User reviews

From the title alone you'd think this is about religion or some kinda propaganda to re-polish the Vatican but it is just not ... It is a two hours of someones life and how change even on the most strict situations can bring progress.

Anthony McCarten wrot an amazing flawless script, I mean in the last five years you'll see his name on Theory of Everything, Darkest Hour, Bohemian Rhapsody and then he brought us this... the directing and visuals ,, and more importantly the beauty of multi sets from Italy to Argentina were all on point.

Now to the cast ... My goodness the duo of Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce was unbelievable !! the dialogue went like , how can they do this !! you can absolutely sense the level of acting between these two ... It was like a dance ,by the way there was a scene right at the end where they both try to dance tango 😂

Anyway ,, some people will get political and might not like it and probably call it a Hollywood propaganda ,, but it mostly got high review for one reason and one reason only,, because it is a heartwarming story executed brilliantly.

..... how a dialogue-based movie could make me sooo immersed in it, i cried three times during the movie. I am not a Christian but OMG their acting and the camera ..... they're soooooo good you must watch it coz I have no words to describe it!

I'm not a Catholic, and this movie is very, very Catholic. But beyond that, it's one of the deepest cinematic examinations of faith I've ever seen. Sir Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce, playing Pope Benedict XVI and Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio (who later becomes Pope Francis) respectively, both deliver brilliant, finely crafted lines with stellar performances. (It's somewhat ironic that two Welsh actors are playing a German and an Argentenian, but most of the film is spoken in English, so it works out in some strange way.) I really didn't follow the most recent transition between Popes, so I had not expected to be so deeply involved with this movie, but I am very glad to have watched it. Highly recommended for its insightful look into the human condition and the underpinnings of faith with its sometimes wavering texture, even for the most religious of us. Beautifully filmed on location in Argentina and the Vatican. If you subscribe to Netflix, then I suggest you watch this movie tonight.

Much has been made of the brilliance of the two title performers, and deservedly so. Both Hopkins and Pryce are absolutely convincing as German and Argentinean pontiffs who converse in English (conveniently for viewers) as their common language. Each actor is so fresh and alive within the personality of his "character" that I was easily persuaded they may be truer to the souls of these men than the living originals. Not enough credit has been paid to Anthony McCarten, the writer of this complex, layered conversation. It is the kind of dialogue great men wish they had spoken. What courage and skill it takes to undertake such a verbal tour de force. (Imagine if world leaders couldn't hire speech writers. Could Shakespeare's kings and queens really speak as well as he wrote for them?) McCarten has written the scripts for three Oscar-winning actors; isn't it time he was recognized? And Fernando Meirelles is the masterful director who brought all the elements together. This is a renaissance man, adept in many fields, from architecture to cinema--and organic farming as well. He has been nominated for one directing Oscar (for "City of God"), and here he shows his ability to maintain both visual interest and intellectual fascination through two hours of what amounts to an intense, extended talk. That the movie never felt "talky" is a tribute to all four great artists.

It is a very engaging film. I particularly like the scene where the two popes talk in the garden, as it is intense. I am not religious, but it still captivates me.

Great acting, good movie, worth watching, but it's about as politically nuanced as an episode of Law & Order: SVU.

Great actors working absolutely in total harmony and incredible story

Greetings again from the darkness. Abba versus Classical. Perhaps nothing more clearly separates the two men than their musical tastes. Of course, it's their widely disparate views of society and the role of Catholicism that matter most. Expert filmmaker Fernando Meirelles (CITY OF GOD, 2002) and screenwriter Anthony McCarten (BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY, THE THEORY OF EVERYTHING) have crafted a beautiful telling of the story of how these two men crossed paths, and they selected two preeminent actors to play the two Eminences.

Jonathan Pryce plays Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, now known as Pope Francis, and Oscar winner Sir Anthony Hopkins plays Joseph Ratzinger, now known as Pope Benedict XVI. The story kicks off in 2005 with the announcement that Pope John Paul II has died. The proceedings for the election of the new pope provide us our first glimpse at the differences between ultra-conservative and traditional German Joseph Ratzinger and the progressive Jorge Bergoglio, so in touch with the people. It's portrayed as a passive-aggressive rivalry, and an election between humility and ambition. Director Meirelles does a terrific job of establishing the pomp and tradition that goes with the election of a new pope ... we see the quite amazing process in quick-cut form so that it doesn't drag out.

There are flashbacks to Bergoglio's early days in Buenos Aires, and Juan Minujin portrays him as a younger man making the all-important life decision. But of course the real fun here is the verbal sparring and intellectual chess match played out between the older men in 2012. Pope Benedict is dealing with church scandals involving financial fraud and sex-abuse cover-ups. He is, for lack of a better term, beaten down in his job. Bergoglio has requested permission to retire from his post, and he makes the trip to secure Benedict's signature on the papers. Pope Benedict deftly avoids the papers and the topic as he engages Bergoglio in meaningful dialogue. Their conversation is at times combative, as their disparate philosophies become apparent. Bergoglio is a humble man of the people and understands the public perception of the Church. Benedict embraces the sanctity and power of his position and holds tightly to tradition.

As the two men philosophize on the Catholic religion and church, these two acting legends make every moment a pleasure to watch. Watching men of faith with differing ideals could have been either of two extremes: dry or over-the-top. Instead, we have meaningful dialogue on faith and the role of the church. Also, the set of the re-created Sistine Chapel is breathtaking and accurate. For those of us who have been inside the walls of the Chapel, we can't help but recall the architectural and artistic details captured here. Cinematographer Cesar Charlone (Oscar nominated for CITY OF GOD) captures the beauty of the Chapel, as well as the immense size of Vatican City. As an added bonus, the aerial shots of Rome are not to be missed.

With more than one billion Catholics around the globe, it's actually quite impressive that Pope Benedict was willing to step down and take the role of pope emeritus. For such a proud man to recognize that he was no longer the right man for the job is quite rare, but even more impressive is how he understood that his diametric opposite, Pope Francis, was the right man for the times. Fanta, futbol, Fitbit and Tango all surprisingly have their moments. The running gag with Fitbit provides levity when needed. The film might let Pope Benedict off a bit too easy as it showers Pope Francis with affection, but the real fun here is watching these two fine actors go at it.

I just watched this at TIFF, and thought it was a very charming film. The performances by Pryce and Hopkins were exceptional - very humorous, and the subtleties of there characters made for a fascinating chemistry. Highly recommended!

Even though the movie felt small, like I waited all the movie for something big that never happened, I did enjoy it, so I can recommend it for those looking for something light. The acting was great, very natural, the humorous parts very well handled and the story, well, presented actual events.

Many have started with 'I am not Catholic' as if that is a prerequisite for enjoying the movie. I am not a female and have enjoyed many movies about women. I never served time in prison but have certainly received rich rewards from dramas about prison.

I am not British but I enjoy English actors, who have far more formal training in classical drama than Americans. And these two actors are among the very best ever. The drama may be accurate or not, it does not matter. It is clear that one pope had a different style than the other. Both were sincere on their beliefs and both were men of faith.

I am an atheist but loved the film. That is because I am a skeptical atheist and as I age I think about what a person of faith might feel at my age that I do it feel. Above all,else it is a movie about things we have never seen or thought of, philosophical differences at the highest rank of highest ranks of the Church.

Bravo Netflix!

Hopkins and Pryce should team up more often because the movie was absolutely gorgeous and with such amazing performances by the both of them. Glad to see the Oscar nods for both of them and I hope at least one of them wins even though competition if fearless this year. The movie is so much more than religion, it's about transformation, the difficult pursuit of a path, sacrifices and so much more. Really enjoyed it more than I thought I would.

Good acting and story but just that, a story. Not based on any true events other than they were/are popes. Misleading historical fiction.

Two great actors at the top of their game playing two famous men of the church. Not sure how much is made up and how much of the dialogue between the two holy men is true..but very entertaining and we'll acted by both. Glad to see Jonathan Pryce finally getting the praise he deserves. Always a fan of the great Sir Anothny Hopkins...he plays Pope Benedict with wicked Humour. Jonathan Pryce plays the current Pope Francis with humility and a man of his convictions. Bravo to Netflix for making this film.

Many movies with this kind of set up and actors often fall in the trap of trying to be too complex in thoughts and philosophy. Even though most People even at that level of importance never are.

God loves football and a beer without being rediculed. Wauw. Best 2 hours in front of a tv for a long time

The Two Popes is a film I actually really enjoyed surprisingly. It's by no means a masterpiece. It's definitely flawed. It's one of those films where it won't work without the lead actors and what they bring. Pryce and Hopkins are great together. They are absolutely terrific here. That's also due to a really great and engaging script. (Regardless if its accurate or propaganda. It really is not an issue with me cause that's not the point of the film and I don't actually care if the film is accurate) it works well regardless, and it has it's emotion with its back story and a surprising amount of fun.

I don't really have many flaws with the film. It is fine for what it is and that's it. I loved the opening 30 minutes then it kinda goes downhill slightly in the backstory sequences. Also the directors style doesn't work for the type of film it is.

Overall it's definitely flawed but it's definitely worth watching for Hopkins and Pryce alone and it just goes to show that at times Netflix does have decent content, if it's done by good directors and good actors.

Oscar worthy performances, stunning landscapes, sets and cinematography, decent directing except for "The Office" type annoying fast zoom-ins and shaky cams. The pacing was too slow for the 125 min run-time that felt much longer. Would I see it again? Nope. A solid 7/10 from me

Wow, just Wow! Excellent movie and Bravo to Netflix! We need more of these types of movies. Easily the best of the year!

I like that Netflix gets the rights to some quality films. Loved being able to watch The Irishman and Marriage Story (both critically acclaimed films) quick and at my own pace without having to go the cinema. The director of City of God, which was marvelous in its own right, returns with a film based on the interactions between a resigning pope and his successor. This is a humorous and well written film mainly strong because of the two charismatic leads.

The film is about Pope Benedict XVI resigning as Pope and how he chooses the unlikely Argentine Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio as his successor. Both men come from different backgrounds and initially seem to be at odds but through revelations it becomes clear why Cardinal Bergoglio is the rightful man to take the position. This film stars Jonathan Pryce and Anthony Hopkins.

This film is the best I've seen from Jonathan Pryce. He is just fantastic in this film and its a testament to his craft that he speaks Latin and Spanish in this film as well. His chemistry with Anthony Hopkins' Pope Benedict is the highlight of this film. The two play off each other so well and the humor between the two brings life to a film that is written well in its story through flashbacks.

Strong performances aside, the cinematography of this film is excellent. The aura and eminence of the Vatican City is captured through the lens and there is a true human element in the interactions between two very well regarded religious figures. The year is winding down but be sure to check out The Two Popes, its a film that is definitely worth watching for its introspective performances.

7.5/10

Being inaugurated as a new pope in the last century must have been a source of enormous pride. But there must also have been a nagging thought... at some point you are going to be paraded, stiff as a board, around your work courtyard before being taken back inside to your place of work and buried there!

All that changed in 2013 when Pope Benedict XVI resigned, the first pope to voluntarily do so since Pope Celestine V in 1294. (Pope Gregory XII also resigned in 1415, but he was effectively forced to).

This movie tells the story of that curious situation, when Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio (played by Jonathan Pryce) ended up as Pope Francis while Benedict (Anthony Hopkins) was still alive. The official reason for the pope's resignation appears to have been his advanced age. But the film paints a rather different picture.

The movie starts back in 2005 as we enter the papal conclave. Benedict (Cardinal Ratzinger, as was) is the highly-political German cardinal who desperately wants the papacy; Bergoglio is the highly respected Argentinian cardinal who doesn't seek the office but might have it thrust upon him. (Clearly, when the white smoke clears, history has dictated the outcome).

But flash forward to 2013 and Bergoglio will get another bite of the cherry. Is he worthy of the role? Through flashbacks we return to Perón's unsettling rule over Argentina and the events that made the man.

The two stars are simply outstanding together, and it's no surprise at all that both have been nominated in the Oscar acting categories. They are almost joint leads. But - perhaps to give the film its best awards-season shot - Pryce is down for Best Actor and Hopkins is down for Best Supporting Actor.

Anthony Hopkins in particular for me shone with the brilliant quietness and subtle facial movements that are the mark of a truly confident actor. Less is more.

I was enjoying this movie enormously up until we flashed back to the Argentinian sub-plot. Set in the time of Perón's "Dirty War" when a huge number of people - estimates range from 9,000 to 30,000 - simply went "missing". There's nothing wrong with this sequence of the film. For example, a reunion of Bergoglio with a persecuted priest, Father Jalics (Lisandro Fiks) - is brilliantly and movingly done. It's just that for me it seemed so disjointed. It was jarring to switch from this Evita-era drama to the gentle drama of the papal plot.

If the movie had been 30 minutes shorter and focused on the mental struggles of Benedict I would have preferred it. Curiously - we don't really get to fully understand his divergence from the faith. Bergoglio gets no end of back-story. But Ratzinger's is probably just as interesting, but not explored.

This is still a really fine movie and will appeal to older folks who like a story rich with character acting and not heavy on the action or special effects. The director is Fernando Meirelles (who interestingly directed the Rio Olympics opening ceremony!) and it's written by Anthony McCarten, the man behind the screenplays for "The Theory of Everything", "Darkest Hour" and "Bohemian Rhapsody".

You may still be able to find this in selected cinemas (e.g. Curzon) but it is also streaming on Netflix, which is where I had to watch it.

(For the full graphical review, please check out One Mann's Movies on the web or Facebook. Thanks).

I had the chance to see The Two Popes in theatre yesterday before its release on Netflix. It mainly describes the situation between current Pope Benedict and upcoming Pope Francis, who are greatly played by Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce. These two actors along with the directing make the film one of the best of the year. The film is mainly told from Francis's perspective but while at the beginning he seems to be portrayed as the good guy, it is never told one-sided. It is very interesting listening to these two men who aren't highly-ranked church members but also old lives and especially humans. In the very beginning for example, Francis is whistling Dancing Queen by ABBA, while Benedict has never heard of it. There are lots of situations like this that are charming and funny but never ridiculous nor cringy which is a great achievement. The film is refreshing in its tone and I left the cinema very surprisingly pleased.

I saw this movie at TIFF, and had it as a possible since I didn't know what to expect from the subject. What amazed me the most was how universal the themes of the movie are, and how much the message of the movie is exactly the message we need right now in this world: Build bridges, not walls. Powerful movie, light at times, it flows perfectly up to the credit scenes. Please go watch! It deserves all the accolades it can get!

In my opinion, the performances of both Pryce and Hopkings are excellent! No quesion about it. The story uses some historical facts and constructs a plot that is not entirely true. Good effort. I had a good time watching it, but it is not a factual reference.

Cinematically great, educationally (and possibly morally) questionable. The cinematography is incredibly immersive and delicate, the acting enticing. Yet, one has to consider that these characters are real people, influential figures that millions look up to. While intelligent in all other categories, this casts way too much of an opinion on both men; it doesn't let the viewer decide themselves what to think of the popes.