This is the most complete and intimate documentary ever made on Pope John Paul II - poet, playwright, actor, mystic, and head of the Roman Catholic Church. Shaped by the terrors of World War II and the subsequent brutalities of the Communist era in Poland, John Paul II became one of the world's greatest defenders of religious freedom and human rights. Filmed on location in Krakow and Rome, this film traces the personal life and struggles of John Paul II.
Directed by
Judith Dwan Hallet
Written by
Judith Dwan Hallet (writer); George Weigel (book).
Starring
Rene Auberjonois (Narrator/voice); George Weigel; Stanislaw Jura; Cardinal Francis Arinze; Fr. Andrzej Baczynski; Fr. Adam Boniecki, M.I.C; Zbigniew Brzezinski; Fr. Jozef Gorzelany; Teresa Heydel - Zyczkowska; Stanislaw Jura; Anna Karon - Ostrowska; Irene Kluger; Halina Krolikiewicz - Kwiatkowska; Cardinal Pio Laghi; Cardinal Franciszek Macharski; Piotr Malecki; Danuta Michalowska; Joaquin Navaro - Valls; Marek Skwarnicki; Stefan Swiezawski; Karol Tarnowski; Roza Thun; Cardinal Jozef Tomko; Jacek Wozniakowski. Please contact SFC to add other cast members and characters.
Important: the following essays and comments are authored by Soul Food Cinema readers. Whilst the Editor prays for the spiritual integrity of all content of this site, it should be noted that these represent personal opinions and carry no official endorsement. If you consider any content to be a misrepresentation of Catholic teaching, please contact SFC. May God bless you and enlighten you in your reading.
-
Articles, Essays and Reviews
-
Please contact SFC if you are interested in submitting an essay on this film.
-
Readers' Comments and Opinions
-
Click the link to comment on this film. You may like to copy the film title and year (as given above) to your clipboard now for pasting into the following form.
-
A thoroughly excellent documentary
Mark Banks (United Kingdom)
Opinion: Recommended
It's not often that two hours seem like one when watching a documentary, but that was the case with this superb production based on the book 'Witness to Hope' by George Weigel. The film traces Karol Woytyla's life from his humble beginnings in Poland to his high-profile life on the world stage. I'll leave the documentary to tell the story but suffice to say his life alone, let alone the teachings that flowed through him, are enough to captivate and inspire in equal measure. The use of historic film footage, friends from Karol's childhood, and some minor dramatisations also serve to add an increased element of drama to the unfolding story of the life of a truly incredible man.
