Pope Leo's four favorite films and his meeting with filmmakers

- John Mulderig (OSV News)

A few days after the Pope disclosed his favorite films last weekend, well-known actors, actresses and directors met with the Pope in the front row of the Vatican's frescoed Clementine Hall. Among others, Gus Van Sant and Spike Lee, and actors Monica Bellucci, Cate Blanchett, Viggo Mortensen and Sergio Castellitto, who played the traditionalist Cardinal Tedesco in the movie ‘Conclave’ (2024), reported Cindy Wooden, also from OSV News.

Pope Leo asked directors and actors to “defend slowness when it has a purpose, silence when it speaks and difference when it is evocative.» “Beauty is not just a means of escape,” he told them; “it is, above all, an invocation.”.

“When film is authentic, it not only comforts, it challenges,” he said. “It articulates the questions that dwell within us and, at times, even provokes tears we didn't know we needed to express.” The Pope prayed that his work “never loses its capacity to astonish and even to continue to offer us a glimpse, however small, of the mystery of God.”.

Earlier, the Pontiff had received actor Robert De Niro (82), a two-time Oscar winner, American but with Italian roots. “Good morning! It's a pleasure to meet you,” the Pope said. “For me too,” replied De Niro, who was accompanied by several people, who received from Leo XIV a rosary.

The film quartet

Despite its conciseness, Pope Leo's selection of four favorite films covers a wide range of themes and tone.  

The quartet begins with a Christmas classic from Hollywood's golden age that offers viewers a resounding affirmation of the value of a life well-lived. In the same vein, it also includes a mostly light-hearted musical based on true events about the formation of a family musical group. 

But deeper dramas are not neglected. In fact, the catalog is completed with the story of a family tragedy and its emotional consequences, as well as a study of paternal love framed in the heartbreaking cruelty of the Holocaust.

Following, in alphabetical order, are brief reviews of the films highlighted by Pope Leo, with some OSV News rating and, where applicable, their Motion Picture Association ratings. 

‘How beautiful it is to live’ (1946).

A Christmas classic that chronicles the joys and hardships of a good man (James Stewart) who, on the verge of financial ruin on Christmas Eve, contemplates suicide until his guardian angel (Henry Travers) shows him how valuable his life has been to those around him.

Frank Capra's overtly sentimental film portraying everyday American life is bolstered by an exceptional cast (including Lionel Barrymore as a scheming banker) and a profound reflection on such common virtues as hard work and helping others. Young children might find the darker moments of the story disturbing. OSV News rating is A-II: for adults and teens. Not rated by the Motion Picture Association.

‘Life is Beautiful (1998)

A bittersweet comic fable in which an Italian Jewish bookseller (Roberto Benigni) uses his imagination to convince his young son that his bleak existence in a Nazi concentration camp is just an elaborate contest and that they will undoubtedly win the grand prize.

Also co-written and directed by Benigni, the story begins as a slapstick comedy in which the young man courts his future wife, then transforms into a moving human story about a father's irrepressible determination to protect his son from terror and misery. Theme: genocide. 

OSV News is rated A-II: for adults and teenagers. Some content may be inappropriate for children under 13.

“Ordinary People” (1980)

Donald Sutherland and Mary Tyler Moore deliver masterful performances as confused and tormented parents trying to cope with the psychological aftermath following the death of their eldest son in a boating accident and the suicide attempt of the surviving son (Timothy Hutton).

Directed by Robert Redford, the film suggests that the complacent and materialistic environment of the characters may have contributed to the family instability, but these aspects are not fully explored. The problems are very real, but the film comes across as oddly cold and distant. Due to the crudeness of the subject matter and some scenes with strong language, it is recommended for an adult audience. 

‘The Sound of Music’ (‘The Sound of Music’) (1965)

An excellent film adaptation of the Rodgers and Hammerstein musical about the formative years of the Trapp Family Singers in Austria between the two world wars. 

Its interesting story, strong cast (led by Julie Andrews and Christopher Plummer), charming music and clever lyrics, colorful scenery and pleasant fantasy will entertain the mind and brighten the spirit.

Directed by Robert Wise, the film has held up over the years as a highly refreshing family entertainment. The OSV News rating is AI (suitable for all audiences). Motion Picture Association rating is G (suitable for all audiences). Approved for all ages.

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John Mulderig is a media critic for OSV News. Follow him on Twitter: @JohnMulderig1.

This information was originally published in OSV News. You can consult them here y here.

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