Jany Pierson

Written by Jany Pierson

Modified & Updated: 05 Mar 2024

Sherman Smith

Reviewed by Sherman Smith

37-facts-about-the-movie-the-two-popes
Source: Plex.com

The movie “The Two Popes” is a captivating and thought-provoking film centered around the relationship between Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis. Directed by Fernando Meirelles and released in 2019, the movie takes viewers on a journey of discovery, exploring the transition of power within the Vatican and the clash of ideologies between the two pontiffs. With its exceptional performances by Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce, “The Two Popes” offers a unique insight into the inner workings of the Catholic Church and sheds light on the personal struggles and convictions of two influential spiritual leaders. In this article, we will delve into 37 fascinating facts about the movie, uncovering behind-the-scenes details, historical accuracies, and the impact of this remarkable film.

Key Takeaways:

  • “The Two Popes” is a captivating movie based on true events, exploring the friendship and faith of two Popes. It received critical acclaim and delves into themes of forgiveness and leadership.
  • “The Two Popes” offers a thought-provoking cinematic experience, celebrating the power of faith and promoting dialogue and understanding. It resonates with audiences of all backgrounds and showcases powerful performances.
Table of Contents

The Two Popes is a 2019 biographical drama film

The Two Popes is a biographical drama film released in Directed by Fernando Meirelles, it explores the relationship between Pope Benedict XVI and Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio.

The movie is based on true events

The Two Popes is based on real-life events surrounding the retirement of Pope Benedict XVI and the subsequent election of Pope Francis in 2013.

The film stars Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce

Anthony Hopkins portrays Pope Benedict XVI, while Jonathan Pryce takes on the role of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who later becomes Pope Francis.

The movie received critical acclaim

The Two Popes was highly praised by critics for its performances, screenplay, and direction. It received multiple nominations at prestigious awards including the Academy Awards and the Golden Globes.

The film explores themes of faith and friendship

The Two Popes delves into the personal stories of Pope Benedict XVI and Cardinal Bergoglio, highlighting their differing perspectives on faith and the challenges they face as leaders of the Catholic Church.

The screenplay was written by Anthony McCarten

Anthony McCarten, known for his work on other biographical films like The Theory of Everything and Darkest Hour, penned the screenplay for The Two Popes.

The movie was shot in multiple locations

The filming of The Two Popes took place in various locations including Vatican City, Argentina, and Italy, adding to the authenticity of the story.

The film received an Oscar nomination for Best Actor

Jonathan Pryce received an Academy Award nomination for his portrayal of Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, showcasing his exceptional acting skills.

The Two Popes explores the process of papal succession

The film dives into the intricate process of papal succession, shedding light on the selection and election of a new Pope.

The movie addresses controversial topics within the Catholic Church

The Two Popes tackles sensitive subjects such as clerical abuse, celibacy, and the conservative nature of the Vatican, sparking thought-provoking conversations.

The film emphasizes the importance of dialogue and understanding

The Two Popes showcases the power of open conversation and the willingness to listen, highlighting the significance of dialogue in overcoming differences.

The movie combines humor and drama

The Two Popes strikes a balance between humor and drama, adding depth and entertainment to the narrative.

The film features stunning cinematography

The Two Popes captivates viewers with its visually stunning cinematography, showcasing the beautiful landscapes and iconic landmarks.

The movie received praise for its historical accuracy

The Two Popes earned accolades for its attention to historical detail, staying true to the events and timeline of the papal transition.

The film explores the humanity of the Popes

The Two Popes humanizes the two religious figures, portraying them as individuals with their own personal struggles, doubts, and desires.

The movie showcases the cultural differences between the Popes

The contrasting backgrounds and cultural differences between Pope Benedict XVI and Cardinal Bergoglio are portrayed in The Two Popes, offering insight into their unique perspectives.

The film highlights the power of forgiveness

The Two Popes emphasizes the theme of forgiveness and redemption, conveying a message of hope and compassion.

The movie presents a nuanced portrayal of religious faith

The Two Popes explores the complexities of religious faith, showcasing the challenges and doubts faced by both Pope Benedict XVI and Cardinal Bergoglio.

The film received accolades for its screenplay

The screenplay for The Two Popes was highly praised for its engaging dialogue and character development, earning recognition from various film organizations.

The movie showcases the transition of power

The Two Popes depicts the transition of power from Pope Benedict XVI to Cardinal Bergoglio, capturing the emotions and struggles involved in such a significant change.

The film delves into Pope Francis’ past in Argentina

The Two Popes sheds light on Cardinal Bergoglio’s experiences and role during the Dirty War in Argentina, providing a deeper understanding of his character.

The movie addresses social and political issues

The Two Popes touches on social and political topics such as poverty, inequality, and the role of the Catholic Church in addressing these issues.

The film celebrates the power of faith

The Two Popes celebrates the transformative power of faith, showing how it can guide individuals through challenging times.

The movie portrays the Popes’ struggles with their past actions

The Two Popes explores the guilt and remorse felt by both Pope Benedict XVI and Cardinal Bergoglio for their past actions, adding depth to their characters.

The film promotes interreligious dialogue

The Two Popes encourages dialogue and understanding not only within the Catholic Church but also among different faiths, promoting unity and mutual respect.

The movie features powerful performances by the lead actors

The performances of Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce in The Two Popes are widely regarded as exceptional, capturing the essence and complexities of their respective characters.

The film showcases the struggles of Pope Benedict XVI

The Two Popes sheds light on the personal struggles faced by Pope Benedict XVI, including his contemplation of resignation and his quest for spiritual guidance.

The movie highlights Pope Francis’ progressive approach

The Two Popes showcases the more progressive and inclusive approach of Pope Francis, contrasting it with the conservative views of Pope Benedict XVI.

The film explores the relationship between tradition and reform

The Two Popes delves into the tension between tradition and the need for reform within the Catholic Church, stimulating discussions around the future direction of the institution.

The movie reflects on the complexities of leadership

The Two Popes provides insights into the challenges of leadership, examining the responsibility and decision-making processes involved in leading a global religious community.

The film delves into the personal lives of the Popes

The Two Popes explores the personal lives and backgrounds of Pope Benedict XVI and Cardinal Bergoglio, giving audiences a glimpse into their upbringing and experiences.

The movie highlights the importance of humility

The Two Popes emphasizes the value of humility in leadership, demonstrating how both Pope Benedict XVI and Cardinal Bergoglio grapple with their own egos.

The film received positive audience reception

The Two Popes resonates with viewers, delivering a powerful story that prompts reflection and contemplation long after the credits roll.

The movie was nominated for Best Picture at the Academy Awards

The Two Popes received a nomination for Best Picture at the Academy Awards, solidifying its position as one of the standout films of 2019.

The film explores the role of forgiveness in healing

The Two Popes examines how forgiveness can serve as a catalyst for personal and communal healing, highlighting its transformative power.

The movie resonates with audiences of all backgrounds

The Two Popes transcends religious boundaries, captivating audiences with its universal themes of love, forgiveness, and the pursuit of a higher purpose.

The film is an engaging and thought-provoking cinematic experience

The Two Popes offers a compelling narrative that challenges preconceptions, encourages introspection, and provides a deeper understanding of the individuals behind the titles of Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis.

FAQs

Q: Is The Two Popes based on a true story?

A: Yes, The Two Popes is based on real events. While the conversations between the two characters are fictionalized, the film is inspired by the relationship between Pope Benedict XVI and Cardinal Bergoglio.

Q: Who directed The Two Popes?

A: The Two Popes was directed by Fernando Meirelles, a renowned Brazilian filmmaker who is best known for his work on the critically acclaimed film, City of God.

Q: Who plays Pope Benedict XVI in the movie?

A: Anthony Hopkins portrays Pope Benedict XVI in the movie. His stellar performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor.

Q: Who portrays Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio (Pope Francis) in the movie?

A: Jonathan Pryce portrays Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, who later becomes Pope Francis. Pryce’s nuanced performance captured the spirit and humility of the beloved pontiff.

Q: Is the movie available on streaming platforms?

A: Yes, The Two Popes is available for streaming on Netflix. You can easily watch it from the comfort of your own home.

Q: What is the running time of The Two Popes?

A: The Two Popes has a running time of approximately 2 hours and 5 minutes.

Q: Did The Two Popes receive any awards?

A: Yes, The Two Popes received critical acclaim and garnered several award nominations, including Best Actor nominations for Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce at the Academy Awards.

Q: What is the central theme of The Two Popes?

A: The central theme of The Two Popes revolves around faith, friendship, and the transformative power of empathy and understanding.

Conclusion

In conclusion, The Two Popes is a remarkable film that explores the complex relationship between Pope Benedict XVI and Pope Francis. Through stellar performances and a thought-provoking script, the movie delves into themes of faith, friendship, and personal growth. Whether you’re a fan of historical dramas, biopics, or simply enjoy a well-crafted film, The Two Popes offers an engaging cinematic experience. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and prepare to be captivated by the incredible story of The Two Popes.

Was this page helpful?

Our commitment to delivering trustworthy and engaging content is at the heart of what we do. Each fact on our site is contributed by real users like you, bringing a wealth of diverse insights and information. To ensure the highest standards of accuracy and reliability, our dedicated editors meticulously review each submission. This process guarantees that the facts we share are not only fascinating but also credible. Trust in our commitment to quality and authenticity as you explore and learn with us.