I have not seen this movie in over 15 years, I am sure. I saw this movie because I tried something a bit different one day. I had a hankering to watch something that I would really like, so I came into the video rental store one time and asked the attendant, "Can you recommend a movie that is really good that I would not even know about, one that might be a real sleeper?" (A sleeper is something that looks rather ho hum on the outside, but is great on the inside.) He gave me Saving Grace, and told me that I would not be disappointed. Man, he was ever right! What a wonderful film. I saw it only once, and ever since I have been wondering if I could buy it. (I have looked on e auction site without success...so far) I have yet to find this movie. BTW- I have since gone into video stores and asked the same kind of question in hopes of finding other movies that would be so well done, but have NEVER had another recommendation that matched SAVING GRACE. I believe that you will not be disappointed with Saving Grace as well, IF you find it.
22 Reviews
Great movie
Ms_susan1 February 2006
Talk about sleeper movies, this is one. It is a totally watchable movie with great acting, etc, (you don't have to be Catholic to enjoy). The description is enough to turn off most people, but persevere it is not a movie that beats you over the head with religion. If you are looking for car chases, or zombies, or naked women, this is not the movie for you. But if you are looking for absolute entertainment and a good ending please watch it and enjoy! "A newly-elected Pope Leo XIV finds himself accidentally locked out of the Vatican. Unknown to the outside world, he winds up in an impoverished Italian village, where his adventures ultimately teach the Pope and his new friends some important lessons about friendship and self-esteem. "
Sweetness of Anne of Green Gables with the awe of The Godfather
artios819 June 2004
I have not seen this movie in over 15 years, I am sure. I saw this movie because I tried something a bit different one day. I had a hankering to watch something that I would really like, so I came into the video rental store one time and asked the attendant, "Can you recommend a movie that is really good that I would not even know about, one that might be a real sleeper?" (A sleeper is something that looks rather ho hum on the outside, but is great on the inside.) He gave me Saving Grace, and told me that I would not be disappointed. Man, he was ever right! What a wonderful film. I saw it only once, and ever since I have been wondering if I could buy it. (I have looked on e auction site without success...so far) I have yet to find this movie. BTW- I have since gone into video stores and asked the same kind of question in hopes of finding other movies that would be so well done, but have NEVER had another recommendation that matched SAVING GRACE. I believe that you will not be disappointed with Saving Grace as well, IF you find it. (If you do, could you post it, please?)
the Pope's big adventure
cindy_bcr28 April 2004
After one year as pope, Leo XIV becomes disillusioned with the job. He is caught up in the cramped schedules of visiting dignitaries and the sick expecting miracles. Every morning he is briefed on world events, for which he feels powerless to do anything. He feels `completely out of touch with how most people live,' and wonders if anything he says has any effect outside the Vatican walls. He misses being a priest, when he knew he helped those he came in contact with.
One day, as he makes his way past one of the rooms, he hears a nun talk as she signed to a deaf girl who'd hitch-hiked to see the pope and ask for a priest to come back to her village. He promises her he'll find a priest for Montepetra. So when the wind blows the paper with his gardening instructions up over the walls and he chases it and finds himself locked out, he makes the most of his predicament. He makes his way to Montepetra, to be able to actually answer one of the many requests he'd had. He finds a town crippled by a plague, but more importantly, townspeople crippled by poverty. It is there that he struggles to actually do some good as a priest. He seeks to empower the residents to find the will to improve their lives.
One character worth watching is the mysterious stranger, the shepherd who stumbles upon Leo, and recognizes him as the pope.
The scenery is beautiful, as it's filmed in Italy. There's a shot early on of an aerial view of Rome, and scenes of people going about their business among the statues. The rural views must have been beautiful in the theater, but it's hard to appreciate them on the small screen.
I found this move, a comedy-drama, to be a delightful little tale about how we might be able to do some good for others, and find ourselves, our purpose, even if we get lost. While the story of Leo as the rural priest is touching, the scenes of the runaway pope is where the comedy comes in. For instance, on the same day the visitor list includes the ambassador of Brazil and the Italian soccer team, and when told of the second group, Leo asks, `Is it all right if I bless them, or would that set off an international incident?' We are shown that things aren't as bleak as they often seem. The line that illustrates this is when Leo tells the shepherd that the pope can even be `a tramp who comes to a deserted village to help some neglected people.'
It may just as well be that God can better use a tramp than a pope, or whoever we are in between.
One day, as he makes his way past one of the rooms, he hears a nun talk as she signed to a deaf girl who'd hitch-hiked to see the pope and ask for a priest to come back to her village. He promises her he'll find a priest for Montepetra. So when the wind blows the paper with his gardening instructions up over the walls and he chases it and finds himself locked out, he makes the most of his predicament. He makes his way to Montepetra, to be able to actually answer one of the many requests he'd had. He finds a town crippled by a plague, but more importantly, townspeople crippled by poverty. It is there that he struggles to actually do some good as a priest. He seeks to empower the residents to find the will to improve their lives.
One character worth watching is the mysterious stranger, the shepherd who stumbles upon Leo, and recognizes him as the pope.
The scenery is beautiful, as it's filmed in Italy. There's a shot early on of an aerial view of Rome, and scenes of people going about their business among the statues. The rural views must have been beautiful in the theater, but it's hard to appreciate them on the small screen.
I found this move, a comedy-drama, to be a delightful little tale about how we might be able to do some good for others, and find ourselves, our purpose, even if we get lost. While the story of Leo as the rural priest is touching, the scenes of the runaway pope is where the comedy comes in. For instance, on the same day the visitor list includes the ambassador of Brazil and the Italian soccer team, and when told of the second group, Leo asks, `Is it all right if I bless them, or would that set off an international incident?' We are shown that things aren't as bleak as they often seem. The line that illustrates this is when Leo tells the shepherd that the pope can even be `a tramp who comes to a deserted village to help some neglected people.'
It may just as well be that God can better use a tramp than a pope, or whoever we are in between.
Funny, heartfelt, engaging, great characters
ssumo-120 September 2005
Please keep in mind that I am a movie watcher, I don't care much for "the deeper meaning" behind it. I work hard, life is tough, I see all the pain and suffering in the day to day grind. I watch movies for the pleasure. OK? OK.
I haven't seen this gem in many years. I rented it from the big "B" video rental store over and over again. If I had more of a criminal bent, I'd have made myself a copy, or even better "lose" it and pay them for it. It is a lovely movie with a happy ending. It evoked emotions, made me believe it. The characters were real and at the same time larger than life. The actors were all accomplished in their craft. The location was perfect. I'm not one to pay attention to how they made the movie unless it stinks, this one made me notice how VERY well it was done. This is probably my all time favorite. I tried to expose friends to it, but with little success. I choose to believe that I am right and the rest of the world is wrong in regards to this particular movie. If you ever get a chance, try this one.
I haven't seen this gem in many years. I rented it from the big "B" video rental store over and over again. If I had more of a criminal bent, I'd have made myself a copy, or even better "lose" it and pay them for it. It is a lovely movie with a happy ending. It evoked emotions, made me believe it. The characters were real and at the same time larger than life. The actors were all accomplished in their craft. The location was perfect. I'm not one to pay attention to how they made the movie unless it stinks, this one made me notice how VERY well it was done. This is probably my all time favorite. I tried to expose friends to it, but with little success. I choose to believe that I am right and the rest of the world is wrong in regards to this particular movie. If you ever get a chance, try this one.
A nice humble story with a wonderful performance by Tom Conti
paulijcalderon21 July 2017
This was a nice surprise. Who would have thought that Tom Conti would be so brilliant? And he is truly magnificent in this movie. "Saving Grace" is the story of a newly elected Pope who feels overwhelmed by his position. He decides to dress like a normal working class man and wanders to a village where he begins to help people with simple acts of kindness. By dropping the big status he has, we the audience realize that he is a normal man like us. I thought that idea was great because it shows you that you don't always need a giant miracle to feel happiness. A small friendly gesture goes a long way. It's not so much about religion because the Pope doesn't force anyone to believe in anything. All he wants is for people to live life in a good way. But he listens with great interest to those who think differently and respects their opinions. We spend a lot of time with him while he shares and inspires the folks in the old village.
I have a soft spot for classic Italian landscapes. I can stare into those hills and mountains for hours. There's something about it that gives me this humble nostalgic feeling. The only problems I have with the movie is that it took some time find it's footing. Meaning that the beginning is a little slow. And that it ends with you wishing for something more. The best word I can use to describe the experience is "kind". To me it feels like anyone can learn something from it or in the very least feel a little uplifted for a few hours. There's a wonderful scene where the main character says; "It's impossible for some to realize that the Pope can be anything. He can even be a tramp who comes to a deserted village to help some neglected people." That whole scene is handled beautifully and it perfectly summarizes what the movie is about.
Don't expect too much from it. It's not one of those films that will have you super invested. It's basically a harmless calm watch. I enjoyed it, but it will not leave you stunned or anything. So it's perfect to watch during a leaned-back weekend. Give it a chance if you can!
I have a soft spot for classic Italian landscapes. I can stare into those hills and mountains for hours. There's something about it that gives me this humble nostalgic feeling. The only problems I have with the movie is that it took some time find it's footing. Meaning that the beginning is a little slow. And that it ends with you wishing for something more. The best word I can use to describe the experience is "kind". To me it feels like anyone can learn something from it or in the very least feel a little uplifted for a few hours. There's a wonderful scene where the main character says; "It's impossible for some to realize that the Pope can be anything. He can even be a tramp who comes to a deserted village to help some neglected people." That whole scene is handled beautifully and it perfectly summarizes what the movie is about.
Don't expect too much from it. It's not one of those films that will have you super invested. It's basically a harmless calm watch. I enjoyed it, but it will not leave you stunned or anything. So it's perfect to watch during a leaned-back weekend. Give it a chance if you can!
Really Good Movie, Much Underrated
Leo-1215 March 1999
Ebert liked it. Maltin hated it. Maltin's usually reliable, but not here. Tom Conti, Giancarlo Giannini, and Fernando Rey are all terrific here in improbable story about how depressed young pope gets accidentally locked out of the Vatican and has an adventure amongst Italian peasants in a remote village. This is admittedly a feel-good flick, but its message is nonetheless both strong and timeless. As an added plus: on-location cinematography is gorgeous.
Hopeful, uplifting revelation of a Pope's touching, human side
roghache5 March 2006
This comedy drama is a relatively undiscovered jewel of a movie. I saw it only once about 15 plus years ago, so frankly have forgotten many of the details. However, I see very few comments posted so felt obligated to add my praise. For starters, this movie features lovely scenery of the Italian countryside as well as views of Rome. However, its chief merit is that it's a gentle, hopeful story with some quietly amusing moments.
Leo XIV is a new Pope who has become disillusioned with his tightly booked schedules, official audiences, and regular briefings on world affairs. He feels out of touch with the ordinary individuals outside the Vatican's walls, wonders if he has any effect on their lives, and misses daily contact with people as an ordinary priest. One day while chasing a windblown paper of gardening instructions, he is inadvertently locked out of the Vatican. The Pope makes his way to Montepetra, an obscure, impoverished village which he has overheard is in need of a priest, and thus 'goes missing' from the Vatican for a time. He finds himself helping the poor village peasants and in the process, rediscovers the joys he misses from being a regular priest where he is able to clearly see his impact upon those he serves.
Tom Conti is both compelling and endearing in the role of Pope Leo XIV. He conveys very effectively this Pope's strengths, his approachability and lack of self righteous piety, as well as exposing his sense of humour and vulnerability to temptation...his human side. It is the first time I saw Tom Conti act and I was so impressed by his portrayal in this movie that I've been a fan of his ever since.
Perhaps this film isn't that realistic, as Pope Leo appears a bit young to have been chosen for the Fisherman's Shoes and his unexplained absence from the Vatican seems unlikely. However, do we always need realism? This movie shows that even a Pope can feel trapped and have self doubts, though despite undergoing something of a minor crisis, this man's deep faith is never really in question. It is an unexpectedly lovely, optimistic, and inspiring tale that can be enjoyed by anyone, including non Catholics. Personally, I would love to locate it to watch again.
Leo XIV is a new Pope who has become disillusioned with his tightly booked schedules, official audiences, and regular briefings on world affairs. He feels out of touch with the ordinary individuals outside the Vatican's walls, wonders if he has any effect on their lives, and misses daily contact with people as an ordinary priest. One day while chasing a windblown paper of gardening instructions, he is inadvertently locked out of the Vatican. The Pope makes his way to Montepetra, an obscure, impoverished village which he has overheard is in need of a priest, and thus 'goes missing' from the Vatican for a time. He finds himself helping the poor village peasants and in the process, rediscovers the joys he misses from being a regular priest where he is able to clearly see his impact upon those he serves.
Tom Conti is both compelling and endearing in the role of Pope Leo XIV. He conveys very effectively this Pope's strengths, his approachability and lack of self righteous piety, as well as exposing his sense of humour and vulnerability to temptation...his human side. It is the first time I saw Tom Conti act and I was so impressed by his portrayal in this movie that I've been a fan of his ever since.
Perhaps this film isn't that realistic, as Pope Leo appears a bit young to have been chosen for the Fisherman's Shoes and his unexplained absence from the Vatican seems unlikely. However, do we always need realism? This movie shows that even a Pope can feel trapped and have self doubts, though despite undergoing something of a minor crisis, this man's deep faith is never really in question. It is an unexpectedly lovely, optimistic, and inspiring tale that can be enjoyed by anyone, including non Catholics. Personally, I would love to locate it to watch again.
A choice gem
ccdesan28 August 2006
This charming movie occupies a place of honor in my film library. Largely ignored, difficult to find, never transferred to DVD, this story touches and inspires. It's not a cinematographic masterpiece, nor is all of the acting stellar, but the imagery is pleasing and Tom Conti is superb. The story of a humble but isolated pope in the gilded cage of the Vatican, feeling more and more out of touch with the people he is supposed to be serving, and his extraordinary adventure with the poor villagers of Montepetra, this film brings tears to my eyes each time I watch it and lifts my heart with its message of simple humanity. Someone somewhere must make the effort to get this film onto DVD where it can be enjoyed by a wider audience.
good flick; ever heard of it?
jayhawks9618 October 2002
I must admit that my main reason for doing a comment on this film is that there aren't already 200 about it. I haven't seen this movie in forever and am not sure how my family ever heard of it. But I remember it as a very sweet and sincere little movie about a pope putting his money where his mouth is, getting off his high horse and actually helping those that need it. The movie is funny along the way but, more importantly makes you really think about what you believe in and, once you decide, how that should affect the way you live your life.
A well-acted and rewarding film.
sally-15 March 2001
A gentle and, to some extent, undemanding film, Saving Grace (1985) is well written and well acted. Tom Conti is perfectly cast as a human pope, approachable, not too pious and aware of temptation and yet he emanates goodness and calm. Essentially the film is about a learning curve that this pope must go through - in his determination to help a group of his poorer subjects he learns how they live, as well as finding out about himself. It will have you angry and in tears, but also smiling and happy, and it gives you that wonderful belief, reminiscent of childhood, that in the end all can be right with the world. It's that feeling of gentle pleasure and satisfaction that will make you want to see the film again and again.
Practically Perfect In Every Way
Mr_Mirage28 October 2009
Sadly, this little gem has fallen by the wayside, and truly deserves the whole nine yards of restoration and re-release. This is one of those rare Good For The Whole Family productions that lives up to that idea.
Truly heartwarming and uplifting. This is what Disney tried to achieve, and often released in the form of overbearing or overly saccharine productions. It is one of the strongest pro-Catholic films I have ever seen, and not being Catholic it actually affects me to the point that I seriously considered becoming Catholic.
Tom Conti plays a troubled, conflicted man, a simple priest in many ways, who finds himself elected Pope. He questions whether or not he should remain as Pope, or step down. While puttering about in the Vatican garden, his letter is swept away by a gust of wind, and he gets locked out. His security fails to see this, totally enraptured (like the entire nation of Italy) when Italy wins the World Cup.
Watching this film is a revelation to Conti's abilities as an actor. All of the subsidiary actors are excellent, and the story moves along with a sense of power and purpose rarely seen in film.
10 out of 10.
Truly heartwarming and uplifting. This is what Disney tried to achieve, and often released in the form of overbearing or overly saccharine productions. It is one of the strongest pro-Catholic films I have ever seen, and not being Catholic it actually affects me to the point that I seriously considered becoming Catholic.
Tom Conti plays a troubled, conflicted man, a simple priest in many ways, who finds himself elected Pope. He questions whether or not he should remain as Pope, or step down. While puttering about in the Vatican garden, his letter is swept away by a gust of wind, and he gets locked out. His security fails to see this, totally enraptured (like the entire nation of Italy) when Italy wins the World Cup.
Watching this film is a revelation to Conti's abilities as an actor. All of the subsidiary actors are excellent, and the story moves along with a sense of power and purpose rarely seen in film.
10 out of 10.
Roman Holiday with the Pope
drunken_critic29 April 2009
Warning: Spoilers
This 1985 movie "Saving Grace" is out of print and hard to get, but you can find some used copies out there on VHS or LaserDisk. I bought this at a thrift store on LaserDisk. I am glad I did. This movie has the same premise as Roman Holiday. Except in this movie instead of a princess escaping to live life as a normal person, it is the Pope escaping the Vatican. The plot sounds like a wacky comedy, but I was surprised it was not a silly comedy. It had funny moments, but the movie has a down to earth real feel to it. The movie was filmed in Italy, and it shows a glimpse of every day life in Italy. I think what I enjoyed most about this film is that it captures the life of a small village in Italy. This movie is not preachy or religious. It is more about a person finding himself, and doing what is right. If you like finding hidden gems; search for this movie. It will be hard to find, but you'll feel it is worth it once you see it.
Great film
RangrPic4 August 2003
This is a great film for the whole family to watch. I bought this video years ago for my wife, and we have watched it numerous times. Tom Conti as the Pope, is truly one of his best roles. This is hoping that someday this film is released on dvd. Great film!
A film well worth watching Not once but whenever you need a renewal of faith an hope.
almimi11 September 2000
When I watch this movie I marvel at its simplicity and its dual profundity. A beautiful story of goodness,temptation,loss of faith and regaining it,the ultimate triumph of the human spirit. This movie should be watched at least once a year like "A Christmas Carol for much the same reason.Tom Conti is the perfect choice as Pope. Everyone in the cast gives credence to their roles.I liked, NO I LOVED this movie!!!!!
Great Flick
djc1213 August 2000
I really like this movie. It shows that anyone can have a crises of faith but does not have to give in to temptations. Everyone goes through life and at times feels that they are trapped by there responsibilities. In america we call this a mid life crises. Well there is a Godly way to approch our mid life crises.
I highly recommend you watch this flick if you can find it.
I highly recommend you watch this flick if you can find it.
Relatively Unknown Christian Classic
mkelly5422 November 2018
It always disturbs me when I see and move and it all but disappears from the viewing public. Saving Grace is a rare gem that revealing the presence of God in an understated manner.Several scenes in this story come to mind from time to time. Some are more profound than others, though the message is clear: find your calling in life to change the world, even if it may seem to be of little value ... every small gift adds up to be more than we can ever imagine. Tom Conti delivers a strong performance as a young pop struggling with his own faith.
Quiet character study
phnxextant9 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
The movie is out on DVD and was borrowed from the library. It is an intelligent gentle movie that is well worth watching. The movie follows the main character as he, finding himself locked out of the gilded cage of his life by accident copes with the general public and with the villagers of a small town while keeping his social role secret except to a select few.
There is conflict where a sub group of the village seek to maintain a known, comfortable existence while others, inspired by efforts of the main character join in a group effort to bring about change.
In the process, community building takes place and personal growth occurs.
There is conflict where a sub group of the village seek to maintain a known, comfortable existence while others, inspired by efforts of the main character join in a group effort to bring about change.
In the process, community building takes place and personal growth occurs.
Not a B movie
normajutne7 January 2021
Wonderful Movie, Wonderful Actor
sisterdebmac2 April 2007
Others have already synopsized the movie for you, so I will just stick with the fun stuff...
As a longtime fan, I have an old VHS tape with three of Tom Conti's very best performances on it, all recorded off cable back in the late 80's: The Gospel According to Vic; Reuben, Reuben; and Saving Grace. This movie is my favorite of the three. I've probably seen it ten times. I will admit that most of the reason I love the movie hinges on Conti's delicate, relaxed performance. It's damn near perfect.
But you also get some delightful work from the magnificent Giancarlo Giannini. "You're Pope Leo, no? You're Pope Leo, yes." And a hoot of turn by adorable Angelo Evans --- the real life gypsy kid from Robert Duvall's oddball semi-doc, Angelo, My Love --- in his only real acting role. Whatever happened to that kid? He's so cute as the little gangster, Guiliano, whom Conti's character befriends.
There's also a very sweet almost-love-story and some funny stuff by Fernando Rey as Pope Leo's trusted confidante, Stefano. Eddie Olmos provides some menace as the head gangster in Montepetra.
Oh, just see it! You'll love it. I must warn you though that I think they sold the movie way wrong by calling it a comedy. It's a drama with humor. But it's definitely a feel-good flick.
As a longtime fan, I have an old VHS tape with three of Tom Conti's very best performances on it, all recorded off cable back in the late 80's: The Gospel According to Vic; Reuben, Reuben; and Saving Grace. This movie is my favorite of the three. I've probably seen it ten times. I will admit that most of the reason I love the movie hinges on Conti's delicate, relaxed performance. It's damn near perfect.
But you also get some delightful work from the magnificent Giancarlo Giannini. "You're Pope Leo, no? You're Pope Leo, yes." And a hoot of turn by adorable Angelo Evans --- the real life gypsy kid from Robert Duvall's oddball semi-doc, Angelo, My Love --- in his only real acting role. Whatever happened to that kid? He's so cute as the little gangster, Guiliano, whom Conti's character befriends.
There's also a very sweet almost-love-story and some funny stuff by Fernando Rey as Pope Leo's trusted confidante, Stefano. Eddie Olmos provides some menace as the head gangster in Montepetra.
Oh, just see it! You'll love it. I must warn you though that I think they sold the movie way wrong by calling it a comedy. It's a drama with humor. But it's definitely a feel-good flick.
One of the top five movies I have ever seen
ydrqywwgv12 March 2024
Fantastic, but you need to watch it four or five time just to begin to see the real symbolism. Slow paced, beautiful crafted with characters that develop like ever so slowly; filled with video of the Vatican that you haven't seen before and video of the Italian countryside that is gorgeous snd heartbreaking, the plot develops like honey flowing from a wooden spoon. Warm. I originally thought it was cute snd kind of empty headed. It's not that at all. It's about faith and humanity and so real you can smell the scenes (hints dry dusty dirt, sweat, and pine resin.). The acting is first rate and the scenes crafted like an old Italian painting by a master. I cannot believe this is the only time I have even heard of this director znd these actors. They are really really good.
Just one criticism
anghmho15 May 2011
Warning: Spoilers
I don't know if this really qualifies as a spoiler. I loved this movie from beginning to end. BUT I found the overuse of music to underscore so many scenes more than unnecessary--annoying, in fact-- particularly when Tom Conti was doing something "saintly" or what you would hope a pope would do in his circumstances. It was the musical equivalent of canned laughter. If the editors had just relied on the viewers' intelligence to determine for themselves what was moving (OK, maybe with a more subtle application of musical score), the final film would have been even more effective. Kudos all around, though, for the cast, the writers, and director. I do hope, though, that whoever appended the music to the film has matured enough to know that audiences are intelligent enough to interpret a film without being prodded by overbearing music.
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