There are times when a documentary film really hits home and has a message that goes straight to the heart. Pope Francis: A Man of His Word is such a film. The documentary explores the world and message of the beloved Pope Francis, who is renowned all around the world for his messages of overcoming diversities and to live life with hope and compassion. Directed by renowned filmmaker Wim Wenders (Pina).

The film explores the Pope as he traverses around the world and spreads his important messages. The film explores a number of serious themes and philosophies which are always relevant to the world in which we live in. This is a film which aims to provoke discussion and inspire reflection.

The exploration of greed (for example, the large margins in society between those wealth elite with over 80% of the world's wealth for a select few) while many hard-working families around the globe live impoverished, paycheck-to-paycheck, many with the question of where their next meal will come from is a central concept the Pope seems to oppose vehemently. Pope Francis wants the impoverished to be able to have housing and meals as basic human rights without struggling to get by.

The ignorance and rejection of accepting immigrants in crisis as refugees is another issue explored here. We live in a world where refugees are leaving their countries torn by war and poverty to seek better lives only to have many nations around the entire world struggle to accept them as refugees in need of help: with people in need of food, shelter, and compassion. A place to call home away from their worn-torn countries with terrorism and everyday bombings and the like.

The Pope also clearly wishes for the need for human beings to remember that commonalities are more important to understanding humanity and our fellow human beings than only looking at the ways in which we are different. His views express his belief in seeking to understand one another and the messages he expresses are filled with hope and humanity. Without hope in our lives, there is nothing.

So many issues are explored in this documentary... including the immoral and corrupt arms trades that sell guns to the highest bidders (with governments worldwide profiteering from the spilled blood of innocent lives for the sake of making a dollar on a gun). Or the way in which forgiveness is much needed in our world. Or the way in which those with power (such as those in government) need to remember their responsibilities to the many people who work for them (this message felt especially timely in wake of our nation's recent government shutdown). The Pope also discusses issues ranging from social justice to the need for us to protect the planet. His words are powerful and sincere.

Wim Wenders (Paris, Texas, Wings of Desire) has made a beautiful film with so many strong messages to explore from Pope Francis. It's a truly felt film. It is deeply moving. The documentary feels so well crafted. It's almost like a painting with all of it's tranquility. It's hard to imagine someone not having some kind of strong reaction to this film. The Pope explores so many ideas and concepts which are of value to our world. The filmmaking helps deliver that message with grace. The music score by Laurent Petigand (Beyond the Clouds) is tranquil while the cinematography by Lisa Rinzler (Three Seasons) is gorgeous and awe-inspiring.

Video:

Pope Francis: A Man of His Word looks terrific on Blu-ray with a1080p MPEG-4 AVC encoded high-definition presentation. This is an exceptionally produced documentary. The photography here is exquisite. The Blu-ray does a strong job of reproducing the film's aesthetic tone. Wender's films are known for their visual elegance and this film is no exception.

Audio:

The audio is presented in 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio. This is a strong lossless audio presentation. Although most documentaries don't really make full use of the surrounds, this documentary is a exception to that rule. The score and soundstage is well utilized here and it sounds terrific. The dialogue reproduction is excellent as well. This is a superb lossless sound mix.

Extras:

The combo pack release includes a Blu-ray + Digital code.

No supplements of any kind of included on the disc.

Final Thoughts:

Pope Francis: A Man of His Word is a beautiful documentary which will inspire much thought and conversation when seen with others. This documentary does an exceptional job of exploring Pope Francis's views on several important societal issues. The film is filled to the brim with humanity. Director Wim Wenders (Paris, Texas) makes the film a beautifully framed snapshot of the Pope. Without a doubt, Pope Francis: A Man of His Word should be considered as one of the best documentaries of 2018.

Highly Recommended.

Neil Lumbard is a lifelong fan of cinema. He aspires to make movies and has written two screenplays on spec. He loves writing, and currently does in Texas.