Common Sense Media Review
By Monique Jones
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Saint's slow, unusual biopic has violence, nudity, language.
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Padre Pio
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
PADRE PIO is a dramatic biopic about the real-life Padre Pio of Pietrelcina (Shia LaBeouf), who was ultimately canonized as a saint in the Catholic Church. But the film portrays him as a tortured soul who suffered from hallucinations related to both his past and his faith. His struggles with religion are juxtaposed against the political drama brewing in Italy after the first World War, as the country gears up for its first free election since the war, with fascism already taking hold.
Is It Any Good?
This messy drama seems to have the bare bones of good ideas, but it would have been better if the film was about either Padre Pio or the rise of fascism, not both. Or perhaps director Abel Ferrara could have better illustrated why he felt the friar's life could be used to frame commentary on what was happening in Italy at the time.
As it stands, Padre Pio is both bizarre and boring, with the moments of keenest interest when the main character suffers from his mental illness. The real Padre Pio was revered as a saint and believed by many to have performed miracles, yet the film isn't interested in investigating his life or his supposed holy works. Instead, it seems to be more of a vehicle for LaBeouf (who doesnt' even try for an Italian accent) to free himself from his own demons. One early part of the film, in which Padre Pio is haunted by a man telling him he committed atrocities against women, seems eerily relevant to LaBeouf's real-life scandals involving relationship abuse. Overall, Padre Pio doesn't seem to really have a point, unless it's to give us a reason to have more sympathy for LaBeouf in real life.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the history of Padre Pio of Pietrelcina. Had you heard of him before watching this movie? What were some of the positive things he did in his life? Why was he canonized?
How does the film portray Padre Pio? How does that differ from his real life?
How does Padre Pio's mental state develop or deteriorate over the course of the film?
What political and social issues were the people of Italy facing during this time?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 2, 2023
- On DVD or streaming : June 2, 2023
- Cast : Shia LaBeouf , Asia Argento , Cristina Chiriac , Marco Leonardi
- Director : Abel Ferrara
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Gravitas Ventures
- Genre : Drama
- Run time : 104 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : language, some violence and brief nudity
- Last updated : May 31, 2023
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