Papa Giovanni - Ioannes XXIII (2002) (TV)

User Rating:

7.9/10   

Director:

Giorgio Capitani

Writers:

Massimo Cerofolini (writer)
Francesco Scardamaglia (writer)

Release Date:

21 April 2002 (Italy)

Genre:

Biography | Drama

Plot Keywords:

Pope | Character Name In Title | Number In Title

Cast

Edward Asner	...	Angelo Roncalli
Massimo Ghini	...	Angelo Roncalli giovane
Claude Rich	...	Cardinal Ottaviani
Michael Mendl	...	Tardini
Franco Interlenghi	...	Radini Tedeschi
Sydne Rome	...	Rada Krusciova
Jacques Sernas	...	Cardinale Feltin
Roberto Accornero
Paolo Gasparini	...	Monsignor Loris Capovilla
Ivan Bacchi
Bianca Guaccero
Heinz Trixner	...	Von Papen
Sergio Fiorentini	...	Don Rebuzzini
Emilio De Marchi
Guido Roncalli

Also Known As:

Pope John XXIII (International: English title)

Runtime:

180 min (2 parts)

Country:

Italy

Language:

Italian

Color:

Color

Filming Locations:

Palazzo Farnese, Rome, Lazio, Italy

Company:

EOS Entertainment

Surprisingly good

One never quite knows what to expect with a religious based drama, especially on such a current topic. This turned out to be surprisingly good. The photography and acting was very well done and despite the long timing (210 minutes rather than the 180 minutes on the box), there was little or no drag except perhaps just at the very end. I had just seen the Bob Hoskins film with a similar title and although they are rather different I would not say I preferred one over the other. This is a good story in itself and the religious aspect is almost a sideline. The general production is very good, in wide screen and the DVD I watched had subtitles. There is a large cast, mostly Italians and they do a very good job. Scenes are shot in various European locations and it all seems very authentic. Recommended.