I have enjoyed viewing this film several times. While I agree with other reviews that claim the film is a bit dull at times, I am inclined to agree more with their contention that it is an earnest film. Anthony Quinn provides a powerful and moving performance as the humble priest.
What has always struck me about this film is how the events depicted seem to have been realized in history as fr Karol Joseph Wojtyla, a polish priest, was selected by the College of Cardinals to wear the shoes of the fisherman as Pope John Paul II. In the film, Kiril Lakota was supposed to be the former archbishop of Lvov (Lviv). Today, Lviv is a Ukrainian city close to the Polish border. At other times in history, Lviv has been part of Poland.
The timing of events in Poland that led to the selection of Pope John Paul II were a precursor to the collapse of the Soviet Union.
I plan to watch this film again as the successor to Pope John Paul II is selected. I am not a catholic, but I find this glimpse into the traditions of the catholic church to be very interesting.
What has always struck me about this film is how the events depicted seem to have been realized in history as fr Karol Joseph Wojtyla, a polish priest, was selected by the College of Cardinals to wear the shoes of the fisherman as Pope John Paul II. In the film, Kiril Lakota was supposed to be the former archbishop of Lvov (Lviv). Today, Lviv is a Ukrainian city close to the Polish border. At other times in history, Lviv has been part of Poland.
The timing of events in Poland that led to the selection of Pope John Paul II were a precursor to the collapse of the Soviet Union.
I plan to watch this film again as the successor to Pope John Paul II is selected. I am not a catholic, but I find this glimpse into the traditions of the catholic church to be very interesting.