The Story Behind the Film:Padre Pio as he is known by millions of believers around the world a worthy follower of Saint Francis of Assisi was born on 25 May 1887 at Pietrelcina in the Archdiocese of Benevento the son of Gr... more »azio Forgione and Maria Giuseppa De Nunzio. He was baptized the next day and given the name Francesco. At the age of twelve he received the Sacrament of Confirmation and made his First Holy Communion. On 6 January 1903 at the age of sixteen he entered the novitiate of the Capuchin Friars at Morcone where on 22 January he took the Franciscan habit and the name Brother Pio. At the end of his novitiate year he took simple vows and on 27 January 1907 made his solemn profession. After he was ordained priest on 10 August 1910 at Benevento he stayed at home with his family until 1916 for health reasons. In September of that year he was sent to the friary of San Giovanni Rotondo and remained there until his death.The Film:Director Carlo Carlei (The Flight of the Innocent) manages to get to the core of the truth with this touching biopic that relives the tradition of religious filmmaking that benefits too from a powerhouse performance by Sergio Castellitto one of Italy most beloved contemporary stars.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: FOREIGN/LATIN UPC: 882853002697 Manufacturer No: NS0026DVD« less
"This movie on the life of St. Pio is excellent! Even though St. Pio was known during his life time as a "wonder-worker", and had many angelic and demonic encounters throughout his life, and even had apparitions of both Jesus and Mary, St. Pio was still a human being. This movie shows people the life of St. Pio from HIS human perspective. The viewer will see St. Pio crying after a woman dies before his eyes, asking "Why does he [Satan] always win?" The viewer will see St. Pio get angry, laugh, love, and suffer.
One of the most fascinating aspects of St. Pio's thinking was his shame of being chosen by God to bear the stigmatic wounds of Jesus. One of his first responses to the sitgmatic wounds is, "Why? Why did God choose me?". It is this shame that drives St. Pio to hide his stigmata. When the Pope grants permission to a (unbelieving) doctor to examine him, he responds, "Are you hear to see the freak show? Sorry, the circus is closed." I think this highlights St. Pio's human character.
Although St. Pio performed a multitude of miracles during his earthly life, these are not the focus of the film at all. This film shows a "wonder-worker" who thought if necessary to have a hospital built for the sick and suffering. This film shows a St. Pio who says, "You can't always ask for miracles." In fact, although the movie shows St. Pio's gift of prophecy and heart-reading, the only other miracles that the movie shows are the lives that were changed by St. Pio's life of faith, hope, and love.
Ultimately what this presentation of St. Pio's life gives to us viewers is the lesson that Christians are themselves "sacraments" (i.e., physical means through which God conveys His grace), and that we cannot expect our Christian lives to be overflowing with the supernatural. God works through our discipline, obedience, perseverance, prayer, and faith to spread His Kingdom."
Surprisingly good, and interesting for non-believers too
Thomas B. Gross | Winchester, MA USA | 02/12/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"I am a huge fan of Sergio Castellitto, and as a frequent visitor to Southern Italy I wanted to learn more about the life of Padre Pio. Although I am an atheist, I enjoyed this film very much, in much the same way that I enjoy visiting churches in Italy. A surprisingly good, interesting film, that grabbed my interest until it ended nearly four hours later! I recommend this movie to anyone interested in Southern Italian culture."
Surprisingly high quality film
Robert Stephenson-padron | Pamplona, Spain | 07/23/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This film is a surprisingly high quality (the highest quality one I've seen about St. Pio) portrayal of the remarkable life of St. Pio of Pietrelcina, humble servant of God and the 21st century's greatest miracle worker. The film is both very entertaining and inspiring. If you are a person of faith that has never experienced the supernatural, this movie will help provide that to you. If you are a person who lacks faith, you probably won't watch this movie, but if you do, it will give you a lot to think about."
Powerfully Moving and Inspiring!
Matthew P. Getsi | Mt. Vernon, KY USA | 07/10/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This movie about Padre Pio grabs you right from the start and doesn't let go. Not only is there a lot of action in it, but oddly enough, this movie is an encredibly effective catalist for prayer. I've watched it 3 times now...and EVERY time I watch it, I am drawn into a state of prayer either during or directly following the movie...GREAT!"
A must see Film!!
Roberto E. De Leon | Guatemala City, Guatemala | 07/22/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"If you are interested on finding an inspirational movie, you can hardly find any other production that can match this one. Definitively a must see film, especially if you are a Catholic. It describes the Holy Sacraments in a vivid way that can help you understand better the values the Church treasures."