Die Päpstin (2009)
Genre: Drama / History
Duration: 149 minuten
Alternative title: Pope Joan
Country:
Germany / United Kingdom / Italy / Spain
Directed by: Sönke Wortmann
Stars: Johanna Wokalek, David Wenham and John Goodman
IMDb score:
6,7 (9.417)
Releasedate: 22 October 2009
This movie is not available on US streaming services.
Die Päpstin plot
At the beginning of the 9th century, the life of Johanna von Ingelheim seems quite predictable. Working hard in the German countryside, getting married, having children and dying young. But Johanna thinks God has a different plan for her. She flees her native village and meets Count Gerold. When he goes to fight the Normans, Johanna goes to Rome, where she goes to work in the papal residence disguised as a man as a doctor.
Actors and actresses
Pope Sergius II.
Johanna von Ingelheim
Gerold
Village Priest
Aesculapius
Anastasius
Johanna von Ingelheim - Age 10-14
Johanna von Ingelheim - Age 6-9
Joan's mother
Arsenius
Reviews & comments
Film Pegasus (moderator films)
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- 31191 messages
- 5473 votes
Pope Joan is a fictional story, even if it would have been beautiful. A legend that, if true, has been supplanted by the Vatican. Guessing where the truth is. Relatively little is known about that period. But the film does create an image of the era and can rely on a strong story. With the oppression of women as a source of truth in general. It was a time when the power of the Catholic Church was much greater and intrigue was intertwined there too.
The film seems to be an average medieval epic with faith as the common thread. But it's more than that. The core of the film is not faith, but a woman's struggle to be heard and above all the tension not to be caught. You certainly don't have to be religious to enjoy this film. Conservative supporters of Rome will also not like this film, by the way. 
Translated from Dutch · View original
Flat Eric
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- 6444 messages
- 1026 votes
Girl Power in the Early Middle Ages
What a crazy story! But quite nice.
Historically correct or not...that is of course a question. The church still covers things up so why not this story too.
Whatever the case may be, Pope Joan certainly succeeded as an interesting film.
The unhygienic primitive harsh living conditions really looked like it was. The whole setting, sets and costumes were very convincing. Was very nicely done including scary diseases and shuffling rats.
I thought the romance with the knight/foster father was a bit over the top but was apparently necessary to emphasize the inner struggles and prioritization.
Translated from Dutch · View original
Night's Watch
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- 1212 messages
- 1200 votes
Interesting film based on the legend of a female pope in the middle of the Middle Ages. The choice to have Johanna Wokalek play the lead role has turned out well, she plays her role strongly and creates a strong character. It is also nice that they have not asked a well-known actress for the lead role, it would then be more difficult for me to imagine that Johanna 'should' be a man. John Goodman supports Wokalek with his strong supporting role.
The film is a pleasant way to get acquainted with the story that was completely unknown to me. It is a nice impression of the abbot, pilgrims, Rome and the Catholic Church. The attack of the Normans, who always intrigue me, is beautifully portrayed, the fights in the film provide some variety during the rather unsatisfactory playing time of two and a half hours. The beginning of her life in the form of upbringing and schooling is also worthwhile in this film, nice discovery.
Translated from Dutch · View original
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