Padre Pio

delicate. powerful. beautiful. touching. drawing of a story. confession of a great man. ladder of a life in which God is never ending presence. chronicle of an intense fight. against Evil. against yourself. and collection of miracles. ordinaries miracles. because the virtue of film is courage to be honest. to not create an eulogy or a fresco. do not transform all in a religious show but only in a testimony about an Italian monk as suggest for transformation of existence, to search and conquer its profound sense. a film about roots and force of growing - up. or, only a love letter. sure, it is difficult for an Orthodox as me to understand a Catholic saint. and this is important in this case. because , far to be propaganda, only propaganda, it is subtle portrait of a sacrifice with universal nuances.

This movie is indeed excellent: an orthodox and accurate portrayal of the life of this saint, void of sappy pious scenes (unlike "Therese"), yet inspirational in its realism (like "A Man for All Seasons").

It relates the life of this beautiful man from his early childhood till his death. Set in the lush hills of Southern Italy (east of Naples), the movie relates the early life of Padre Pio until his death. The focus is on his vocation (to the Capuchin friars and the priesthood), his service (confessions, mass, correspondence), and his gifts (the stigmata, reading of souls) which all emanate from his Christ-like person. One also admires his relationships among family, friends, and spiritual family. All the accounts are based on accurate historical information.

Any one the least bit interested in Padre Pio should see it despite its unavailability in many stores. The Italian nature of the film is endearing too. If you can't rent it, then buy it because it's worth $25.

Carlo Carlei's film PADRE PIO is a very detailed depiction of life and mission of the great saint from San Giovanni Rotondo (Apulia, the Coast of Gargano), a charismatic person who aimed at loving God and suffer for goodness. This is one of the best Italian films ever made and it is a pity that it has hardly become popular. I love this movie because of many reasons:

First of all, Mr Carlei shows Padre Pio (1887-1968) not only as someone who always wins, a kind of "religious superman" (sorry if this term is offensive) but a person full of innate struggle - SOMEBODY WHO HE REALLY WAS. Padre Pio, except for the fact that he had Holy Wounds of Christ on his body, he was, first of all, a very good and pious priest. He invited people to confess their sins and reconciled even atheists with God. And this is particularly noticeable in this beautiful movie. That's great since it gives a viewer a right picture of the saint.

Secondly, a very good aspect of the film is Padre Pio's mercy and help for the poor. This proves the fact that Jesus lived in him. I was moved by the scene when a woman from San Giovanni Rotondo comes to church and prays to God to help her as she had no food to give her children. She lacked even basic head wear. When Pio saw her, he took as much money as he could handle in his hands and gave it to her. At this moment, a beautiful sunlight went through a window... Or another memorable moment when he plans to build a hospital for the poor, he says to one of his "spiritual daughters" Cleonice Morcaldi that Christ is in every ill person but in poor ill, He is twice as much. And when the hospital is built, his words to the doctors: "Remember, if you don't bring LOVE to your work, all your efforts are nothing!" Isn't that true???

Finally, the director shows the truth of how church "persecuted" dear Padre Pio. The priest (Jurgen Prochnow) who comes to him on the day before Padre's death (22 September 1968) does not have to be historical but he represents the whole hierarchy in church and those who persecuted Padre Pio throughout his life. Fortunately, the end is surprising. I loved his words: "Christ is usually so close to us but we fail to recognize Him. What a blindness!!!

After seeing this movie, now I do realize why more than 7 million people a year come to San Giovanni Rotondo. Padre Pio was a great gift from God to the dark 20th century, so much shocked by hatred of two world wars and atheism. Do see this film and you will look at the world, and especially at Holy Confession differently! He is also a great example for priests.

Padre Pio was canonized by His Holiness John Paul II on June 16th 2002. Saint Peter's Square rarely saw such huge crowds of people of different races and from various parts of the world...

This film is available on DVD from Ignatius Press in San Francisco ($24.95 US) www.ignatius.com Its title is Padre Pio: Miracle Man. The Priest Who Bore the Wounds of Christ.

The promo reads: This major feature film drama captures the incredible life of the famous stigmatic monk and saint who died in 1968. It reveals Padre Pio's intense faith and devotion, his deep spiritual concern for others, and his great compassion for the sick and suffering. It dramatizes the frequent attacks by the Devil on him, and the persecution he suffered at the hands of people, including those in the Church. The many miracles he performed are also highlighted, as well as his profound humility, charity and sense of humor. Starring Sergio Castellitto....this is an outstanding epic film on the amazing life of this great saint. (subtitles or dubbed)

I visited San Giovanni Rotondo, Padre Pio's convent twice way back in the 1970's and met many people who knew him. I only wish I'd known about him much earlier. (I wish I'd actually KNOWN him personally.) When I discovered this film on You Tube recently, I was absolutely delighted. It has brought back many happy memories and I feel reunited with Padre again. My worry is that it will disappear from YOU Tube and there is no English dubbed version on DVD. Why not? I shall be very sad if it disappears. would it not possible to release an English version? Please do if you can. I wouldn't want to be without it. I thought the music was a bit overpowering and sentimental at times. Padre Pio was not a sentimental man and sometimes I thought the music didn't fit the person. However, this is "nit picking" and did not spoil the film for me, I have read several other reviews and am in agreement with all of them. If you find the film, watch it. I'd recommend it to everyone. Lovely casting, Lovely Padre Pio and the hard hearted Monseignor was very moving at the end. Bravo!