One never quite knows what to expect with a religious based drama, especially on such a current topic. This turned out to be surprisingly good. The photography and acting was very well done and despite the long timing (210 minutes rather than the 180 minutes on the box), there was little or no drag except perhaps just at the very end. I had just seen the Bob Hoskins film with a similar title and although they are rather different I would not say I preferred one over the other. This is a good story in itself and the religious aspect is almost a sideline. The general production is very good, in wide screen and the DVD I watched had subtitles. There is a large cast, mostly Italians and they do a very good job. Scenes are shot in various European locations and it all seems very authentic. Recommended.
Review of Papa Giovanni: Ioannes XXIII
