DVD REVIEW

DVD chronicles life of John Paul II

One of the best-known figures of the 20th century just became more accessible.

“John Paul II” — a miniseries that originally aired on CBS — chronicles the life of Karol Wojtyla, from his days as a young man in Poland to that of an elderly pontiff running the Vatican.

The popular miniseries, starring Jon Voight as Pope John Paul II, was released on DVD last month.

“Pope John Paul II” was made in collaboration with the Vatican. The miniseries premiered at the Vatican with Pope Benedict XVI in attendance.

Thanks to Church cooperation, “Pope John Paul II” contains many stories told by personal friends of Pope John Paul II previously unknown to the general public.

The film begins with the attempted assassination of Pope John Paul II in 1981. On the way to the hospital, the pope flashes back to his youth in Poland, from which point the story develops.

The bulk of the miniseries’ plotline is based around the pontiff’s youth in Poland. The young Wojtyla is played well by Cary Elwes (“The Princess Bride”).

The story continues with Wojtyla in college in his hometown, Krakow, as the Nazis invade. His great faith develops before the viewers’ eyes as he is witness to the cruel Nazi practices.

He discerns the priesthood in the midst of Nazi occupation and then exercises his priestly ministry under the oppressive shadow of Soviet rule. Despite the regimes’ brutality, Wojtyla grows in his faith, knowledge and experience.

It is difficult for Wojtyla to accept his election as pope because he does not want to stop serving the Polish people. As he begins his papacy — portrayed stunningly by Jon Voight — he focuses on bringing down communism both in Poland and throughout Europe.

After the slower pace of Wojtyla’s life as a young man, the 27 years of his papacy are visited comparatively quickly.

Outside of his commitment to ending communism, the pontiff’s focus on youth is also emphasized. Although the young life of Pope John Paul II is certainly interesting, it is unfortunate that the filmmakers hit fast forward when tracking through his great works as pope.

Still, with unprecedented access to the Vatican, the miniseries excels by filming many scenes in the historical locations.

The special features on the DVD are interesting, but not impressive. The interviews reveal the effect that the filming of “Pope John Paul II” had on the actors as they grew to know the legacy of Wojtyla.

Although the film at times portrays Wojtyla as more of a patriot than a pontiff, it does interestingly emphasize that the faith of Pope John Paul II grew out of a love for his country. As he witnessed atrocities against his countrymen, it seems he turned to faith and sought a higher way of  living in Poland and, later, the world.

Rebecca Bostic is a regular contributor to The Catholic Sun. Comments are welcome. Please send e-mails to letters@catholicsun.org.