Padre Pio Miracle Man

Good movie! Highly recommend!

What a film! This is one of my favorite films and along with A Man for all Seasons and Molokai, is one of my favorite films about the saints. For those who don't know, Padre Pio was an Italian priest and is the only priest known to have received the stigmata--the wounds of Christ in his body. It may be easy for a skeptic to dismiss stories of the stigmata in someone from the Middle Ages but Padre Pio died only in 1968. The internet was already in its beginning stages by then. He was known by everyone; he and his wounds were examined many times by different doctors and no one could figure out a natural reason for his constantly bleeding hands. (His wounds bled for 50 years) He did it himself with a sharp instrument, some claim. Really? Don't you think a trained physician could tell a self-inflicted wound immediately. Also, those who do such things are desperately seeking attention for themselves and are usually suffering from some kind of psychiatric disorder. In contrast, Padre Pio did not seek attention and was not suffering from any psychiatric disorder. Unlike those who would wound themselves for attention, his focus was not on himself but on others--alleviating the physical and spiritual suffering of others. Well, he focused on the wounds of Jesus so much that it caused his hands to bleed, others claim. Since when does intense mental focus cause the flow of blood to reroute itself from inside of the blood vessels to the surface of the skin corresponding to the wounds of a crucifixion? Padre Pio's stigmata, along with the Shroud of Turin which also puzzles the many and varied experts who've investigated it, is a sign for an unbelieving age.This film is extraordinary. First of all, it's beautifully directed and acted. The scenes where he receives the stigmata are very moving. It also consistently shows the reality of the spiritual battle going on around us. The scenes where the demonic breaks through and attacks him are very frightening. I wouldn't show these parts to kids. It also depicts the other miracles that are associated with Padre Pio. I watched it in the original Italian with subtitles because I like the realism of watching it in the language that he spoke. (And because the English dubbing is usually pathetic in these Italian films of the saints.) Overall, this is a wonderful depiction of a sincere and holy man who devoted his whole life to prayer and the will of God. It strengthened my faith.

This movie portrayal is perfect ! Too bad they didn't dubb it in English for us, but it's still GREAT ! HOLLYWOOD NEEDS TO TAKE NOTES HERE ! THIS IS HOW TO DO A RELIGIOUS OR SPIRITUAL MOVIE !!!Too often American Hollywood versions of HOLY SAINTS or religious movies always have to Hollywood-ize them by, by adding scandalous themes, violence, sex, nudity, and smut. For example " Of Kings and Prophets " , the ABC mini series was ruined by those tactics. It was all so entwined through out the movie, that it was impossible to edit out !!! (Saving Grace mini series was saved by an Edited DVD Version -still could have cleaned up some more without becoming too saccharin. )This is good old fashioned talented writing and filming ! I literally avoid most current Hollywood movies now because the violence and smut, its also just boring. If they'd make decent films, there's an audience waiting. I watch documentaries or science programs now. Not only have schools been dumbed down, but all of Hollywood also. I choke on the stupidity they churn out.Then the other extreme is when they make movies about Saints that make so perfect, it makes them not human. Or they make movies so Saccharine. Why is it so rare they get this genre right ?This movie has truth in it, and authenticity ! I wish Hollywood would learn here.... BRAVO !

This is a beautiful film. It's a pretty accurate depiction of Padre Pio's life. All of the actors in this piece are wonderful. Sergio Castelitto is amazing. He really captures the essence of the man. Jurgan Prachnow really does an amazing job playing the inquisitor who doubts the reality of Padre Pio's stigmata and miracles. Prachnow's portrayal of his character encapsulates the many people who doubted and prejudged Padre Pio throughout his life. Some people may recognize Pierfrancesco Favino from his short role in Angels and Demons, but Favino is a wonderful actor, and his portrayal of a man struggling with alcohol and other issues is powerful. He's brilliant in this film. Lorenza Indovina plays Cleonice. Her character acts as a witness to the events. She represents an original member of the Padre Pio prayer group for women. It's through her eyes that we see the struggle that Padre Pio and his prayer groups experience when the Pope gave orders that he could no longer say mass to the community or meet with his groups. Forced into complete isolation, Pio can only write and answer letters. Castelitto really captures the struggle Pio has keeping his faith in the Pope and the church while being falsely accused and attacked.This is a different kind of Catholic film. So many Catholic and Christian films are packed with important messages but are often lackluster when it comes to the acting and camera work. But, this film is packed with powerful images and beautiful cinematography. In my humble opinion, it is the best Christian, especially Catholic film ever made.