convincing portrayal of the Cardinals?

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I suspect they are actually quite happy with this movie. The Vatican would probably welcome any humanizing depictions which politely avoid any reference to those all-too-humanizing crimes of the flesh at this point in history. There might well be some typically Vaticanesque subterfuge involved in this boycott call. Who, after all, would choose to see a Vatican-endorsed movie about the Vatican, other than those already singing in the choir? A boycotted movie, on the other hand... Most likely they would tend to avoid directing any undue public attention to movies that are deemed genuinely damaging to their interests, preferring to exert their influence behind the scenes.


Welcome to Costco, I love you...

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I knew about the corruption of the early Christian Church, about Pope Alexander VI aka Rodrigo Borgia, the immoral/unethical practices in the past several centuries and have read some of the recent charges of molestation of some priests of a few of their parishioners (there are some cases even here in my place, and not the first I've read).

With that being said, I still I enjoyed this film. When the newly elected Pope screamed and dashed out of the balcony, so that his announcement was stifled, I sensed something unusual about the story. I don't know anyone of the actors in this movie and my first time to watch one by director Nanni Moretti. That, plus the fact that we get very few movies from Europe really stoked my curiosity for this film and thankful that it didn't turn out like anything that Hollywood usually dishes out. The new Pope's fears, his weaknesses, his doubts about his capabilities to lead reminded me of an old movie centered too about a new Pope, The Shoes of the Fisherman, with Anthony Quinn in the role. But in that movie, the character reconciled himself that it was his destiny and his fate, and so submitted himself to the higher power. Unlike the character in this Habemus Papam.

I believe there are some - and maybe many more - among the cardinals who haven't lost touch with the child-like aspect of their personality while being aware of the problems and issues that beset our world, how organized religion is being challenged nowadays, and keeping updated with the changes going on around. I don't know how anyone among the Catholic cardinals these days would be described as naive, or as simpletons.

I come from a country predominantly Roman Catholic (Philippines) and I have seen some cardinals come to visit my workplace from time to time, and heard a few deliver a speech or say a mass for some important occasion. One of the beloved ones here in my country was Cardinal Sin of Manila, full name Jaime Sin (died in 2005), and he is known to make a joke of his official residence as "the house of Sin". And as you can see, even his official title is frequently a source of puns in some circles of my countrymen. The Cardinal himself is a man fond of humor and witticisms, frequently smiles and laughs, and yet he was one of the great players in the overthrow of our former dictator-president Ferdinand Marcos.

If it's true that the Vatican has called for a boycott of this film, then the more that this one will not reach our shores. I'm glad I've seen it, if only online, on a movie website.


Edited: Wrong use of tense in a sentence, English being just a second language to me.


Truth inexorably,inscrutably seeks and reveals Itself into the Light.

Brummer is a total bro.

Not, but honestly, I felt for these people. Even though most was light humor and whimsical behavior, we do get a glimpse at how horrific some of their turmoils really are. Having to live up to basically being above or beyond any kind of self-service or temptation must be quite challenging -physically and emotionally- to say the least.

The scene were they scream helplessly in their sleep is really quite haunting. And how the concierge just went about his chores, like it was a common occurrence. Made me shiver.

Overall excellent film.

You are both wrong and right. Wrong is your idea that in the device of a play, not much 'literary freedom' shall be involved. If you were a writer or director, you would probably not be succesful, unless you were genius. Most films of average or surpassing success incorporate some phantasy or exageration. Even more so with fairy tales, novels and fiction. So let Moretti as well as numerous ohters show the cardinal's ridiculosity in some scenes.

Right you are in stating that a Cardinal is probably not a naive, boyish and simple-minded older man. The Catholic church is a hierarchical organisation with 1 billion 'members'. It has endured for 2 millenia, it is probably the greatest cultural factor in the history of mankind. We can assume that this church has learned who to find, select and educate its workforce and elite. Unlike other business-like organisations, family background, titles, race do not have the slightest unjustified influence on the careers. Thus we can assume that bishops, archbishops and cardinals are of the highest intellectual and moral quality. Imagine the impression 'small' president G.W.Bush made when presented himself to the 'great' Pope. That Bush only speaks two languages, while the Pope and other high functionaires easily communicate in several dead and alive languages, speaks for itself.

I agree with you. Naive. I am not a believer either, but I could see little psychological truth in this film, not much of a story, and on the whole, a waste of resources. OK to pass an evening knitting by the TV but I think 3 stars would be generous.