When The Two Popes movie was announced, I began looking forward to it, especially since I had just been gifted with a Netflix account.
Within a week of its appearance on Netflix, I watched this movie and was entertained by superb acting and a crisp, concise script. As a practising Catholic, I sent off a notice to a friend who I thought might also enjoy it. The response I received surprised me: “Joan, I hate to burst your bubble but here are a couple of reviews of the movie.”
Those reviews were written by well-known theologians, but their negative opinions did not change mine. I was still so pleased to have watched it.
Another friend let me know that she did not have Netflix and could she watch the movie at my home? Of course, I welcomed the opportunity of viewing it for a second time with her. This lady loved the movie as much as me.
My second viewing pointed out more of the humour and again, accentuated the flawless acting ability of its stars, Anthony Hopkins who plays Pope Benedict XVI and Jonathan Pryce who is Pope Francis. I gained a new understanding of the life of our present Pope, Francis. His call to the priesthood is documented as well as some of the struggles he faced as a bishop in Argentina.
With all of the horrific films being made today, many of them with spine tingling graphic scenes that can inspire an audience to negativity, it is refreshing that there are still movies being made like The Two Popes.
I had watched an interview with Anthony Hopkins prior to seeing the movie and he was asked a question regarding his own faith. His response was simple: “In 1975 I had a serious alcohol problem and I knew it was time to make a change. Believe me, I was only able to succeed in overcoming this problem because of the help that I received from God.”
It is my hope that many lapsed Catholics will take the time to watch this movie, and perhaps, open their hearts to the friendship and humanity of these leaders of our church. They might just be inspired to return to regular worship again.
It does not concern me whether every word of dialogue is factual; the story was written with respect, friendship and a mutual understanding of the burden of this Vatican office.
This movie made me so happy to have chosen to convert to Catholicism over 50 years ago! I am also very proud to pray daily for Pope Francis, because I trust that he is giving us his very best effort!