Review of The Shoes of the Fisherman (1968) by Monsieur R — 10 Sep 2010
This movie is a classic work concerning faith and politics, the spiritual world and the secular world and how neither are completely - if ever - separated from one another. Anthony Quinn gives a brilliant performance as Kiril Lakota (a character based off of Cardinal Josyf Slipyj, the Patriarch of the Ukrainian-Greek Catholic Church), a Catholic bishop who has spent 20 years as a political prisoner in a Siberian camp.
Set free he returns to Rome and is given a red hat and later becomes Pope of the Holy Catholic Church. Thus begins his journey maneuvering between the politics of the Vatican and the politics of the secular world.
Osker Werner (a Pierre Teilhard de Chardin-inspired character) plays a priest and friend of Pope Kiril upon his return to Rome, suffering from a terminal illness whos complex and controversial writings have come under the suspicion of the Holy See.
The film is a bit dated in terms of the Russia/China nuclear plot, but it is not so much you cannot enjoy the film. This film is not for everyone - it is a film of words and acting, not action, explosions, and gratuitous sex.
I loved this film, but recognize not everyone will. Its a shame we dont get these kinds of movies made today.
This review of The Shoes of the Fisherman (1968) was written by Monsieur R on 10 Sep 2010.
The Shoes of the Fisherman has generally received positive reviews.
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