I do not agree with this movie's unashamed support for Pope Francis' views against Pope Benedict's. This piece was certainly planned as a vehicle to promote the cause of the current leader of the catholic church amidst rampaging criticism. But it turned out to be more than that, one must admit, partly thanks to the superb acting, but also fine writing, and creative craftsmanship in direction and production. All that makes Bergoglio's defense more subtle, less obtrusive and obvious. There is room for viewer interpretation and different judgements. Pryce's performance leaves room for a sense of humanity, including Bergoglio's possible flaws, vanity, and hidden intentions, just as Hopkins' suggests a kind and humane Razinger coexisting with the stern representation of conservative forces. The screenplay also develops, though in a light manner, the very complex themes of the limits of faith, sin, indulgence, and the crisis of the church. A great movie.
Reviews
5 Reviews
Modern Love
(2019–2021)
Episode 3
16 December 2019
This is artful wonderful stuff until episode 3, which is the greatest of all, a true gem, a short masterpiece with unforgettable acting from Anne Hathaway, perfect pace, direction, production values... then, well, starting with episode 4 the magic is largely lost, alas...
Gloria Bell
(2018)
Go for it. This is a gem.
13 September 2019
The movie will appeal to an adult, mature audience, and to sensitive souls. A glossy, visually stunning portrait of solitude and the many obstacles to true bonding and communication. Ms Moore is fantastic as usual, mesmerizing and gorgeous. There is subtle beauty everywhere - lights and photography, camera angles, screenplay lines, superb acting. Great songs add to a very rewarding experience.
Taxi Driver
(1976)
dense atmosphere, lack of story
18 November 2007
This film exudes a very dense atmosphere and that is the best it can offer.
It conveys its message of urban evil in a rather successful way.
Wonderful acting from all involved certainly helps attaining that objective. So does the direction and production values.
New York looks like a dark neon-lighted hell.
It is also a historic piece, showing how the city felt like in the 70's.
But there is barely a storyline! And the ending is absolutely unintelligible, unnecessary and out of place.
It conveys its message of urban evil in a rather successful way.
Wonderful acting from all involved certainly helps attaining that objective. So does the direction and production values.
New York looks like a dark neon-lighted hell.
It is also a historic piece, showing how the city felt like in the 70's.
But there is barely a storyline! And the ending is absolutely unintelligible, unnecessary and out of place.
Brief Encounter
(1945)
heavenly film-making, worn-out subject
18 November 2007
This is as high an example of cinema's expression capabilities as can be.
Perfect photography, acting, direction, script, production (by Noel Coward, the author of the story, himself).
But the story itself - extramarital affair that starts and ends in mediocrity - does not add much, or anything.
What a pity! Had the subject been more interesting this would have been one of the greatest movies of all time.
Banality can make good subject for literary essays, short stories and poems. The author will always be able to display and exercise his style.
But it does not provide enough interest for film and play.
There will be a feeling of something missing at the end.
Perfect photography, acting, direction, script, production (by Noel Coward, the author of the story, himself).
But the story itself - extramarital affair that starts and ends in mediocrity - does not add much, or anything.
What a pity! Had the subject been more interesting this would have been one of the greatest movies of all time.
Banality can make good subject for literary essays, short stories and poems. The author will always be able to display and exercise his style.
But it does not provide enough interest for film and play.
There will be a feeling of something missing at the end.
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