(ARA) - In today's world filled with conflict and uncertainty it can be hard to imagine how we as individuals can make a difference. More than a year after his death, Pope John Paul II continues to inspire and bring together people of all faith. Frequently cited as one of the most influential people of the 20th century, he fought for the rights and dignity of all people, and delivered a message of compassion and love to all those whom he reached.
Today people can re-connect with the Pope again. They can witness his courage in the face of tyranny, the key role he played in the fall of Communism, his outreach to youth all over the world, and how he changed the face of the Catholic Church and the world. The story of his life is captured in the film "Pope John Paul II," a two-part series now available on DVD.
"This film will touch people's hearts. It's a story of hope," explained Oscar-winning actor Jon Voight, whose portrayal of Pope John Paul II in the film earned him an Emmy nomination.
Filmed on location in Poland and Italy in close cooperation with the Vatican, the two-part film first follows young Karol Wojtyla, played by critically acclaimed actor Cary Elwes ("The Princess Bride," "Liar Liar") on his journey toward committing his life to the Church. The second half of the film explores how Pope John Paul II impacted the world with his iron will and courage to press on, even as his body became debilitated.
"Pope John Paul II" has been praised by Pope Benedict XVI for its authenticity. He says: "Watching this film has renewed in me a sense of profound gratitude to God for having given the Church and the world a pope of such an exalted human and spiritual nature. I feel the film constitutes further proof of the love people have for Pope John Paul II, and of their great desire to remember him, to see him again, to feel him close."
"We wanted the film to not only be factually correct, but also to capture the essence of this man's character - his compassion, notorious sense of humor, discipline and courage," says John Kent Harrison, the film's writer and director. "We had tremendous support and guidance from the people who had surrounded the Pope in his day to day life, and overwhelming enthusiasm from the crew, extras and even people on the streets in Poland and Italy."
As a boy, Elwes had the opportunity to meet Pope John Paul II in person, and was thrilled at the opportunity to honor the indelible mark this brief meeting left on him. Says Elwes, "For me, having met him, I felt that his warmth and compassion were aspects of his character that were very strong. He was a man of conviction, but he was also very tender, and I think that's what made him such an enigmatic figure."
"Pope John Paul II" features an all-star cast including Voight, Elwes, Ben Gazzara ("Don Bosco," "Anatomy of a Murder"), Christopher Lee ("Star Wars," "Lord of the Rings") and James Cromwell ("Babe," upcoming "Spiderman 3").
The special-edition DVD includes never-before released, on-set interviews with the actors and director, a 16-page collectible booklet about the film and the life of Pope John Paul II, behind-the-scenes footage of the making of the film, deleted scenes, and footage from the world premiere screening of "Pope John Paul II" at the Vatican, attended by Pope Benedict XVI. The film is 180 minutes in length, with closed-captioning and Spanish subtitles. "Pope John Paul II" is published by Ignatius Press and can be purchased at www.johnpaul2movie.com.
