Karol, l'homme qui devint Pape

I will buy this movie for my collection. Excellent special effects. Movie portrayals of all characters in this historic recounting of the life of the future Pope. No heroics, just a straight forward telling of an amazing story. A joint production, it is basic, and raw, without the polish of Hollywood. I was moved by this story. Some of the child actors were a bit "overdone" but the main characters played their roles well, and honestly. They involvement of the Polish and Italian filmmakers has ensured that this movie remained accurate, but not maudlin. Seeing this story makes me realize what a truly great man John Paul was.

WOW!! Um.... I can't say it any better than that. If possible, I would have given it a 20 out of eleven because it was that well done. No extreme graphics or technological advances or anything like that, just incredible accuracy and acting. I would rate it up among the movies such as Lord of the Rings I, II, and III, Chronicles of Narnia, and other such epics. Though it is not about a warrior, it is about Karol Woytowich, who had the heart of a warrior and the restraint and love of Christ. Like with the movies I ranked it with, you feel the passion of the main character and those around him. In a day of digital effects making or breaking a movie, it was great to see a movie that didn't need them. There is a clear message displayed not through merely words, but through action of the characters as you watch their experiences unfold. You are able to unlock the mysteries of the deep, profound, and personal faith of Karol as you watch this movie, understanding what made him so great. I would recommend it for all.

Obviously, "timgui," you know little--if anything--about Polish history, especially during World War II. Six million Poles (half Gentile, half Jewish) died in the Holocaust. This is because the Slavs were also on the Nazis' list. Poland had the largest--and longest enduring underground in Europe. They had the only organization--"Zegota""--created to save Jews. More Poles saved more Jews than any any other country (even though only in Poland was aiding a Jew punishable by death--often for the whole family, or the whole village--NOT a necessary law if Poland was so anti-Semitic as you would have us believe). There are thousands of stories of Poles trying to save Jews. I have heard none of Jews trying to save Poles. As a matter of fact, many Jews were responsible for the deportation (and subsequent death of half) of millions of Poles, sent to Siberia by their Soviet comrades (who were Hitler's allies at the time). And I don't know where you got your rosy view of the Communists!! Stalin killed millions more than Hitler--and mostly of HIS OWN people (in one year alone he starved 7-14 million people--mostly Ukrainians--while he was exporting food for cash)!! You have no idea how ruthless they've been. Get your facts straight before you spout off!!

This is a very good film, or, mini series, of almost 3 hours duration. The historical background of Krakow occupation and Jews' sufferings is shown very well, and the Nazi atrocities are not muted or bypassed here. The main role is played by Pyotr Adamczyk and he did a great job as a the young Karol, and then a mature cardinal, and then, a Pope. There are some weaker parts, though. Of course, such a long story requires a longer film, which could make it almost impossible, but to press into so much in a 3 hour spell is a bit hastened. Then, there are certainly some weaker parts of some actors and come on, there are some obvious caricature-quality Communist figures shown almost like clowns or mere idiots. Saying that, I must admit, that this film is 1000 times better than the 2006 sequel, which is a real bore. This one is vivid, brisk, dynamic and often very very elegant work. Great film, yes, but still, for John Paul II's fans

The movie is absolutely great!!! It contains some weaknesses like quite cheap special effects (attacks of German fighters, explosions,...) but these are not things that made this movie important and great. Some will say it is catholic propaganda but what else can say people that has nothing interesting to say. There are a lot of good and very good movies showing brave people who fought against evil with guns, words or irreconcilable attitude. This one is first I have ever seen where a man is fighting back by humble acceptance of everything what life had given to him. You need to be a Pole to understand life under communist governance and the importance of church and people like Wojtyla.