Common Sense Media Review
By Tara McNamara
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Theological leadership drama more for adults than kids.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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The Two Popes
What's the Story?
In THE TWO POPES, traditionalist Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (Anthony Hopkins) and reformist Cardinal Julio Bergoglio (Jonathan Pryce) are the top leaders in the Catholic Church. But they have diverging views on how theology should be interpreted. After Ratzinger is selected to replace Pope John Paul II, he takes the church deeper into conservatism. But when Bergoglio turns in his letter of resignation, Ratzinger -- now Pope Benedict XVI -- invites Bergoglio to his summer residence, where he wants to talk about everything except the cardinal's resignation.
Is It Any Good?
If you're going to make a movie about what's holy, it had better be outstanding -- and this drama rises to the occasion. The Two Popes imagines an intriguing fly-on-the-wall-of-history scenario in which the two living popes debate theology and leadership. Perspective is at the heart of the film, and the idea that Ratzinger and Bergoglio could learn the same materials from the same type of teachers and in the same way, but come out with two completely different takes is really thought-provoking material. Director Fernando Meirelles created the ideal recipe to spark robust conversation.
The film centers on a fictional event -- Benedict inviting his former rival to spend time exchanging ideas with him at his summer residence -- but surrounds it with authenticity. The production design, including replicating the Vatican, is astounding. But it's the performances that really make the film fly. Hopkins creaks in tune with Benedict, who's portrayed as a Fanta-loving fuddy-duddy who's well aware of how much harder he's had to work for his success because he lacks a popular touch. And Pryce so fully embodies Bergoglio that you might find yourself checking the credits to be sure it's not Pope Francis himself. The film is much like a Gregorian Chant: The elements harmonize singularly to create a beautiful piece, but true appreciation for it comes with age.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the issues the Catholic Church has struggled with in recent years and how it's now trying to move forward.
What are the trademarks of a good leader? Why is good communication essential to the role? Why is it important to consider diverse viewpoints on a topic?
What does the movie say about forgiveness? Why is it an important tenet of the church? Do you agree that "the most glorious journey can start with a mistake"?
How does Pope Francis demonstrate humility and integrity? How does that compare with Pope Benedict? Why are these important character strengths? Why are they even more important in moral leaders?
Why do you think Pope Benedict chose to step aside and allow his rival to lead, especially when Francis' beliefs aren't the same as his own?
Movie Details
- In theaters : November 27, 2019
- On DVD or streaming : December 20, 2019
- Cast : Anthony Hopkins , Jonathan Pryce , Juan Minujín
- Director : Fernando Meirelles
- Inclusion Information : Latino Movie Director(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Netflix
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Friendship , History
- Character Strengths : Communication , Compassion , Humility , Integrity
- Run time : 125 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : thematic content and some disturbing violent images
- Last updated : September 30, 2025
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