The Young Pope

There is nothing else like this.

Pro-Catholicism? Anti? None of the above.

This is beyond Catholicism. Beyond religion.

It asks all the questions and gives no simple answers, or obvious answers, or predictable answers, or even unchanging answers.

Or, in some instances, answers at all.

Is it about faith? Absolutely. But without any requirement or persuasion.

And the human condition.

About love. Acceptance. Justice.

Is it, really, even about the Pope?

Exquisitely shot in stunning surround. Did it put even one foot wrong? I would say yes. Keaton. But I still give it a ten.

Wow, don't think i ever been that impressed by the first two episodes of a TV series. The story line doesn't sound that innovative: young, unknown American cardinal becomes pope surprisingly but instead of being a puppet for the powerful cardinals in the background, he is trying to take the vatican over completely. Now this could be just another vatican drama or another over the top comedy about the church...but its something very different. Jude Laws portrayal of the young pope is certainly one of the better acting performances I've seen in a while. he is cold, stoic but also full of rage and passionate about his convictions and most important: you cant figure him out. one minute you think he is a complete jerk or insane, next you believe that he is a saint. the cinematography and music is excellent. some of the mass scenes could have been shot better but thats nit picking.

I am utterly in love with this series. From the gorgeous soundtrack, to the depth and humour of the dialogues, the sharp exposure of human nature and the intricacies of belief and devotion, this series in an absolute joy. This comment is from someone whose last favorite series was BBC's Merlin. I rarely watch TV and follow series; it really has to be something special to grab my attention and keep it for a long time. This is truly special. I am devouring it, fully embodying the sinner in me. I confess to the deadly sins of gluttony - because I am never satisfied and I always want more of it - and lust, because Jude Law is oh my God so sexy and hot, in body, mind, and soul, and a brilliant, brilliant actor; I was happy to know he also produces it. And why not sloth too, since I don't mind spending several hours in a row watching it and I don't feel a slight bit of guilt because of it. Oops, here goes for pride. I am totally free of greed though, for I wish everyone watch this and drink of this divine juice. Amazing, and I hope there will be no more seasons, otherwise it will lose its substance and depth. Good things come in small packets. Thank you for this gem and congratulations for the genius collaboration behind it.

This my first review only because I read two bad reviews and feel it may not have given it real justice. They say it is predictable, uninspiring, trying to be something original. That being said it is probably true to a degree but you have to keep watching. At first all these things are presented too show the facade of what we already know - the scandals - but it fades and introduces new questions. For someone who bores at the fact of church going this was rather intriguing. Jude Law is great as the young American pope. I feel he plays with the subtle conflicts so well; vanity, power, pious yet struggles, scathing but is a visionary.

It does offer itself in the end a nice change to what is already out there. Refreshing that is isn't another zombie, crime, legal, quirky comedy or supernatural or super powers, or medieval bloody TV series.

I guess I should start with what I don't like about this show - the dialogue is somewhat unnatural. There's no umming or erring at all, conversations are as rapid and resolute as in an American crime procedural, which is slightly weird most of the time but especially disturbing when coming from actors who aren't speaking in their first language, who happen to make up the vast majority of actors on this show.

That's it as far as flaws though, and I won't even deduct any points for this one flaw because there's a positive aspect to it, to the point that I can't even be 100% sure it wasn't intended - it adds to the feeling of surrealism that permeates every scene in this unique and wonderful creation. And when I say wonderful I mean it literally - this show is full of wonders at every corner. It keeps you constantly surprised, on edge, unsure of what on earth could possibly come next. The plot, the writing, the cinematography, the acting, the music, oh the music! The choice of music, the placement of it. Every single one of these things is done with so much balls, finesse and confidence and to the highest degree of quality. And most importantly it's a fuckload of fun, never for a second taking itself seriously, the aforementioned surrealism constantly popping up where you least expect it. It's as much a colourful satire of TV shows, film and life itself as it is one of the Church.

It's really rather hard to believe that Sky and HBO financed this gigantic odd piece of brilliantly experimental filmmaking. I'd never quite accepted what a few critics have begun to say recently, but with this show I think the penny's finally dropped for me on the notion that TV and streaming services are taking over the mantle of art in filmmaking. Which is really fortunate, since true artists like Sorrentino are finding it harder and harder these days to get movies made, and not only are many of them being given big budgets and free reign these days on TV (see also: Mr. Robot, The Knick) but this medium lets them tell much longer stories, and without being afraid that the audience will fall asleep or run off to the toilet with their bladders bursting. Praise our most holy father.