Pope Joan
Pope Joan

Pope Joan

1972Movie110 minEnglish

Based on the medieval legend of Pope Joan, who was made Pope for a brief period around 855 A.D. The movie presents her existence as fact, though it is questionable that Pope Joan really did exist, and portrays her relationships with other notables of the time.

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Insights

IMDb6.3/10
Director: Michael AndersonGenres: Drama, History

Plot Summary

In the 9th century, a young woman named Joan disguises herself as a man to escape poverty and pursue education. She rises through the ranks of the Church, eventually being elected Pope. However, her secret identity is threatened as she navigates the complex political and religious landscape of the time.

Critical Reception

Pope Joan received a mixed reception from critics. While some praised its ambitious scope and Liv Ullmann's performance, others found the historical accuracy questionable and the narrative somewhat uneven. Audiences were also divided, with some appreciating the unique premise and others criticizing its pacing and historical liberties.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its visual grandeur and Liv Ullmann's compelling portrayal of Joan.
  • Criticized for its historical inaccuracies and deviations from the legend.
  • The film's narrative pacing was found to be inconsistent by some reviewers.

Google audience: Information regarding Google user reviews for Pope Joan (1972) is not readily available or has not been aggregated.

Fun Fact

The film faced controversy and was not widely released in some countries due to its controversial subject matter, which challenged historical and religious narratives.

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