John XXIII

Since I've studied in Rome and have read some of the actual accounts in italian from those who were lived during the tumultous times of Vatican II, I was kind of skeptical but curious to see how this movie about John XXII: Pope of Peace would ring true! ..I am happy to say that this film is great and more authentic than I expected...It depicts so well the human journey of a "simple" italian priest who left Sotto de Monte,Italy to rise to the Chair of St. Peter! The wit and personality life of St. Pope John XIII shone through in the incredible performance by Ed Asner! Only he could embrace the real humanity and heart of the saint who was "Angelo Roncalli".The movie John XXIII, Pope of Peace is a mini-series by RAI about 8 hours in length...but it is really worth your time to watch. It also follows the history of the world during the time of the Cold war; and studies the intrigue and political jockeying that occurs behind the scenes during the Papal elections. And It is in English, too!No subtitles!!!For those who want to see how a Papal election actually happens, watch this film! Some the scenes are filmed at the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City where the Papal elections happen every time!!! John XXIII: Pope of Peace gets 5 Stars and MOLTO, MOLTO BENE from Me...I am so glad that I saw it...Check it out! Ciao!

I think this might be one of the Best movies he was in!

Pope John XXIII, as all biographers tell, never wanted anything for himself. He only wanted to serve the God through His Church. And always saw himself living and dying as a priest. But God knows His children, and had other plans for him. And this is all true, and all told in this movie.Ed Asner gives the best acting of his life, and one of the best acting ever. He is just superb as John XXIII. And the other members of the cast are amazing too. French actor Claude Rich is particularly great as Cardinal Ottaviani. Even if the Cardinal's actions are greatly exaggerated to make a classic movie antagonist.There are many poetic licenses in this movie (actually a mini-series made for Italian TV), but they don't stain the Pope's history. It's very much like all his biographers wrote, and as he described himself in his "Journal Of A Soul".A very moving picture. The fantastic soundtrack helps a lot. Give it a try, and you'll see what a fantastic movie, about a great saint.

The one word that comes to mind about the movie, John XXIII is joy. The pope's joy made him happy and humorous. The film captures this beautifully mainly because of Ed Asner's portrayal of the famous pope. He does a fine job and conveys his reluctant beginnings that changes to acceptance of his role as the vicar of Christ. The movie is a fine production and conveys the journey of this unlikely pope who spread his love for his faith and people. The self-proclaimed 'simple and poor country priest' leads his world flock with joy and hope. This movie will make you smile and hope.I recommend you watch it in Italian to get the full experience.

I've only seen one other production on Pope John XXIII and that was starring Charles Durning. Of course, Mr. Durning was more phyically appropriate for the part, but Ed Asner did a most remarkable job portraying the man who fooled them all! He was not the interim caretaker he was intended to be, and his daring has changed the Roman Catholic church forever.The only two parts I found confusing and/or annoying were intermitent flashbacks to the young Angelo Roncali and the appearance that most of the dialogue was dubbed. However, getting passed that, it was a story that needed telling and that it did wonderfully well!

Although the portrayal was good, it might not have been all that accurate, as far as Pope John xxiii'a personality is concerned. However, the story of his life and papacy is charming, strong, and may shed some light on Vatican Council II.

I think it was a well made movie and depicted the genuine goodness of Pope John the 23rd.

It showed a lot of his history and the things that influenced him

The DVD of Karol: A Man Who Became Pope [Import anglais] I received could not be played in my region so I had to return it and get a refund. All the other DVDs were find and I enjoyed all of them and am very happy to have them in my collection.

Love it!