This remarkable drama reveals the heroic true story of John Paul II, a man who "rose to become a Pope of revolutionary worldwide change." Before he became Pope, Karol Wojtyla's life was a vigorous search for love and freedom. His transformational journey led him to the theatre, to profound experiences of love, friendship and loyalty, to scholarship, to the Catholic priesthood. And finally, it led him to Rome and the Chair of St. Peter.
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A Stunning Story About a Saintly Man
Mark Banks (United Kingdom)
Opinion: Recommended
In today's world I'm glad such a production as this managed to get made at all, because I really do think it provides great inspiration for young Catholics, whether considering a vocation to religious life or not. With Karol Wojtyla coming from a background of being a playwright and actor the film also demonstrates that there are no bars to entering the priesthood, and even getting to the very top of the Church's hierarchy; thus counteracting some of the stereotypes I think people can pigeonhole priests and religious into quite easily. Regarding the production itself, Karol: A Man Who Became Pope, as the title suggests, charts Karol Wojtyla's life from his twenties up to His Papal election; taking in the fascinating time of the Nazi occupation of Poland and his relations with his other young comrades at this time. Some of the acting throughout the production is a little questionable, as are some of the other production values, but they take away little from what is ultimately a stunning story about a Saintly man.
