Saving Grace

Please keep in mind that I am a movie watcher, I don't care much for "the deeper meaning" behind it. I work hard, life is tough, I see all the pain and suffering in the day to day grind. I watch movies for the pleasure. OK? OK.

I haven't seen this gem in many years. I rented it from the big "B" video rental store over and over again. If I had more of a criminal bent, I'd have made myself a copy, or even better "lose" it and pay them for it. It is a lovely movie with a happy ending. It evoked emotions, made me believe it. The characters were real and at the same time larger than life. The actors were all accomplished in their craft. The location was perfect. I'm not one to pay attention to how they made the movie unless it stinks, this one made me notice how VERY well it was done. This is probably my all time favorite. I tried to expose friends to it, but with little success. I choose to believe that I am right and the rest of the world is wrong in regards to this particular movie. If you ever get a chance, try this one.

Others have already synopsized the movie for you, so I will just stick with the fun stuff...

As a longtime fan, I have an old VHS tape with three of Tom Conti's very best performances on it, all recorded off cable back in the late 80's: The Gospel According to Vic; Reuben, Reuben; and Saving Grace. This movie is my favorite of the three. I've probably seen it ten times. I will admit that most of the reason I love the movie hinges on Conti's delicate, relaxed performance. It's damn near perfect.

But you also get some delightful work from the magnificent Giancarlo Giannini. "You're Pope Leo, no? You're Pope Leo, yes." And a hoot of turn by adorable Angelo Evans --- the real life gypsy kid from Robert Duvall's oddball semi-doc, Angelo, My Love --- in his only real acting role. Whatever happened to that kid? He's so cute as the little gangster, Guiliano, whom Conti's character befriends.

There's also a very sweet almost-love-story and some funny stuff by Fernando Rey as Pope Leo's trusted confidante, Stefano. Eddie Olmos provides some menace as the head gangster in Montepetra.

Oh, just see it! You'll love it. I must warn you though that I think they sold the movie way wrong by calling it a comedy. It's a drama with humor. But it's definitely a feel-good flick.

Talk about sleeper movies, this is one. It is a totally watchable movie with great acting, etc, (you don't have to be Catholic to enjoy). The description is enough to turn off most people, but persevere it is not a movie that beats you over the head with religion. If you are looking for car chases, or zombies, or naked women, this is not the movie for you. But if you are looking for absolute entertainment and a good ending please watch it and enjoy! "A newly-elected Pope Leo XIV finds himself accidentally locked out of the Vatican. Unknown to the outside world, he winds up in an impoverished Italian village, where his adventures ultimately teach the Pope and his new friends some important lessons about friendship and self-esteem. "

When I watch this movie I marvel at its simplicity and its dual profundity. A beautiful story of goodness,temptation,loss of faith and regaining it,the ultimate triumph of the human spirit. This movie should be watched at least once a year like "A Christmas Carol for much the same reason.Tom Conti is the perfect choice as Pope. Everyone in the cast gives credence to their roles.I liked, NO I LOVED this movie!!!!!

Ebert liked it. Maltin hated it. Maltin's usually reliable, but not here. Tom Conti, Giancarlo Giannini, and Fernando Rey are all terrific here in improbable story about how depressed young pope gets accidentally locked out of the Vatican and has an adventure amongst Italian peasants in a remote village. This is admittedly a feel-good flick, but its message is nonetheless both strong and timeless. As an added plus: on-location cinematography is gorgeous.