Product: Padre Pio, Miracle Man (2000)
Rating: 5.0
Brought me more devotion, even though just a movie
I noticed that some reviewers were offended by some of the liberties the filmmakers took with Padre Pio's life compared to his written biographies. However, I don't think the movie was disrespectful.Regarding the story with Cleonice Morcaldi, if it is true that he was accused of having close relationships with some of the women, then I think the way they treated this story was fair. It showed how it was possible for regular people to misconstrue their relationship, even though it was, in fact, an innocent relationship. The fact that the screenwriters showed Brunetto admitting to share the same affection as Morcaldi for Padre Pio created the sense that it was an innocent but overwhelming affection that crossed all people who met him...and not "as you would think", as Cleonice's character responds.Another point that offends some of the reviewers is the movie's portrayal of the Church as corrupt...that even Satan is portrayed to be a Bishop. First of all, the devil is a deceiver, so maybe the choice to portray the devil as a holy man actually falls along that line. I've read in other books that the devil appears to be handsome and attractive...not like the demons portrayed in horror movies. As far as the Church being portrayed as corrupt, it is true that corruption has existed in the Church, even though it is the Church that will prevail. Just because man has been corrupt does not take away from the holiness of Christ's Church which still stands 2000 years later.Overall, I understand the reviewers, especially those loyal to the books written about this extraordinary saint. However, I feel that watching this movie, which was beautifully shot and wonderfully acted, did not detract from my devotion to Padre Pio, and only encourages me to learn more about him. Perhaps it is no longer surprising to me that a movie, for dramatic effect, takes a few liberties and does not portray only the facts written in biographies. Like any translation, movies try to convey the core meaning, which may not be word-for-word. Other than perhaps a few factual discrepancies, the movie is very Catholic and reveals the beauty within this traditional religion, as well as the many gifts Padre Pio shared with his community and still shares with many who seek his intercession today.