User reviews

My wife found this film on a movie channel. When it started I nearly didnt continue. Some indifferent acting and script. Then Bob Hoskins took over as the Pope. I felt this was a bad miscasting, but I was pleasantly surprised. A very warm and nuanced performance, showing the Pope's humanity and compassion for the world. Overall, one of Bob Hoskins' best performances.

A delicate film for a wonderful man. Measure, accuracy, empathy and deep respect for historical facts as values of a miniature of a Holly and, more important, good spiritual father.

Pope Roncalli is an very interesting isle. Between Pius XII and Paul VII, he was himself. A leader, a builder, a grandfather, a refuge. He was the first "John Paul II" and his work is cornerstone of Romano- Catholic Church after Vatican II. His love and compassion, his art to be not a symbol but man and guide, his humor and his fight, the respect of many Protestants, the relation with Padre Pio, Maritain or Abbe Pierre, the conspiracy theory (case Siri), the energy to begin a real dialog with Orthodox Church, the science to understand the transformation of reality like essential part of his mission are elements of a touching image of an ordinary priest with soul in natal Bergamo.

But essence of film is not only the story of a special modern hero. The Bob Hoskins acting is magnificent as part of a sensitive homage and respect for truth.

Good film and splendid "remember".

it is a special film. or, more precise, the merited portrait/homage of/to a great leader of Romano-Catholic Church.a film about a simple man, Angelo Roncalli. about his work and his message, his generosity and his battles, his science to live and to serve and to be just an ordinary Christian in the middle of challenges. a man of a subtle and precise form of courage - to be himself. to build a stronger Church. to lead as a spiritual shipper and not as the classic pope. it is fair and easy to say Bob Hoskins did a good job. in fact, it does a magnificent one because , like a great artist, he gives to each side of John XXIII the right light. a film about a simple man. honest, beautiful and useful, touching and real, real special.