You will leave the theater still knowing nothing about Padre Pio. I think for a good actor like Shia Labeouf, it is a shame he was not given a better script and movie to be in. The problem with this is not the actors and actresses. It is this erroneously titled movie that should've been called "Communism-Lite Enters Italy and Padre Pio is Off in a Friary Somewhere." It is pretty much false advertising to title a film about a character who is in maybe 30% of the movie and has little to do with the rest of the story. Titling it "Padre Pio" would seemingly indicate biopic, but instead we are spending much of the movie with these other characters and political issues that seem like an underhanded push/propaganda for the director and writers' politics. It's like they used Padre Pio's name to attract an audience to watch another movie. I don't know if they did not have the budget to do a real movie about him, but feeling like a gypsy switch just took place when I'm staring at what feels like thinly disguised propaganda was something else. You will feel like you watched two short pieces that have been meshed together. This movie is an hour and forty-four minutes, so it doesn't have time for much. You will still feel empty as it goes into low-budget film school "trying to be arty" with handheld, grainy shots that linger on the same thing for far too long - almost as if they are deliberately stretching out a runtime. Right from the beginning with an overcast sky & sun, we get two exceedingly long shots of this. The second time around I was going "Okay, we got it. The sun is behind the clouds." Other shots that do not work were the spinning of the camera around a bell tower rope being pulled and the handheld closeups of a crucifix. It's a short feature already yet has filler disguised as supposedly interesting cinematography. I don't know, but I was like "Dude, I would've left that one out." I also think for fans of Padre Pio some of this probably comes across as pretty offensive. I don't know if Padre Pio flew off the handle in profanity spewing fits of rage at people, but he's certainly doing that in this movie.
39 Reviews
Not quite enough to quell the anticipation
alpha23043 June 2023
I've genuinely anticipated this movie, especially after the multiple pushbacks of the release date. I even saw the interviews LaBeouf has done about the sincerity behind his role as Padre Pio and conversion to Catholicism.
Unfortunately, the following of the political unfolding was very mundane and bare. And worse off, there was minimal tie between the current events to Padre Pio's influence on the people outside of maybe the Eucharist and a couple confessions.
I certainly can say every scene LaBeouf was in, he carried extremely well, but these were sparsely placed throughout the film, and felt very removed from the rest of the movie. However, these scenes still did have a depth and spiritual sense of sacredness that I wish pervaded more of the movie. The moments of his anguish and torment were compelling, but short lived, especially because they were juxtaposed against the aforementioned weakness of the exterior events.
When showing the forced labor the villagers were facing, the cinematography was very jagged and disorienting. I understand it was meant to instill a sense of anxiety and arduousness against the still, calm lensing of Pio's sanctuary, but it was so pronounced that it was just distracting and dizzying. I could get used to an Oliver Wood style of camera shake in an action movie, but it didn't work with this film.
There was little to no tension to the storyline to really illicit a yearn for resolution. Because of this, the film lacked emotional substance, and not stakes. I'm usually content with slower paced movies as long as there's still a sense of building tension.
Again, Shia's performance did stand out, but outside of that, I'm afraid to say this movie really did not carry the viewer through the depth and influence of Padre Pio. Not Shia's fault, more on the writers and director.
I think a better film around this monastic spiritual genre would be "Of Gods and Men."
Unfortunately, the following of the political unfolding was very mundane and bare. And worse off, there was minimal tie between the current events to Padre Pio's influence on the people outside of maybe the Eucharist and a couple confessions.
I certainly can say every scene LaBeouf was in, he carried extremely well, but these were sparsely placed throughout the film, and felt very removed from the rest of the movie. However, these scenes still did have a depth and spiritual sense of sacredness that I wish pervaded more of the movie. The moments of his anguish and torment were compelling, but short lived, especially because they were juxtaposed against the aforementioned weakness of the exterior events.
When showing the forced labor the villagers were facing, the cinematography was very jagged and disorienting. I understand it was meant to instill a sense of anxiety and arduousness against the still, calm lensing of Pio's sanctuary, but it was so pronounced that it was just distracting and dizzying. I could get used to an Oliver Wood style of camera shake in an action movie, but it didn't work with this film.
There was little to no tension to the storyline to really illicit a yearn for resolution. Because of this, the film lacked emotional substance, and not stakes. I'm usually content with slower paced movies as long as there's still a sense of building tension.
Again, Shia's performance did stand out, but outside of that, I'm afraid to say this movie really did not carry the viewer through the depth and influence of Padre Pio. Not Shia's fault, more on the writers and director.
I think a better film around this monastic spiritual genre would be "Of Gods and Men."
Disappointed.
phildeesnow2 June 2023
Warning: Spoilers
You probably know Padre PIO for his miracles, his stigmata or maybe because of the thousands of people that were there to see him in person, and get the absolution from him. Or his sense of humor.
That might be one of the biggest problems with this movie. The real story is too recent, and there are tapes and many recordings of this Saint. Yet, the movie is focused on the early years of monastic life, and horrors of war. It's about politics of the time and historic data, that i couldn't care less.
Put a Hollywood version, mold the characters to be entertaining, even if they were real people... or make a dark documentary well acted, but boring AF, Which would you choose?. Well, that's how I compare this to The Pope's Exorcist. Russell Crowe, got Padre PIO perfectly (although it wasn't supposed to be him) but at least was more inspiring, that this bland snoozer.
It's boring, long, dark and political... If that's your cup of tea, you'll enjoy it.
That might be one of the biggest problems with this movie. The real story is too recent, and there are tapes and many recordings of this Saint. Yet, the movie is focused on the early years of monastic life, and horrors of war. It's about politics of the time and historic data, that i couldn't care less.
Put a Hollywood version, mold the characters to be entertaining, even if they were real people... or make a dark documentary well acted, but boring AF, Which would you choose?. Well, that's how I compare this to The Pope's Exorcist. Russell Crowe, got Padre PIO perfectly (although it wasn't supposed to be him) but at least was more inspiring, that this bland snoozer.
It's boring, long, dark and political... If that's your cup of tea, you'll enjoy it.
Only 20 minutes of this film features Padre Pio
doxtfamily14 June 2023
Such a disappointment. Literally 20 minutes of the film contains Padre Pio. This movie focuses on political issues in Italy rather than Padre Pio. The film was boring & lacked any points of interest. Crew had no idea the talent in Shia LeBouf, who did a phenomenal job as Padre Pio. He wasn't given anywhere near enough screen time or enough opportunity to portray Padre Pio. Nudity in a film about the greatest saint of our time is so sacreligious & disrespectful to the man that is Padre Pio as well as his religion. This is an injustice to Padre Pio & such a bust. LeBouf was phenomenal, storyline was awful.
Watch Raul Julia's "Romero" instead.
patrickullmer-099304 June 2023
I was not expecting much reverence for the subject matter in a film by Abel Ferrara, whose latest film was about the Vatican blowing up. Ferrara seems to be his own audience these days.
Nevertheless, Shia Labeouf's publicized conversion to Catholicism did spark some interest (though I thought he already did this for "Fury"). However, my nose was still very well plugged, and it remained so. This is not a biography. It is just empty, with no real direction in story, nor any perceivable goal. The shark in "Jaws" was better utilized than Saint Pio was in this film; at least the shark was central to the plot, and his presence was felt- even when he was offscreen.
Ferrara's other films are brutal, unrelenting, dark and negative, and yet utilize Catholic imagery as little more than window dressing. Such is the case with this film, only its also part of the title. Don't waste your time. Watch "Padre Pio: Miracle Man" or "Padre Pio: Between Heaven and Earth," instead.
Nevertheless, Shia Labeouf's publicized conversion to Catholicism did spark some interest (though I thought he already did this for "Fury"). However, my nose was still very well plugged, and it remained so. This is not a biography. It is just empty, with no real direction in story, nor any perceivable goal. The shark in "Jaws" was better utilized than Saint Pio was in this film; at least the shark was central to the plot, and his presence was felt- even when he was offscreen.
Ferrara's other films are brutal, unrelenting, dark and negative, and yet utilize Catholic imagery as little more than window dressing. Such is the case with this film, only its also part of the title. Don't waste your time. Watch "Padre Pio: Miracle Man" or "Padre Pio: Between Heaven and Earth," instead.
Padre Pio could have been an extra in this movie
lmcglinchey4 June 2023
Warning: Spoilers
This was a waste of my time and I can tolerate most anything. I love Padre Pio and this movie wasn't about him despite the name. It was about a very poor village after WWI trying to bring about socialism as a means to overcome their poverty. Gratuitous nudity. Gratuitous violence. Padre Pio's life was maybe 5% of the content and even then it was unrelated to the weak story line. Nothing about his trials. No stigmata. No bilocution. Once very marginal scene with reading of souls. One marginal scene fighting the devil. He was portrayed as a weak man. Very dark. I was so disappointed. I would not recommend to anyone.
A Witless Frankenstein's Monster
reelreviewsandrecommendations12 February 2024
The First World War has just ended, but peace is far from the Italian village of San Giovanni Rotondo. As families welcome back their loved ones from the battlefield, a new conflict brews between the socialist peasants and their oppressive landowners. Meanwhile, in the village convent, Capuchin friar Padre Pio is having a crisis of faith. Encountering demons and suffering from vivid, dark hallucinations, will the friar overcome his troubles, and will the villagers find their freedom?
Directed by Abel Ferrara, 'Padre Pio' is a witless Frankenstein's monster: a strange, plodding drama that feels like two vastly different films spliced poorly together; neither of which are very good. Written by Ferrara and Maurizio Braucci- alongside whom Ferrara wrote the far more interesting 'Pasolini'- the film aims to explore themes of spirituality and politics in post-war Italy, but ends up saying nothing at all. The links between the story involving the villagers and the one concerning the titular character are tenuous and poorly explained, while the complete package is so slow and tedious it would be more worthwhile watching paint dry.
Moreover, the dialogue is stilted and cliched, with the villagers' arguments for and against socialism being especially trite and banal. Often, it sounds like bad improvisation- and the fact that the mostly Italian cast struggle to deliver their lines in English doesn't help matters. Additionally, although Ferrara tries to juxtapose the suffering of Pio with that of the villagers, it doesn't work, feeling ham-fisted at best. Furthermore, his portrayal of the friar isn't sympathetic, nor interesting, with no backstory or characterisation. There's no reason to root for him, and his dull journey towards stigmata simply isn't engaging.
Having said that, there are moments throughout that hold interest, even if they're too few and far between. An all-too-short scene involving a character confessing his lust for his daughter brims with an intriguing menace, while the opening sequence- in which soldiers return from the war- is well realized, with minimal dialogue. Unfortunately, scenes like those are rare gems in a sea of mediocrity, and the majority of the narrative is a slog.
On the other hand, Alessandro Abate's muted cinematography adds a dose of realism to proceedings, and is consistently striking. Tommaso Ortino's production design lends additional authenticity to the picture, while the set and costume design is of a particularly high quality. However, Joe Delia's score- incorporating, at one point, Southern chain-gang music- is overblown, lacking subtlety or power.
Shia La Beouf stars as the titular character, delivering a performance of staggering self-indulgence, going so over-the-top he makes Nicolas Cage in 'Vampire's Kiss' look like a masterpiece of understatement. It is a misjudged attempt to outdo Daniel Day-Lewis in the intensity department, making Padre Pio look petulant, insane and dour. His Italian co-stars all do more nuanced work, but the impact of their performances are severely hampered by their having to speak in English. Worth mentioning, however, is Asia Argento, who plays the incestuous father, injecting some much-needed energy into a lifeless film.
In conclusion, Abel Ferrara's 'Padre Pio' is a failure, both as a biopic of the titular character and as a drama concerning Italian socio-political history. Drab, dull and disappointing, the narrative lacks wit, insight and entertainment value, while the dialogue is consistently contrived and unnatural. While the cinematography and production design are commendable, the score is poor and the central performance from Shia LaBeouf is terribly over-the-top. In short, it's a boring waste of time, deserving Three Hail Marys, and nothing more.
Directed by Abel Ferrara, 'Padre Pio' is a witless Frankenstein's monster: a strange, plodding drama that feels like two vastly different films spliced poorly together; neither of which are very good. Written by Ferrara and Maurizio Braucci- alongside whom Ferrara wrote the far more interesting 'Pasolini'- the film aims to explore themes of spirituality and politics in post-war Italy, but ends up saying nothing at all. The links between the story involving the villagers and the one concerning the titular character are tenuous and poorly explained, while the complete package is so slow and tedious it would be more worthwhile watching paint dry.
Moreover, the dialogue is stilted and cliched, with the villagers' arguments for and against socialism being especially trite and banal. Often, it sounds like bad improvisation- and the fact that the mostly Italian cast struggle to deliver their lines in English doesn't help matters. Additionally, although Ferrara tries to juxtapose the suffering of Pio with that of the villagers, it doesn't work, feeling ham-fisted at best. Furthermore, his portrayal of the friar isn't sympathetic, nor interesting, with no backstory or characterisation. There's no reason to root for him, and his dull journey towards stigmata simply isn't engaging.
Having said that, there are moments throughout that hold interest, even if they're too few and far between. An all-too-short scene involving a character confessing his lust for his daughter brims with an intriguing menace, while the opening sequence- in which soldiers return from the war- is well realized, with minimal dialogue. Unfortunately, scenes like those are rare gems in a sea of mediocrity, and the majority of the narrative is a slog.
On the other hand, Alessandro Abate's muted cinematography adds a dose of realism to proceedings, and is consistently striking. Tommaso Ortino's production design lends additional authenticity to the picture, while the set and costume design is of a particularly high quality. However, Joe Delia's score- incorporating, at one point, Southern chain-gang music- is overblown, lacking subtlety or power.
Shia La Beouf stars as the titular character, delivering a performance of staggering self-indulgence, going so over-the-top he makes Nicolas Cage in 'Vampire's Kiss' look like a masterpiece of understatement. It is a misjudged attempt to outdo Daniel Day-Lewis in the intensity department, making Padre Pio look petulant, insane and dour. His Italian co-stars all do more nuanced work, but the impact of their performances are severely hampered by their having to speak in English. Worth mentioning, however, is Asia Argento, who plays the incestuous father, injecting some much-needed energy into a lifeless film.
In conclusion, Abel Ferrara's 'Padre Pio' is a failure, both as a biopic of the titular character and as a drama concerning Italian socio-political history. Drab, dull and disappointing, the narrative lacks wit, insight and entertainment value, while the dialogue is consistently contrived and unnatural. While the cinematography and production design are commendable, the score is poor and the central performance from Shia LaBeouf is terribly over-the-top. In short, it's a boring waste of time, deserving Three Hail Marys, and nothing more.
Horrible Movie
nbhfgnmrs4 June 2023
Not sure why it's called Padre pio, it barely showed him. Even then it showed him in a bad light. Bad music score, camera work, really nothing redeeming about it.
It's like watching a really bad movie with a fee clips of a worse movie popping it.
Why not make a movie that actually shows him, the stigmata, lines of people coming to confess to him, his ability to read what was bothering people at confessions.
Why put in the nudity and profanity? Why use his name to promote this boring garbage.
We thought it would be good after hearing about LaBeouf converting it would be good. It's not remotely that.
It's like watching a really bad movie with a fee clips of a worse movie popping it.
Why not make a movie that actually shows him, the stigmata, lines of people coming to confess to him, his ability to read what was bothering people at confessions.
Why put in the nudity and profanity? Why use his name to promote this boring garbage.
We thought it would be good after hearing about LaBeouf converting it would be good. It's not remotely that.
Dark And Depressing
sumtim3s00n3 June 2023
Despite the historical events and perhaps leading characters personal dark and heavy route towards becoming who he was that does not mean they film needs to also be so dark.
It seems that lately films are more and more separated into fluff and pop corn blockbusters and then you have these heavy "artistic" or religious or quasi intellectual films where they examine certain characters or events. So that after the viewers and producers can pat each other on the back how smart and deep their introspection is.
While not too long ago, directors knew how to interweave complex, dark or troublesome events with light, with entertainment , with charismatic characters to offput that or moments to balance it out. Intellectual and dark doesnt mean it needs to be heavy and difficult to watch.
Very very few know how to do this nowadays, Lebeoufs films never do. They are just plain dark and uncomfortable to watch. Especially ones like this, where they (unfortunately only) focus on the most heavy part of his journey to becoming Padre Pio everyone knows.
It seems that lately films are more and more separated into fluff and pop corn blockbusters and then you have these heavy "artistic" or religious or quasi intellectual films where they examine certain characters or events. So that after the viewers and producers can pat each other on the back how smart and deep their introspection is.
While not too long ago, directors knew how to interweave complex, dark or troublesome events with light, with entertainment , with charismatic characters to offput that or moments to balance it out. Intellectual and dark doesnt mean it needs to be heavy and difficult to watch.
Very very few know how to do this nowadays, Lebeoufs films never do. They are just plain dark and uncomfortable to watch. Especially ones like this, where they (unfortunately only) focus on the most heavy part of his journey to becoming Padre Pio everyone knows.
The Greater the Sinner...the Greater Right to My Mercy!
bigskyphilothea26 July 2023
Those are the words Jesus shared with St. Faustina. If this movie only served as an instrument of grace to assist in the conversion of Shia-- then for that reason alone the movie was well worth it.
As someone very knowledgeable about the life of St. Padre Pio, this film falls short. If I had to guess, St. Pio was only present in 20% of this movie -as other reviewers have complained.
As a child St. Pio's mother asked him why he wouldn't play with the other children and he stated... "they speak with too much vulgar language." St. Pio dropping an F- bomb in reality was probably unlikely. Some people have avoided the movie for this reason alone . However, the single-use of the word was invoked to convey an emotion...so I think it should be given a pass as the intent was honest.
The portrait of St. Pio in this film reads more like a man tormented with mental illness, than the man I know St. Pio to be... 'which is a man who fully surrendered to the will to God in humility and obedience while undergoing heroic trials & suffering.'
Shia experienced conversion during the making of this film, and his spiritual immaturity is definitely highlighted against the complexity of the real Padre Pio. I'm certain the portrayal of Padre Pio in 10-20 yrs from now (by Shia) would be more on point... as he grows into his conversion. Nevertheless, his portrayal of Pio had an endearing child-like quality that should not be overlooked.
In short, the failure of this movie was not Shia. The failure was with the writer and director as neither had a grasp on what this movie was supposed to be about.
The film has merit artistically & stylistically. If one can surrender their expectations of this film beforehand (with a form of holy detachment) while remaining an impartial observer of a smattering of various independent broken lives (during an interesting and important era) the viewing experience can be very rewarding. After all, the experiences and messages conveyed in this film are very weighty in themselves... something we rarely see in movies these days.
As someone very knowledgeable about the life of St. Padre Pio, this film falls short. If I had to guess, St. Pio was only present in 20% of this movie -as other reviewers have complained.
As a child St. Pio's mother asked him why he wouldn't play with the other children and he stated... "they speak with too much vulgar language." St. Pio dropping an F- bomb in reality was probably unlikely. Some people have avoided the movie for this reason alone . However, the single-use of the word was invoked to convey an emotion...so I think it should be given a pass as the intent was honest.
The portrait of St. Pio in this film reads more like a man tormented with mental illness, than the man I know St. Pio to be... 'which is a man who fully surrendered to the will to God in humility and obedience while undergoing heroic trials & suffering.'
Shia experienced conversion during the making of this film, and his spiritual immaturity is definitely highlighted against the complexity of the real Padre Pio. I'm certain the portrayal of Padre Pio in 10-20 yrs from now (by Shia) would be more on point... as he grows into his conversion. Nevertheless, his portrayal of Pio had an endearing child-like quality that should not be overlooked.
In short, the failure of this movie was not Shia. The failure was with the writer and director as neither had a grasp on what this movie was supposed to be about.
The film has merit artistically & stylistically. If one can surrender their expectations of this film beforehand (with a form of holy detachment) while remaining an impartial observer of a smattering of various independent broken lives (during an interesting and important era) the viewing experience can be very rewarding. After all, the experiences and messages conveyed in this film are very weighty in themselves... something we rarely see in movies these days.
Uninspiring and Disappointing
qrxrxkfmr21 June 2023
Padre Pio is portrayed as being in a constant state of suffering. The last scene shows the stigmata and the entire movie seems to be leading up to that point. The film's purpose seems to be that the stigmata was real. Knowledge of Padre Pio is required before this movie will make any sense. Keep your finger on the volume dial for the whole movie. The sound is either so quiet that you have to turn it up to 70% and then there are points where it is so loud you have to turn it down to 20%. Most of the plot is boring and the nudity is unnecessary and precludes showing this film to a lot of people. In the movie, Padre Pio is disconnected from other people and I gather this movie will also not connect with many people either. Rent this film but do not buy it. It is an unpleasant, uninspiring movie. It does not draw people to faith.
Opinion
ford-7706310 June 2023
Loved this movie! Probably not a easy watch for the average person but if you're a thinker and inspired by stories of faith you will love this movie, unless you're protestant, then you'll probably hate it. That's really all I have to say about this movie but I have 333 characters left that are required before it will allow me to submit this review. I think it's simply ridiculous that I basically have to write a short story of my opinion about a movie lol awesome I'm down to 120 characters remaining, I may go over though because I'd like to take a moment to tell you guy's about the new German restaurant in town. Never mind. Later lol.
Ferrara's insights into history
laredj818 June 2023
To engage in the contemporary cultural discourse on history and present it as a manifestation of historical truth, even if it is through certain scenes or dialogues, is, in my perception, an attempt to solidify a stereotypical image of history itself, disregarding certain facts about historical conflicts and their political, social, and religious implications, particularly in the realm of cinema. If the film falls within the biographical genre, as is the case with Ferrara's latest work, there is a slight manipulation of history, giving a cultural impression of the struggle between fascism and socialism in early Italy. This presentation, however, remains stylized in some scenes. Nonetheless, on a general level, the film follows Ferrara's typical pattern of evoking an ominous and mysterious presence without clear substantiation. There is an obsession with objects and affiliations from various factions, despite their lack of convergence. The anarchists, democratic socialists, fascist socialists, communists, Catholic Church, and the central figure, Father Padre, all become entangled in an attempt to depict a cryptic part of his life. Although some documented information about Padre's life confirms his inclination towards the fascist social order and his support for arming fascists, Ferrara intended to create a world that is less stringent in its adherence to the biographical truth, making Padre's struggle a wholly separate and internal one, detached from the political landscape and the immediate post-World War I events.
I believe Ferrara's depictions are critical in addressing the clergy's involvement in the dark side of human conflict. He aimed to present Padre not as an active participant and supporter of fascism, but he did not dismiss the darker aspects of the church's ideological and religious rigidity in Padre's mind, and its tendency towards violence against anyone deviating from Jesus Christ's teachings.
The film offers limited political insights into Italy during the 1920s, and it presents an idealized approach to understanding the achievement of a political justice system from a populist perspective, which halted the military regression, albeit symbolically, towards destruction towards the end of the film.
Overall, the film operates within a commendable framework, and I found myself relatively intrigued by Ferrara's cautious presentation of the desired imagery, without delving extensively into explicating it. They are fleeting and delicate glimpses into the life of a martyr of faith, a neutral observer of the daily human struggle, seeking to achieve a sense of justice within the mechanisms of exploitation.
I thoroughly enjoyed Shia LaBeouf's portrayal of the character Padre.
I believe Ferrara's depictions are critical in addressing the clergy's involvement in the dark side of human conflict. He aimed to present Padre not as an active participant and supporter of fascism, but he did not dismiss the darker aspects of the church's ideological and religious rigidity in Padre's mind, and its tendency towards violence against anyone deviating from Jesus Christ's teachings.
The film offers limited political insights into Italy during the 1920s, and it presents an idealized approach to understanding the achievement of a political justice system from a populist perspective, which halted the military regression, albeit symbolically, towards destruction towards the end of the film.
Overall, the film operates within a commendable framework, and I found myself relatively intrigued by Ferrara's cautious presentation of the desired imagery, without delving extensively into explicating it. They are fleeting and delicate glimpses into the life of a martyr of faith, a neutral observer of the daily human struggle, seeking to achieve a sense of justice within the mechanisms of exploitation.
I thoroughly enjoyed Shia LaBeouf's portrayal of the character Padre.
Waste of money
plebreck-184035 June 2023
This movie was such a disappointment. There is so much about the life of Padre Pio that wasn't told, but should have been part of his story. We bought the movie on Prime because we thought it would be a great movie. We actually had to stop it half way through because we were falling asleep. Too much of the movie was about the political situation in the town where Padre Pio lived. Too little of the movie was actually about Padre Pio. Also for Catholics there is a scene that is sac religious against the Blessed Virgin. If you haven't seen this movie please don't waste your time or money on seeing it.
One of the worst movies I've seen
mrbwiz4224 June 2023
The town parts, which is most of the movie, were just awful. Broken English, heavy accented English from everyone. Why not have them speaking Italian? It would have made it a lot better
But maybe only one star better. The town dialogue was boring and uninteresting and far from the way a regular person would speak. I did not care about any of the townspeople, they all could have died and I would have been happy to get back to the scenes of Pio which is the movie's topic.
I gave a star for Shia's performance as Padre Pio. Again the writing isn't there for it to be one of his best performances or anything, but it was the only enjoyable part of the movie.
I have a crazy idea why not put more Padre Pio scenes in a film about Padre Pio? Maybe they didn't think of that. Whole film could have been in the church instead and it would have been a solid 5/10.
But maybe only one star better. The town dialogue was boring and uninteresting and far from the way a regular person would speak. I did not care about any of the townspeople, they all could have died and I would have been happy to get back to the scenes of Pio which is the movie's topic.
I gave a star for Shia's performance as Padre Pio. Again the writing isn't there for it to be one of his best performances or anything, but it was the only enjoyable part of the movie.
I have a crazy idea why not put more Padre Pio scenes in a film about Padre Pio? Maybe they didn't think of that. Whole film could have been in the church instead and it would have been a solid 5/10.
Misleading Title
david69958 June 2023
So this has to be by far the most disappointing film I've seen in 2023. Why? I was so looking forward to this film for over a year before its release, expecting some semblance of a Padre Pio biopic. What I got instead? A completely different film whose plot involved the struggle of communists vs fascists in a small provincial Italian town, with Padre Pio being an incidental character who wasn't relevant to the plot AT ALL. In fact, had it not been for the last few seconds of the film's ending where they show him getting the stigmata, Padre Pio could have literally been interchanged with any generic provincial Italian friar. I'd even go a step further: if all his scenes were deleted from the film, it would not have changed the plot in the slightest whit. I would have at least been a bit more forgiving if they had taken 'artistic liberties' with telling Padre Pio's life, as some over-enthusiastic biopics tend to do.... but they didn't even do that! They do not discuss, flesh out, or even relay the tiniest iota of the story of Padre Pio... he is merely an incidental and inconsequential character in a story involving the early struggles of Italian partisans against the nascent fascists. I'm not saying that there is anything inherently wrong with that type of story (though truth be told, even that was bland and uninteresting), but if that was the main point and intent of the film, then the filmmakers should have been up front about it, and shouldn't have duped the audience by disguising this as having anything remotely to do with Padre Pio. Shame, as Padre Pio's story is fascinating on its own, and actually TELLING his story would have been immensely more interesting than this insipid drivel we were given here.
As a Catholic I am very disappointed!!
mlynncarbajal3 June 2023
As a Catholic I am very disappointed! This has nothing to do with padre ooo not even the real life story I didn't catch anywhere in this film it's very dark there was no ending conclusion as An actress myself, there was nudity in this,
And just didn't really capture the true meaning of padre pio and what he was about. I was raised to learn about padre pio growing up as a Roman Catholic in the Catholic Church and this is very very disappointing to Catholics everywhere this movie could have been better then it was, they could have put way more effort into basically everything, it's been ruined for sure.
An unexpected disappointment
Cortizo224 June 2023
For devotees of Padre Pio from Pietrelcina like me, this movie is an authentic disappointment, since being a movie about the life of the young Padre Pio, this movie only shows the political, economic and social situation that was lived in Italy in the 20s, especially in San Giovanni Rotondo. I too had high expectations for seeing this movie, and those expectations turned into disappointment, but for the worse, thanks to this movie and Padre Pio of Pietrelcina, Shia LaBeouf converted to Catholicism during filming.
Finally, I consider that making this film was an incomprehensible and authentic waste of time and money, and only true devotees of Padre Pio will understand this movie.
Finally, I consider that making this film was an incomprehensible and authentic waste of time and money, and only true devotees of Padre Pio will understand this movie.
Overall Disappointing
gracetheface-062829 June 2023
Aside from the poor acting and little to no context, the second half of the movie portrayed the Catholic Church in such a poor light (understatement). There was sacrilege, nudity, and swearing from Padre Pio himself. The scene of Father hearing confession showed absolutely no mercy which is not what confession is about at all. This sacrament exists to pour out Our Lord's mercy and forgive us of our sins through a human vessel. If I were not a practicing Catholic with a basic understanding of the sacraments and who the saints are, this movie would have led me to believe all of the lies about our beautiful faith that the film industry is pushing. I am so thankful that Shia is converting, but have no idea how this movie led to that. I was very disappointed to say the least.
Shia LaBeouf
Kirpianuscus27 June 2023
I saw this film for Shia LaBeouf. To discover the fruits of his tenacious , hard work and the source of his profound spiritual transformation. And the film, this film offers the answers in this sense.
Indeed, it is one of modest films and the cause is , maybe the too high ambition of director to propose a new perspective, to provoke the audience, to exprim his political credo, in pathetic and simplistic manner - the manicheic perspective about marxism versus fascism being just a problem- , to create a powerful frame , unfortunatelly, the photo remaining , almost isolated , out of it.
Padre Pio by Albert Ferrara has a couple of beautiful scenes . Not only cinematography, but important meaning. It has, indeed, two scenes not very inspired, one of them almost with blasphemic value.
Shia LaBeaouf offers a solid performance and, i admit, I am just grateful for this to him.
It seems the Marxist activities and the work of Padre pio are at two very different levels and no stairs exist between them. And this is the major mistake of this too ambitious film.
But, against this movie, I had not stones for lapidation. Other films about Padre Pio de Pietrecina are more inspired. I write this as Greek Orthodox. For the interested public, the documentaries are more indicated. For believers, the novena .
At the end of film, the applauses for Mr. La Beouf are only fair answer.
Indeed, it is one of modest films and the cause is , maybe the too high ambition of director to propose a new perspective, to provoke the audience, to exprim his political credo, in pathetic and simplistic manner - the manicheic perspective about marxism versus fascism being just a problem- , to create a powerful frame , unfortunatelly, the photo remaining , almost isolated , out of it.
Padre Pio by Albert Ferrara has a couple of beautiful scenes . Not only cinematography, but important meaning. It has, indeed, two scenes not very inspired, one of them almost with blasphemic value.
Shia LaBeaouf offers a solid performance and, i admit, I am just grateful for this to him.
It seems the Marxist activities and the work of Padre pio are at two very different levels and no stairs exist between them. And this is the major mistake of this too ambitious film.
But, against this movie, I had not stones for lapidation. Other films about Padre Pio de Pietrecina are more inspired. I write this as Greek Orthodox. For the interested public, the documentaries are more indicated. For believers, the novena .
At the end of film, the applauses for Mr. La Beouf are only fair answer.
Worst movie ever?
counterpaulg5 June 2023
If you want to watch a movie where they cast a woman to play a man in a supporting role for absolutely no reason this is your movie! It was a bizarre scene. Left me wondering what the hell was going on? Is that a woman playing a man? Is that a man playing a woman playing a man? All I knew was it was not a man playing a man. WHYYYYYYY? Besides that stupidity, it was absolute boredom. Whoever wrote this script is in the wrong profession. Acting? Looked like they dragged people off the streets of Italy to be actors. Got about halfway through and had to turn it off. It was torture! What a lost opportunity to tell a great story. It was not even about Padre Pio.
DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME.
DO NOT WASTE YOUR TIME.
Bravo!
castanedatania-7076318 June 2023
As a devote follower of Padre Pio, I really enjoyed this film. It allowed me to see what the world around him was like and why God chose him at that time. Remember, God needs not human; we need Him. In a time of unjust actions, God acted through Padre Pio and Padre Pio took on the sufferings of God which are the sufferings of the world. The Devil tempted Padre Pio and he was able to discern it. If we see those in power they had the same temptations and worse but they knew not how to discern and carried out the desires of their hearts which hurt so many around them.
Shia Le Beuf did a stand up ovation performance. I watched my friend Padre Pio in flesh and blood. I saw his piety, faith and suffering through Shia. It humanized him and at the same time allowed me to see God through him. Dear friends, do not be fooled by those that voice their opinions against the things that come from God. Discern for yourself and ask God to give you the wisdom to hear His voice in what you read, see and hear.
Shia Le Beuf did a stand up ovation performance. I watched my friend Padre Pio in flesh and blood. I saw his piety, faith and suffering through Shia. It humanized him and at the same time allowed me to see God through him. Dear friends, do not be fooled by those that voice their opinions against the things that come from God. Discern for yourself and ask God to give you the wisdom to hear His voice in what you read, see and hear.
Interesting, albeit confused.
filmreviewsandcriticism19 April 2024
In short, this film does not know what it is - and that is why it ultimately fails to communicate much.
The film is marketed as an arthouse biographical film of Padre Pio, and yet Shia Labeouf's screentime - who plays Pio - is sparse at best.
The rest of the film concerns itself with the plight of villagers who, growing weary of their overlord's tyranny, turn to Socialism. It goes without saying that such a narrative is overly simplified, uninspired, and not particurlary compelling. Some of these characters are played with a degree of nuance, but their development is so poor that I found myself struggling to feel anything when a significant event took place.
On the face of it, this second narrative (interwoven, quite well I might add, with Pio's plot) appears to have nothing to do with the film's namesake. Nevertheless, a tenuous link does emerge, which is that the spiritual struggles of Pio become a kind of microcosm for the peasants' struggles against the landowner's tyranny and the suffering of the war. This link, whilst an interesting concept, fails to communicate anything profound because, ultimately, nothing in the narrative really happens to bring about any kind of resolution or catharsis from this struggle. Moreover, this link does not hold naturally and, in the end, feels overly politicised and on the nose.
Whilst watching the film, you cannot help but get the impression that Pio is merely a vessel for the director's political fantasies. And this is probably the central failing of the film, since it fails on at least two levels: first, it insults the intelligence of anybody who knows anything of Pio and effectively misses the tremendous draw of Pio in the first place, and, two, it confuses and totally misdirects the purposed purpose of this film, which was - allegededly - a biographical movie.
It is important to acknowledge that the director's intention was most likely to communicate Pio's spiritual struggle in a concretised narrative, interlinking the two to enrich a viewer's understanding of the spiritual turmoil undergone by Pio and to help provide a stake for an audience who may not be Catholic or personally invested with Pio. It is important to remember that this is an arhouse film and not a straightforward biopic. I do not find this objectionable in the least and the concept is actually a very interesting and novel one. Unfortunately, the execution was poor, confused, and there was only a tenous link between these two narratives.
Ultimately, what that means is that neither narrative fails to achieve anything at all, especially when the peasants' narrative is ham-fisted anyway. This therefore works to make the end of the film - which I won't spoil - feel basically random and emotionally worthless.
It is a shame because, as stated, the concept is a good one. It is just that the execution ultimately failed and it is clear the director did not quite know what he was trying to achieve with this. The cinematography, lighting, and set design were all extremely well done and engrossing; it works to make the film feel claustrophobic and effectively aids the narration through its use of light to communicate setting, emotion, and whether things are taking place on the material or spiritual plane. The cinematography helps to make the film feel old, hostile, yet mysterious and spiritual. In that respect, then, this film is extremely effective.
The score ranged from brilliant to terrible. The scenes involving diabolical influence were definitely supported by its musical choices, nevertheless some choices felt jarring and damaged the level of immersion.
The film deserves a 6/10 because whilst its narrative ultimately fails, it nevertheless presents a novel concept in a visually pleasing way. The narrative fails to achieve greatness, but the film is still extremely interesting and was not at all a boring experience.
The film is marketed as an arthouse biographical film of Padre Pio, and yet Shia Labeouf's screentime - who plays Pio - is sparse at best.
The rest of the film concerns itself with the plight of villagers who, growing weary of their overlord's tyranny, turn to Socialism. It goes without saying that such a narrative is overly simplified, uninspired, and not particurlary compelling. Some of these characters are played with a degree of nuance, but their development is so poor that I found myself struggling to feel anything when a significant event took place.
On the face of it, this second narrative (interwoven, quite well I might add, with Pio's plot) appears to have nothing to do with the film's namesake. Nevertheless, a tenuous link does emerge, which is that the spiritual struggles of Pio become a kind of microcosm for the peasants' struggles against the landowner's tyranny and the suffering of the war. This link, whilst an interesting concept, fails to communicate anything profound because, ultimately, nothing in the narrative really happens to bring about any kind of resolution or catharsis from this struggle. Moreover, this link does not hold naturally and, in the end, feels overly politicised and on the nose.
Whilst watching the film, you cannot help but get the impression that Pio is merely a vessel for the director's political fantasies. And this is probably the central failing of the film, since it fails on at least two levels: first, it insults the intelligence of anybody who knows anything of Pio and effectively misses the tremendous draw of Pio in the first place, and, two, it confuses and totally misdirects the purposed purpose of this film, which was - allegededly - a biographical movie.
It is important to acknowledge that the director's intention was most likely to communicate Pio's spiritual struggle in a concretised narrative, interlinking the two to enrich a viewer's understanding of the spiritual turmoil undergone by Pio and to help provide a stake for an audience who may not be Catholic or personally invested with Pio. It is important to remember that this is an arhouse film and not a straightforward biopic. I do not find this objectionable in the least and the concept is actually a very interesting and novel one. Unfortunately, the execution was poor, confused, and there was only a tenous link between these two narratives.
Ultimately, what that means is that neither narrative fails to achieve anything at all, especially when the peasants' narrative is ham-fisted anyway. This therefore works to make the end of the film - which I won't spoil - feel basically random and emotionally worthless.
It is a shame because, as stated, the concept is a good one. It is just that the execution ultimately failed and it is clear the director did not quite know what he was trying to achieve with this. The cinematography, lighting, and set design were all extremely well done and engrossing; it works to make the film feel claustrophobic and effectively aids the narration through its use of light to communicate setting, emotion, and whether things are taking place on the material or spiritual plane. The cinematography helps to make the film feel old, hostile, yet mysterious and spiritual. In that respect, then, this film is extremely effective.
The score ranged from brilliant to terrible. The scenes involving diabolical influence were definitely supported by its musical choices, nevertheless some choices felt jarring and damaged the level of immersion.
The film deserves a 6/10 because whilst its narrative ultimately fails, it nevertheless presents a novel concept in a visually pleasing way. The narrative fails to achieve greatness, but the film is still extremely interesting and was not at all a boring experience.
Padre snoozeO
leeg-114464 June 2023
I am not sure where to even begin with this movie....having done research on the father after listening to some podcasts, I was really intrigued to see how Padre Pio (the Popes Exorcist) was going to play out...knowing the abilities he had I was really hoping this would come through and man was I wrong. This movie was one of the worst I have seen in awhile. You would be forgiven if you thought the movie was made in the 70s. It was also hellishly boring. (yes I did nod off a few times). The film showed almost nothing of his abilities and almost nothing of him...This was more about the village he was in during WW2...true waste of time...
Not about PIO
rodrigomps11 June 2023
It's a portrait of Comunism in 1920 as a victim of facism and compare comunists in PIO city with crist due to there sacrifice. It's a comunist propaganda using PIO as cover. The movie baraly show anythink about PIO, realy.
And even trying to show this picture, it does it in a awful way, child like, with bad actors, bad context, bad character development in a boring way.
For people who don't know, google this 3 words together "Father PIO" and "Comunism" you will see that PIO actually condemned comunism and catolic church condem it as well.
This movie is a true disrespect to catholics and to PIO history.
Shame.
And even trying to show this picture, it does it in a awful way, child like, with bad actors, bad context, bad character development in a boring way.
For people who don't know, google this 3 words together "Father PIO" and "Comunism" you will see that PIO actually condemned comunism and catolic church condem it as well.
This movie is a true disrespect to catholics and to PIO history.
Shame.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
