good as the rest of the film and overstays it's welcome a bit.
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10
Sierra-117Jan 23, 2020
This movie is simply a masterpiece. It combines the excellent performances of Jonathan Pryce and Anthony Hopkins, with an amazing score, great dialogue and some very moving and emotional moments. Beautifully shot and some of theThis movie is simply a masterpiece. It combines the excellent performances of Jonathan Pryce and Anthony Hopkins, with an amazing score, great dialogue and some very moving and emotional moments. Beautifully shot and some of the cinematography is astounding! This film really opened my eyes to religion as I felt before I was far more judgmental and in my books that is a massive achievement… Expand
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10
ericrendeiroDec 30, 2019
The Two Popes is a very soft narrative and at the same time a very compelling history. I recomend to everyone.
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10
zalo248Dec 26, 2019
Very touching and yet inspiring movie to watch. One of the best movies about Catholic Church.
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9
Gustavo2003Dec 28, 2019
Filmes lindo e emocionante. Atuações MAGNÍFICAS do Anthony Hopkins e Jonathan Pryce. Um Roteiro muito bom e ótima direção do Fernando Meireles.
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6
TheEventsOf1989Jan 19, 2020
"The Two Popes" contains strong themes, but it lacks in resonating with the audience. Most of the conflict in this film is brought up through talking about difficult religious topics. There is very little action, and the payoff is what you'd"The Two Popes" contains strong themes, but it lacks in resonating with the audience. Most of the conflict in this film is brought up through talking about difficult religious topics. There is very little action, and the payoff is what you'd expect. The visuals are unoriginal, lifeless, and boring.… Expand
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9
THISISNOTADRILLDec 28, 2019
Netflix's new movie didn't disappoint. Great script, outstanding acting and phenomenal visuals.
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8
leoterraDec 29, 2019
The Two Popes is not a movie for anyone, and I am not talking about the religious issue, but the way one evaluates Fernando Meirelles's direction. I personally believe that Meirelles's direction in this movie is totally different from theThe Two Popes is not a movie for anyone, and I am not talking about the religious issue, but the way one evaluates Fernando Meirelles's direction. I personally believe that Meirelles's direction in this movie is totally different from the work done in City of God, where he uses fast, action-packed direction. In this movie we can see a calm and peaceful direction, which shows Meirelles's great reinvention work, The Two Popes is a film with a calmer, smoother rhythm, an interesting screenplay and a story that, while not sure that The facts cited in the movie really happened, it's exciting and very well told. Jonathan Pryce and Anthony Hopkins are very good, with simple and true acting, the direction is good, as well as the script, is a calm film, but, as said before, the film has some historical incongruities that may affect the audience that followed these two popes up close. In addition to this problem, you can see in The Two Popes, a decent movie.… Expand
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4
AndioviJan 1, 2020
Deeply moving, funny, dramatic, exceptionally written, wonderfully played. One of the best movies ever seen in my life. A must see.
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4
itsjustamovieJan 3, 2020
The Two Popes is really about four popes - the two real popes and the two popes in popular culture. This movie tries to make the conflict in the Catholic Church interesting - is the current downturn in church attendance caused by too much orThe Two Popes is really about four popes - the two real popes and the two popes in popular culture. This movie tries to make the conflict in the Catholic Church interesting - is the current downturn in church attendance caused by too much or too little liberalism. The acting is top-notch but the script is dull and down not take into consideration the fact that men become popes only if they are part of the power structure. Imagine a President selected by the senate.… Expand
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4
CPNJan 30, 2020
An interesting topic and two decent central performances but a clunky screenplay with constant plot exposition. It felt like I was watching a tv doc-drama at times. Lacked any real intrigue or excitement
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9
SanghelicApr 1, 2020
una pelicula muy buena que te explica la historia del jorge bergoglio tambien conocido como el papa francisco, la actuacion es buenisima el guion es muy bueno y te pone a reflexionar sobre como es la vida de los papas y las dificultades queuna pelicula muy buena que te explica la historia del jorge bergoglio tambien conocido como el papa francisco, la actuacion es buenisima el guion es muy bueno y te pone a reflexionar sobre como es la vida de los papas y las dificultades que la iglesia a veces tiene para evolucionar y cambiar sus estrategias.… Expand
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6
JordanLaytonApr 27, 2020
A heartfelt telling of what could have been a boring, uneventful story turns out to be quite interesting and even compelling. I can't recommend this film to anyone not already interested in the papacy, but if you have even the slightestA heartfelt telling of what could have been a boring, uneventful story turns out to be quite interesting and even compelling. I can't recommend this film to anyone not already interested in the papacy, but if you have even the slightest interest in this once in a 700+ years event, give this one a watch. Hopkins and Pryce clearly put effort towards conveying the real personalities of these two Popes and in a film that almost solely consists of conversations between the two of them, they pull it off.… Expand
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