Watch The Shoes of the Fisherman Online
Monday, February 8th, 2010 |
Watch The Shoes of the Fisherman Online.
Movie Title: The Shoes of the Fisherman The Shoes of the Fisherman is available for streaming or downloading. |
This epic film has a few bumpy moments, but overall, it’s vastly entertaining, with its fascinating cast, interesting premise, excellent cinematography and art direction.
Anthony Quinn is fabulous as the Russian Pope. It’s a powerful portrayal, and not the type of role one would normally associate with him. Oskar Werner, in a part based on Teilhard de Chardin, is absolutely superb.
Other notable performances come from Laurence Olivier (as the Soviet Premier), John Gielgud (former Pope), Leo McKern and Vittorio de Sica (Cardinals), and Arnoldo Foa (the Pope’s valet).
The part of a journalist (David Janssen), is used as a narrator, to move the plot along, and explain certain Vatican procedures, like how a new Pope is elected. I only wish less time had been spent on his petty romantic problems…the film feels more like an “Airport” movie while these scenes are taking place.
This is a sprawling 60’s Hollywood treatment of Morris West’s best seller, and I think it succeeds. It’s thought-provoking, good for several viewings, and Quinn and Werner are riveting.
With the recent passing of Pope John Paul II–and the subsequent Conclave of Cardinals to select his successor–this film came to mind. Although it was years since I’ve seen THE SHOES OF THE FISHERMAN, I was able to view it recently, and the pageantry, tradition, and ritual of the Conclave overwhelmed and impressed me once again.
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Anthony Quinn gives a remarkable performance as Father Kiril Lakota, a Russian political prisoner freed by the Kremlin and dispatched to the Vatican, where he becomes a Cardinal. Quinn’s Kiril is soft-spoken and humble, yet all his years of suffering in Siberia have convinced him the Church must champion human rights–even if blood is shed for that very cause. His subtle teachings impress his fellow Cardinals, and, when the current Pope dies, after several insufficient votes during the Conclave, Kiril becomes a darkhorse candidate and is eventually selected–despite his vigorous protestations. Thus concludes the first half of this film, which was fascinating.
The second half of the movie deals with Pope Kiril’s coronation and infant papacy; here, unfortunately, the film becomes a bit too farfetched. (Example: On the evening of his selection as Pope, Kiril sneaks out of the Vatican and wanders the streets of Rome. Another example: Kiril’s brokerage of a “deal” between Russia and China to avoid a nuclear war.) The Cold War was certainly topical when this film was made in 1968, yet now much of the plot of the second half comes across as contrived and banal–especially Pope Kiril’s speech at St. Peter’s Square on the day of his coronation.
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Despite these flaws, THE SHOES OF THE FISHERMAN is grand drama and allows the viewer access to the Vatican behind closed doors. The cast has considerable star power, including Sir Laurence Olivier and Sir John Gielgud. Oskar Werner provides an interesting subplot in his portrayal as Father David Telemond, a Vatican scholar under fire for his unorthodox beliefs. The debate and dialogue between this character and his Vatican counterparts pertaining to a cosmological Supreme Being is absolutely riveting. This film is definitely worth a look for those interested in ecclesiastical study.
–D. Mikels
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