The Good Pope: Pope John XXIII (TV 2003)
"Il papa buono" (original title)

Angelo Roncalli, born in Sotto Il Monte in 1881, is known for his profound spirituality as well as his extraordinary goodness from the young years of his life. When he feels a need to serve... See full summary »

Director:

Ricky Tognazzi

Writers:

Fabrizio Bettelli, Simona Izzo,

Stars:

Bob Hoskins, Carlo Cecchi, Roberto Citran

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Bob Hoskins	...	Angelo Roncalli / Pope John XXIII
Carlo Cecchi	...	Cardinal Mattia Carcano
Roberto Citran	...	Monsignor Loris Capovilla
Fabrizio Vidale	...	Angelo Roncalli (young)
Sergio Bini Bustric	...	Guido Gusso (as Sergio Bustric)
Francesco Venditti	...	Nicola Catania (young)
Rolando Ravello	...	Cannava
John Light	...	Mattia Carcano (young)
Francesco Carnelutti	...	Nicola Catania
Lena Lessing	...	Marta Von Papen
Enzo Robutti
Gianluca Ramazzotti
Alessandra Muccioli
Renato Cortesi
Remo Remotti

Storyline

Angelo Roncalli, born in Sotto Il Monte in 1881, is known for his profound spirituality as well as his extraordinary goodness from the young years of his life. When he feels a need to serve God, Angelo goes to study theology in Bergamo, and in Apollinare School (Rome) and becomes a priest. During his studies, he gets to know his two dearest friends, Mattia and Nicola. Very soon, most people see marvelous talents in him, including his wide knowledge and a constant readiness for sacrifice. The Holy See makes him go further to bishop and cardinal, and the Holy Father sends him to various places as a representative of the Church. When Pius XII dies on October, the 9th, 1958, 77 year-old Angelo goes to Rome, to conclave to choose a new pope. However, this time, it is him who hears gentle words of Jesus "Tu es Petrus!" ("You are Peter!") and from October, the 28th leads the church as pope John XXIII.

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Plot Keywords:

pope | church | reference to jesus christ | religion | character name in title

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Genres:

Biography | Drama

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Details

Country:

Italy

Language:

Italian English

Release Date:

28 January 2003 (Italy)

Also Known As:

The Good Pope: Pope John XXIII

Filming Locations:

Bergamo, Lombardia, Italy

Company Credits

Production Co:

Blu Cinematografica, MediaTrade, Victory Media Group

Technical Specs

Runtime:

180 min

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

User Reviews

Good film about "the most loved Pope in history"

A delicate film for a wonderful man. Measure, accuracy, empathy and deep respect for historical facts as values of a miniature of a Holly and, more important, good spiritual father.

Pope Roncalli is an very interesting isle. Between Pius XII and Paul VII, he was himself. A leader, a builder, a grandfather, a refuge. He was the first "John Paul II" and his work is cornerstone of Romano- Catholic Church after Vatican II. His love and compassion, his art to be not a symbol but man and guide, his humor and his fight, the respect of many Protestants, the relation with Padre Pio, Maritain or Abbe Pierre, the conspiracy theory (case Siri), the energy to begin a real dialog with Orthodox Church, the science to understand the transformation of reality like essential part of his mission are elements of a touching image of an ordinary priest with soul in natal Bergamo.

But essence of film is not only the story of a special modern hero. The Bob Hoskins acting is magnificent as part of a sensitive homage and respect for truth.

Good film and splendid "remember".