Papa Giovanni - Ioannes XXIII (2002) watch online HD

One never quite knows what to expect with a religious based drama, especially on such a current topic. This turned out to be surprisingly good. The photography and acting was very well done and despite the long timing (210 minutes rather than the 180 minutes on the box), there was little or no drag except perhaps just at the very end. I had just seen the Bob Hoskins film with a similar title and although they are rather different I would not say I preferred one over the other. This is a good story in itself and the religious aspect is almost a sideline. The general production is very good, in wide screen and the DVD I watched had subtitles. There is a large cast, mostly Italians and they do a very good job. Scenes are shot in various European locations and it all seems very authentic. Recommended.

Pope John XXIII:The Pope Of Peace is an inspiring feature film on Blessed Pope John XXIII. It stars Edward Asner in an acclaimed performance as the beloved pontiff.Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli,known as John XXIII during his papacy from 1958-1963,came from common stock and was known for his simplicity, goodness, courage and love for humanity. He called the Second Vatican Council (1962–1965) but did not live to see it to completion. He died in 1963, only four-and-a-half years after his election.He was beatified, along with Pope Pius IX, on 3 September 2000.Together with Asner,it also stars Claude Rich, Sydne Rome, Massimo Ghini and Franco Interlenghi.

Pope John XXIII:The Pope Of Peace tells a story of Roncalli during his election to the papacy in parallel to his life from the early days of childhood to the days as a Catholic priest.Aside from being a biopic TV movie,it also narrates how he outdid himself and of expectations during his years in the Pontificate.Elected supposedly as an interim Pope that would just keep the status quo and listen to the advisers around him,he proved to be his own man when he surprised the Church and world by calling for the Second Vatican Council. This film also underscores his personality like his wonderful sense of humor and great charity towards others, especially the poor, downtrodden, and the outcast.

Pope John XXIII:The Pope Of Peace is an outstanding TV biopic movie about the pope that tells the blessed life story of John XXIII from his youth through his young priesthood, Bishop, Cardinal and Pope.It consists of excellent acting from the cast especially Asner as Roncalli,whom I believe have given a one great performance of a lifetime.The story was interesting from beginning to end.Added to that, it has a beautiful cinematography as the film was shot on location in Rome and exotic locations in Italy.

Overall,Pope John XXIII:The Pope Of Peace is one excellent story not only for Catholics but also for people who want to admire and emulate outstanding people who made great contributions to the history of the world and mankind.

Venice, 1958, the tidings about pope Pius XII's death do not seem to devastate the city's beloved patriarch, Angelo Roncalli - once foreseen by Pope Benedict XV to be "God's Traveller" now an elderly cardinal who never travels for free and pays for his tickets, does not yet expect that the coming conclave will soon elect him the Supreme Pontiff of the Catholic Church. Who is this man who appears to be exceptionally sympathetic? There is something very humane, something very touching and captivating about his persona, some kind of spiritual 'pontifex' - bridge for the dawn of new era and yet, paradoxically, labeled by some as a "transitional pope."

Like most of the biopics with typical TV productions style, Giorgio Capitani's movie (made along with IL PAPA BUONO with Bob Hoskins in the lead) does reveal certain mainstays of its genre. Its length, its low budget, its mode in general and, particularly, its flashbacks through which the story is told is nothing new. And yet, like with the historic Pope, there is something absorbing here.

Let me skip the chronology and concentrate on the second part first in order to better understand its lasting effect. Chronology does not play any role in the movie but the film rather aims at certain points in the life of this extraordinary man. The movie's major strength lies in the excellent, towering portrayal by Edward Asner. He depicts elderly Angelo Roncalli with certain vitality, unique charm, touching humanity and far from saccharine sweetness. Foremost, however, he portrays a man of exceptional integrity excluding, when necessary, all sorts of emotional sentiments.

To understand the phenomenon of this pope who succeeded Pius XII, the pontiff affected so intensely by the cruelty of WWII, we must consider his mission holistically: if there is sin in the world, there is tragedy and suffering, there also follows Grace and Joy along with the supreme ideal of this man's life: PEACE. No coincidence John XXIII is called "Pope of Peace" and his motto was OBEDIENCE AND PEACE. His ecumenical undertakings and his famous encyclical PACEM IN TERRIS has, undeniably, touched the entire world, not only Catholics but all people of good will, tired of war and vanity. It is crucial to feel this combination of heart and mind, of being a church authority and being a pastor of ordinary people who is close to them. Edward Asner manages to capture that exceptional link, spiritual, humane, psychological and emotional link that Pope John XXIII had with all the people he dealt with no matter if it was a cardinal of opposite viewpoints (consider cardinal Ottaviani) or a couple in love, or an Orthodox Church leader (consider beautiful scenes in Bulgaria), children or prisoners. His deep love to all humanity inspired by Christ's Love that cardinal Ottaviani (Claude Rich) mentions at the end of the movie was the driving force of his life, revealed also within the spirit of Vatican Council II.

Although most of the things seem to be around Edward Asner's performance who attracts our attention, let me mention some supporting performers that enrich the entire story. Here kudos to Massimo Ghini as young Roncalli, great credit to Claude Rich as cardinal Ottaviani, Michael Mendl as cardinal Tardini, Paolo Gasparini as Monsignor Loris Capovilla and Franco Interlenghi as cardinal Radini Tedeschi, Roncalli's "spiritual mentor." Tedeschi's death scene (historically he died two days after Pope Pius X whom he so much respected) is one of the most touching scenes of the film. The plot again focuses on one crucial point: being close to ordinary people (consider the archbishop's ring). Note: The relation between Angelo Roncalli and Radini Tedeschi is nicely developed by Alden Hatch in his book A MAN NAMED JOHN.

The idea hidden behind Part I slightly differs. It is more an 'introduction' that helps us better understand who Angelo Roncalli was. Nevertheless, the director manages to retain continuity and give a general picture of the events, the events that are there for very specific reasons. It's not only the attention drawn on one man but rather a certain method, a new method of evangelizing. Ecumenism, no conversion by force but respect of differences and similarities alike. Speak upon the heart of modern man... that was the driving force of the Vatican Coucil II. It is best expressed in the scenes of Bulgaria where Angelo Roncalli was a nuncio in the 1930s and the train of the Jews to Istanbul (what an exchange of a Rosary and a Star of David). Pity that the film gives such a condensed picture of Roncalli's perfect relations with the youth and the erection of Casa Dello Studente, his initiative. That could have been depicted instead of lengthy conclave scenes. But it is impossible to show such a rich and fruitful life in a 3 hour-film.

Purely artistic values of the movie emerge especially at the mainstay music score by Marco Frisina. Sometimes, the theme tune (that concerns the Pacem In Terris encyclical) appears far to often, may occur disturbing at certain moments. You can be sure the score will sound in your ears long after you are done with viewing the movie. Nevertheless, it manifests the entire feel of the story and beautifully corresponds to the profound spirit of Pope of Peace..."What really matters is peace" (as the protagonist says to cardinal Ottaviani.

Obedient Peacemaker speaks upon the heart of mankind...a unique ability that this man learned on his way paved with tears and trust, marked by finding oneself and abandoning oneself and so skillfully incorporated into his barely transitional but rather extremely creative 5 year-long pontificate as John XXIII. But foremost a Grace he received in his lifelong friendship with the Holy Spirit keeping the flame burning, his own candle of gratitude. A Great man who was never content with what he has done and strove for more...being a child deep down far beyond his grave and ahead of his times.

More than two years ago,Pope John XXIII and Pope John Paul II were canonized by Pope Francis.They are now considered Saints by Catholics.

This TV movie entitled Pope John XXIII is a biopic of one of them.It stars Ed Asner in the lead role which tells the story of Angelo Giuseppe Roncalli,who was better known as John XXIII during his papacy.

It tells his story from his humble beginnings as a son of a poor parents who worked as sharecroppers,the story of his career as a Catholic priest,his ascendancy from being an ordinary priest into becoming a pope, and his 5-year papacy which includes his activities such as the Vatican II Council. Claude Rich, Sydne Rome, Massimo Ghini and Franco Interlenghi co-stars.

This was an excellent TV movie about Saint John XXIII. I agree with one of the reviewers who stated that Ed Asner definitely provided a great performance as the blessed good pope. He gave life to John XXIII that the viewer will simply want the movie not to end and would definitely be convinced that he is indeed the good pope as he is an icon of humility and blessedness.