Based on Vatican documents and personal testimonies used for the beatification of Pope Pius XII, this epic film stars acclaimed actor James Cromwell in a powerful movie about the great, often hidden struggle waged by the Pope and many others with him to save the Jews from the Nazis during WWII. After the Nazi's take over Rome in 1943, Hitler's plan to kidnap the Pope is revealed as the Nazis make an all-out attempt to silence the one authority figure in Italy standing strong against them. Everything comes together with great intensity in this dramatic story that retraces history from the documents and the testimonies of witnesses that was not fully known til now. Hitler and the Pope - on one side the man who catapulted the whole world into war and, on the other, the man who, more than any other, fought for peace. Despite all his efforts, Pius XII is not able to prevent some of the horrors that take place in Rome when over a thousand victims are deported to Auschwitz. But history testifies that over 10,000 Jews were saved, hidden in churches and convents in Rome - more saved than in any other occupied city. Even among the Nazi officers were those who opposed such savagery and, thus, under the Roman sky, both the saved and the lost, the victims and the executioners, shout the Pope's cry with their lives: Nothing is lost with peace. Everything may be lost by war. Starring James Cromwell, Alessandra Mastronardi, Marco Froschi, Ettore Bassi, and directed by Christian Duguay (Restless Heart, Joan of Arc). DVD includes a deluxe 16 page companion Collector's booklet.This DVD contains the following language options: English with English and Spanish subtitles.
M**L
"I don't do this for history; only for charity."
This is quite easily one of the best films I have seen in quite a while. A foreign television miniseries with the scope and presentation of a theatrical epic, this tells the story of Pope Pius XII and his attempts to protect countless innocents from Hitler during the Nazi occupation of Rome. Directed by skilled former Hollywood director Christian Duguay and starring the lucrative James Cromwell in a performance I can only describe as inspired, this story is extremely intriguing with well-conveyed characters, a beautiful music score, and an always-engaging presentation. Every scene which involved Pius was well-done and interesting as a man upon whose shoulders rest the lives of thousands, all depending upon what he does or says. Whenever he was not on-screen, a love-story involving two side-characters did not hold my interest to the point of investment. I found this film to be emotionally impactful and inspiring in its beautifully conveyed story which I will gladly revisit in the future.
H**E
Pius XII, Under the Roman Sky, Overwhelming!
James Cromwell provides a believable and outstanding performance, possibly a career apogee. This movie was recommended to me while on a Holy Land Pilgrimage last month. Although I had a negative view of Pius XII during this time period, this film provided me with the factors and realities that pressed on him, the Roman Jews, and Rome during the occupation by the Nazis in the year prior to the Allied liberation in 1944.The movie appears as a story of historical fact encased in several love stories. The story appears to stem from knew materials the Vatican has released recently that paint Pius XII as a champion of the protection of the Jews. It is a similar theme shot on location as another film I recently acquired from Amazon, Captain Corelli's Mandolin. However, the latter has the back drop of the fabulous scenery of Cephalonia, Greece.Under the Roman Sky was produced by Ignatius Press which seems to have a Roman Catholic slant but produces glowing films of this type regarding their religious icons. Whatever the true story was, this film, through the credible performance of Cromwell, creates an image of Pius II which aligns him with sainthood. Purchase this film for a good cry for humanity.
W**I
Touching
Very touching amd inspiring movie
J**
Ok
Great movie
A**U
An Awesome Movie...Evoking Meditation, Admiration and Deep Emotions!
Wow, what a superb portrayal of the trials and tribulations that Pope Pius XII and the Jewish people of Rome withstood under the oppression by Hitler and the Third Reich. It is truly a testimonial to the great efforts of Pope Pius XII and his priests and nuns in those terrible years of suffering. This movie evoked a great deal of reflection on me and my family and confirmed the great admiration that we have for the memory of Pope Pius XII. It brought tears to our eyes. We truly and honestly felt great compassion for the Jewish community and what they endured at the hand of Hitler's regime. But at the same time it reaffirmed our faith and attested to the helping hands of the Catholic community for the Jewish brethren. I most highly recommend it.
C**W
Wonderful Movie
What a fantastic movie! Loved James Cromwell as the Pope. I learned so much about what it must have been like at that time in history and the savvy decisions the Holy Father made at that time to save the Jews in Rome. May God help us to always remember that we are all human beings made by one Creator. May He give us the courage to stand for any of our fellow humans that are persecuted due to their race.
J**K
moving tale of faith and action
Everyone who has been affected by the lies and calumnies told about Pius Xii should see this movie. James Cromwell does a wonderful job bring to life the saintly pope who lived during the reign of terror called World War II. The stories of the characters bring to the screen a serious tone of the times in Rome in 1943.The scenery is beautiful and the acting is well done. Be prepared for a long movie but one wroth watching.
A**K
Greartmovie at a great price!
delivered fast, too! A++++++
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