Padre Pio

This is honestly one of the best, if not even the best movie I've ever seen. The authenticity of the Saint's portrayal by Sergio Castellito is breathtaking. With his outstanding artistic performance he succeeded to balance a difficult task of showing Padre Pio as a deeply Saint and deeply human man in the same time. The movie shows a great humility, purity of heart and self-sacrifice of the Saint, but it doesn't also lack his simplicity and sense of humor. Jurgen Prochnow also very well handles his role of portraying the suspicious and persecuting priest. The final scenes representing the end of Padre Pio's life show the confrontation of these two man in a way which lets us see the amazing holiness of Padre Pio in a very special, strong way. The whole movie is deeply touching, and the beautiful and emotional soundtrack of Paolo Buonvino only intensifies the great experience by watching it. I think the film is very much worth to be seen not only by christians but also by atheists.

This film purports to tell the story of Padre Pio, a controversial saint whose life is open to interpretation. Many miracles have been ascribed to him, and, in favor with the current Pope at the time, John Paul II, he did achieve sainthood in 2002.

"Padre Pio," my version at least, is dubbed, and that took a little getting used to. However, Sergio Castellitto as Padre Pio does a wonderful job. Jurgen Prochnow is a visitor to the Padre at the end of his life, who wants him to admit that he is a fraud. Padre tells him his life story, so the film is in flashback.

The film shows Padre Pio's difficult life, his work for the poor, his healings, the founding of a hospital, and the punishment he endured by his own order, who did not like his long masses and closeness to the congregation.

Padre Pio had a stigmata, which was a source of controversy; though his stigmata is shown in the film, it's not really discussed. He was accused of continually opening the wounds with carbolic acid at one point. Also, he had about him the "odor of sanctity," a smell akin to flowers possessed by other saints, which by some was thought to be eau de cologne. He was constantly under investigation.

Yet his followers speak of his many gifts, including his healings, ability to read hearts, bilocation, levitation, and prophecy. He supposedly told Father Karol Józef Wojtyła in 1947 that he would ascend to the highest place in the church. When Father Wojtyla became Cardinal, he believed Padre Pio's prediction to be true; however, he went on to become Pope John II. And it should be noted that his body, exhumed 40 years after his death, was found to be uncorrupted.

"Padre Pio" takes a positive, uplifting look at this man who followed a holy path from childhood, but it doesn't shy away from how unpopular he was with church officials. He was a fascinating man and well worth learning about, and this movie does an excellent job of showing his work.

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)

Hard to believe that this was a made-for-TV; I watched it in Italy at its first showing, where it attracted a huge Italian audience. Even if you are not a Catholic, or have little knowledge of Italian, the film's production values are outstanding; beautiful photography and evocation of the Italian countryside; outstanding performance from the film's star, who achieves an uncanny resemblence to the real Padre Pio. Over-long in its made-for-TV form, but some of the film's longeurs could be cut to bring it down to a normal length for a cinema release, which must come in Italy following the film's huge TV success. One to watch out for if it comes your way.

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.