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| Source: Imdb |
I’m not sure why I clicked this on Netflix, but I’m glad I did. It’s an
engaging look at the struggles of a former and a current leader of the Catholic
church, and worth more than a glance both because of the absolutely fantastic acting and the
way this challenging subject matter was presented, regardless of whether you are on
bored with Catholicism as such or not.
Jonathan
Pryce is delightful as Argentinian bishop Jorge. Cheeky, with a mischievous
sparkle in his eye and kindness in every line of his face, but also a deep
sadness (for which we learn the reasons in time) keeping him grounded and in
touch with the problems of his flock, his bishop is instantly likeable. The
complexity and depth of his character are only revealed incrementally over
the course of the film. In contrast to him stands Antony Hopkins, who gives a fabulous
portrait of what appears to be a cynical and power-hungry man stuck in the
past, but his masterful acting slowly reveals the true motives behind the mask.
In this way, the audience gets to know these two men in a sort of antidromic unveiling,
just as they are growing to know each other and eventually start to form
something of an unlikely, but very moving friendship that eventually allows
them to meet in the middle. It is a joy to watch these two screen veterans at
work, playing off each other, listening to each other, communicating with
awesome skill.
Aside from
the tried-and-true trope of the classic reluctant hero, this is an
unconventional film and very brainy in a way. Done in multiple languages and
using Latin quite a bit, it challenges the audience to not just lean back and
observe the beautiful cinematography, but also really pay attention to what is
being said. Amusingly, this is also a showcase of how quotes taken out of
context can be used to communicate almost anything, with both popes using the
same source material to make different points.
In
technical terms, this was very solid. The directing was great, as was the
script, and the editing served to underline the performances as well as setting
a pace that meant – even at a runtime of over 2 hours – this never got boring.
4/5 for a
(more or less) catastrophe-free film about friendship and personal conviction,
rising to challenges and cultivating ones’ principles, and for some truly
terrific acting.
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