With several big movies opening at the end of the year, one smaller film managed to get considerable attention from critics and audiences. The Two Popes is the simple story of a meeting between Cardinal Ratzinger aka Pope Benedict and Cardinal Jorge Bergoglio, who would eventually become the current Pope Francis. The movie stars Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce, who each give powerful performances as two very different men who search for common ground.
The movie is mostly a conversation between the two men, but it is nevertheless a fascinating story. The performances matched with a strong script to explore the men in these powerful positions, their regrets and their attempts to do what is right. Here are the best moments from The Two Popes.
Booking A Flight
One scene that almost bookends the movie is a funny and charming one in which the new Pope Francis attempts to book a flight over the phone. He awkwardly tries to make his booking despite the agent being very skeptical of who he is. They eventually hang up on him, thinking it's a prank call.
Initially, this just seems like a funny moment, but when we return to the scene at the end of the movie, we realize it is a perfect example of Pope Francis's personality. He is not interested in the luxury the position of pope affords him, would rather do things on his own and continue the work he's always done.
The Election
Everyone knows the immense importance the selection of a new pope means for not only Catholics but the entire world. The pope is one of the most influential figures in the world, yet most people are probably unaware of the process of electing a new person for the position.
The extended election sequence in the film is a fascinating look behind closed doors at how the election unfolds. It is a complex, holy and dignified process that feels ancient. There is also a fun look at the politics involved in choosing the new pope which is not unlike regular modern politics.
Piano Playing
When Cardinal Bergoglio comes to meet Pope Benedict to resign from his position of cardinal, the two men have a hard time seeing eye-to-eye. They disagree on everything from how the Catholic Church should be run to how one should eat his meals.
However, during a late-night meeting, they manage to stumble upon a common interest as Pope Benedict begins playing the piano. While Bergoglio admits he doesn't play, he sees the pope in a new light as someone who can enjoy art and has a passion beyond the church. It's nice to see the two combatants relaxing with each other.
Pope Benedict's Decision
One of the most interesting aspects of the film is how the dynamic between the two men continues to shift throughout the story. At first, Benedict seems to be annoyed with the very idea of Bergoglio and refuses to even dignify his request for resignation. However, we later find that he has another plan.
Benedict confides in Bergoglio that he will resign as pope, feeling that he is damaging the position with his unpopularity. His objections to Bergoglio's resignation were not out of dislike but because he sees his rival as the only suitable replacement when he steps down. It is a touching moment of the man coming to understand his own faults and the need for change.
The New Pope
Near the end of the film, once Bergoglio has been named Pope Francis, we see that the position will not change his more grounded and humble approach to his faith. He is seen turning down the traditional and luxurious clothes that are custom for the new pope to be introduced in. Instead, he greets the world in a simpler way that is more approachable and less vain.
Earlier, Bergoglio is told the fact that he doesn't want the position of power is the very reason he should have it, and that rings true in this scene.
Pope Benedict Meets The People
The movie does not shy away from the fact that Pope Benedict made some mistakes in his time as pope. While he does remain somewhat steadfast in certain beliefs, it's clear that it pains him he was unable to connect with the people like he wanted.
Pope Benedict envies Bergoglio's approachable nature and laments his own closed-off personality. But once it is decided that he will resign, Benedict decides to go out and greet the people by himself. In this touching moment, he sees that the people do love him despite his faults.
Benedict's Confession
In a movie about two of the most powerful figures in the Catholic Church, it would have been difficult not to address the church's controversies. While Bergoglio brings up the abuses within the priesthood, Benedict fights back about the issue.
However, later in the film, when Benedict's decision has been made, he asks for Bergoglio to hear his confession. The confession starts mundane enough before Benedict goes into a more severe transgression. While we don't hear exactly what is said, it's clear Benedict was aware of some of the abuses and didn't do enough to put an end to it. Despite his earlier protests, this is something that haunts him.
Bergoglio's Flashback
While the movie is called Two Popes, this is Bergoglio's story and the flashbacks revealing aspects of his past are some of the most powerful moments in the film. His trip to confession after becoming engaged is a fascinating scene of a small but life-changing moment.
However, the most engrossing scenes involve Bergoglio's darker past serving as a priest in Argentina during civil strife. Bergoglio was seen as a collaborator of the dictatorship and failed to protect his people. The scenes of his torment and reconciliation are extremely powerful.
The World Cup
One aspect of Bergoglio's personality that comes back, again and again, is his love of soccer. The sport is yet another thing Bergoglio and Benedict fail to find common ground on as Benedict doesn't have an interest in it at all.
However, the final scene that plays over the credits shows the two men, now friends, coming together to cheer on their respective teams, Argentina and Germany, in the 2014 FIFA World Cup Final. Seeing the two men genuinely enjoying their time together after everything is heartwarming.
First Meeting
Large aspects of the film are little more than these two men talking but they are often some of the most compelling moments. The first meeting between the two men, as Bergoglio comes to offer his resignation, is a thrilling display of excellent writing and acting.
The two men immediately begin sparring about shoes, before moving into more complex issues. It is a fascinating look at how people from the same faith can still differ so much in their ideologies. The conversation builds in intensity with neither man holding back with their truths. It makes for a captivating sequence.