X
- 2018
- PG
- Focus Features
- 1 h 36 m
- 2018
- PG
- Focus Features
- 1 h 36 m
Summary Pope Francis - A Man of His Word is intended to be a personal journey with Pope Francis, rather than a biographical documentary about him. The pope’s ideas and his message are central to this documentary, which sets out to present his work of reform and his answers to today’s global questions. From his deep concern for the poor and weal...
Directed By: Wim Wenders
Written By: David Rosier, Wim Wenders
- 2018
- PG
- Focus Features
- 1 h 36 m
- 2018
- PG
- Focus Features
- 1 h 36 m
Pope Francis - A Man of His Word
63
5.3
Where to Watch
Summary Pope Francis - A Man of His Word is intended to be a personal journey with Pope Francis, rather than a biographical documentary about him. The pope’s ideas and his message are central to this documentary, which sets out to present his work of reform and his answers to today’s global questions. From his deep concern for the poor and weal...
Directed By: Wim Wenders
Written By: David Rosier, Wim Wenders
Where to Watch
Top Cast
Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 24 Critic Reviews
63
63% Positive
15 Reviews
15 Reviews
38% Mixed
9 Reviews
9 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
Metascore
Generally Favorable
Based on 24 Critic Reviews
63
63% Positive
15 Reviews
15 Reviews
38% Mixed
9 Reviews
9 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
0 Reviews
The director is clearly an admirer of Francis (both the saint and the pope), and was able to conduct extensive and exclusive interviews with the pontiff.
In this stirring portrait, it’s possible to see evangelism not in hectoring words or holier-than-thou bromides, but in loving action. Who wouldn’t say amen to that?
User Score
Mixed or Average
Based on 17 User Ratings
5.3
53% Positive
9 Ratings
9 Ratings
12% Mixed
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
35% Negative
6 Ratings
6 Ratings
User Score
Mixed or Average
Based on 17 User Ratings
5.3
53% Positive
9 Ratings
9 Ratings
12% Mixed
2 Ratings
2 Ratings
35% Negative
6 Ratings
6 Ratings
Pope Francis summons Capitalism's one percenters--its Oligarchs, and their imitators and followers, to an accounting. He condemns the arms trade in which the U.S.A., Russia, and several European countries participate, earning billions in the process. He condemns maltreatment of immigrants. Much of his message bravely challenges the right-wingers who have been recently surging to power in the U.S.A. and some European countries. His message is rejected even by some fellow-Catholics in the U.S.A., who often betray the official teaching of the Catholic Church in economics, even though Jesus Christ's teaching largely involved economics... "I have come to bring good news to the poor . . . ." This movie is for everyone... it's basic message is not sectarian but universal.
Report
An in-depth look at the views of a religious leader who earnestly seems to be attempting to take his followers in some radically new directions for a perpetually staid institution that has long resisted the kinds of change it needs to remain viable in a rapidly-shifting world. While many of the questions posed to the pontiff are somewhat on the softball side, his responses are nevertheless candid, even when couched in metaphorical terms. The film offers little insight into the man behind the robe, but its clear, concise, ever-respectful presentation of his outlooks and their importance for the world are spot-on. Worthwhile viewing, regardless of whether or not you're Catholic.
Report
Pope Francis is a healer, not a proselytizer. And Wenders knows enough to stand back and let him say his piece and make his peace.
So where the hypocrisy, didacticism and inaction of previous popes righteously roused our anger and indignation, Francis stands as a palliative cure-all for anti-papal sentiment. Likewise, Wenders’s documentary seems to yearn to excite the viewer’s passion, to ignite a desire to take meaningful action against the very real social problems the Pope so clearly diagnoses.
The result doesn't feel evasive so much as vaguely incurious, and its focus on the message over the man himself can be as impressive in its single-mindedness as it is frustrating.
It is a pleasure to watch the present-day Francis interact with people all over the world and articulate his hopes for improving the lot of the poor. The film is humane and unobjectionable, but in the end, it isn’t pointed enough to seize the attention of skeptics in the audience.
Access to the great man has clearly been provided with an undertaking not to challenge, not even to ask questions, in the normal interview sense.
So basic that it hurts and I say it because this documentary only exalts and when you're after the figure of a religion leader like the Pope, it's kind of irrelevant if you don't touch the controversy.
And I don't say it because it sells but because it's urgent to talk about it.
Report
The current pontiff is a fascinating character who's been making dramatic reforms in the Catholic Church. However, this is NOT a documentary about the man, but a 90-minute lecture. He's either directly addressing the camera or speaking to throngs around the world. His subjects range from poverty to environmental responsibility. There is no denying that the man has a sweet charm and compelling demeanor, but unless you want to hear his extended opinions on several subjects, stay away.
Report
Production Company
The Palindrome,
Centro Televisivo Vaticano,
Célestes Images,
Solares Fondazione delle arti,
Neue Road Movies,
Decia Films,
Fondazione Solares Suisse,
PTS Art's Factory
Release Date May 18, 2018
Duration 1 h 36 m
Rating PG
Genres
Tagline Hope is a universal message.
Awards
Golden Trailer Awards
• 2 Nominations
Traverse City Film Festival
• 1 Win & 1 Nomination
Cannes Film Festival
• 1 Nomination
