[Jung Soo-jin’s Account Sharing] 3 Movies to Watch While Awaiting the New Pope

[비즈한국] Following the news of Pope Francis’s passing, people all over the world are sending their condolences. Many are deeply moved by the life of the man often called the "Saint of the Poor." Even for those who do not share the faith, it is undeniably beautiful to see a leader of a religion with over a billion followers held in such high esteem. At the same time, I cannot help but think of the immense pressure that must weigh upon the successor who will follow such a widely respected and beloved figure. So, I have curated a list of films to watch as we mourn Pope Francis and look forward to the new Pope.

The film 'Conclave' provides a detailed look at the procedures of the conclave held to elect a new Pope. It takes the form of a political thriller filled with various intrigues. Currently playing in select theaters.

The successor to the papacy is elected through a secret meeting called a Conclave, attended by cardinals under the age of 80 from around the world. Completely isolated from the outside world—with no access to the internet, telephones, or newspapers—the cardinals hold unlimited rounds of voting in the Vatican's Sistine Chapel until one candidate receives at least a two-thirds majority. Coincidentally, a film that explores this secretive process in great detail was released on the 5th of last month. Titled 'Conclave,' and starring Ralph Fiennes, who also won the Academy Award for Best Adapted Screenplay this year, the film has already attracted 270,000 viewers as of April 22. It is currently seeing a resurgence in interest during this period of mourning Pope Francis and awaiting the election of the next Pope. The film is an engaging thriller filled with conspiracies and betrayals as leading papal candidates are embroiled in successive scandals. With its excellent direction and cinematography, it is a film worth enjoying for its own merits beyond the current headlines.

Melville, who was not a leading candidate but was elected Pope. His expression, caught between laughter and tears while surrounded by cardinals who all secretly prayed not to be elected, stands out.

You can also find films about the papacy on OTT platforms. These include Nanni Moretti’s 'We Have a Pope' (2011), famous for his work on 'The Son's Room,' and 'The Two Popes' (2019), starring Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce. 'We Have a Pope' takes its title from the declaration "Habemus Papam" (We have a Pope), which the senior cardinal announces in Latin to the crowd upon the election of a new pontiff. Unlike 'Conclave,' this film has a very different atmosphere; though the subject is serious, it is filled with comedic moments throughout. The scene where the cardinals voting in the conclave are all silently praying, "Lord, please, I beg you, do not let me be elected," is hilarious. In reality, the papacy is known to be an incredibly heavy burden of service with a crushing workload. Even Pope Benedict XVI, who preceded Francis, once remarked, "It felt like a guillotine blade fell on my neck when I was elected Pope," so one can only imagine the pressure.

A psychoanalyst is brought in for Melville, who cannot step out as Pope before the public. However, since he cannot reveal his true feelings, his real name, or even memories of his childhood, the consultation does not go well.

The film is full of laugh-out-loud moments: Melville (Michel Piccoli), upon being elected, lets out a scream and runs away right before the announcement; the Pope slips out in secret for psychoanalysis and then goes on the run; and a security guard is made to pose as the Pope in his bedroom to hide his absence. Yet, the more we laugh, the more serious our protagonist, Melville, appears. We laugh at his flight, but paradoxically, we also realize what a heavy cross the papacy truly is. How happy he looks when he remembers his childhood dream of becoming a stage actor and recites lines from Chekhov! It is a cheekily bold, yet deeply human fantasy that makes for an enjoyable watch.

The contrast between the Pope, who has snuck out into the world, and the psychoanalyst, who is trapped inside the Vatican due to security concerns, is quite fun. Director Nanni Moretti’s passionate performance as the psychoanalyst also stands out.

Another source of humor is the spirited performance by director Nanni Moretti, who plays the psychoanalyst brought in to help Melville, who cannot bring himself to take on his papal duties. Trapped inside the Vatican due to security concerns—the polar opposite of the Pope who has fled—he cheers up the bored cardinals by organizing card games and leading a volleyball tournament with meticulous care, providing little moments of joy throughout.

The Netflix original film 'The Two Popes' is famous for being based on the true story of the relationship between Pope Benedict XVI, who shocked the world by voluntarily abdicating, and his successor, Pope Francis. Anthony Hopkins plays the conservative Benedict XVI, who seeks to uphold Catholic tradition, while Jonathan Pryce—whose physical resemblance is uncanny—plays the progressive Pope Francis, with both actors delivering truly masterful performances. Directed by Fernando Meirelles, known for 'City of God' and 'Blindness,' the film remarkably maintains tension despite consisting mostly of dialogue and debate between the two figures.

Pope Benedict XVI in crisis, and Cardinal Bergoglio, standing at the opposite pole, who would later become Pope Francis. They engage in intimate and heated conversations and debates regarding the problems and reforms of the Church. Photo=Netflix

While the film might seem sensitive as it touches on the reasons behind Benedict XVI's resignation—such as corruption in the Vatican and sexual abuse scandals—the message of the film is far removed from tabloid-style gossip. Nor is it limited merely to religious reform. It is filled with themes that anyone can relate to, even non-believers: the perspectives on "compromise" and "change" that the two men discuss, the recognition of human error and mistakes that can never be perfect, and the realization that one must continue to move forward despite them. Although their relationship initially appears to be one of opposition between those who want to conserve and those who want to change, it ultimately boils down to a story of how one should live, making it resonate with everyone.

Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce, legendary actors whose acting skills speak for themselves, played the former and successor Popes. It is said that their physical resemblance is high; in particular, many commented that Jonathan Pryce already looked like Pope Francis before the film was made. Photo=Netflix

Don't be misled into thinking the tone is heavy throughout. Despite the serious subject matter, it captures the human side of both men, leading to bursts of light-hearted humor. Watching them say grace over a pizza ordered from the street, their "funny-sad" attempts to explain German and Argentine humor to one another, and the scene at the end of the film where the two Popes watch the World Cup final between Germany and Argentina together is truly exceptional.

'Conclave' is currently on a long-term run in select theaters, while 'The Two Popes' is available on Netflix. 'We Have a Pope' can be viewed via subscription on Tving, Wavve, and Watcha. I guarantee you will be satisfied not only by the messages and craftsmanship of these films but also by the outstanding performances of the lead actors.

The human side of the two Popes—humming ABBA, playing the piano, and enjoying street pizza—is woven throughout. Their perspective as football fans watching the World Cup final also adds a nice touch of humor. Photo=Netflix

Who is Jung Soo-jin?

I have spent my career at various magazines reporting and writing about film, travel, and popular culture. I don't want to fall behind on trends, but I’ve become one of those "old-school" people who predicts the obvious clichés in the next scene while watching the latest dramas. I am currently drifting through the vast sea of OTT platforms, trying to regain my lost instincts, and my only current wish is for the release of an all-in-one OTT subscription plan.