Pope Joan

Synopsis

Pope Joan, directed by Sönke Wortmann, is a historical drama that tells the fascinating and controversial story of a woman who disguised herself as a man and rose to become the Pope in the 9th century. The film brings to life the journey of Johanna, portrayed by Johanna Wokalek, as she navigates the challenges of the medieval Roman Catholic Church while concealing her true identity. With captivating performances and stunning cinematography, Pope Joan delves into themes of gender equality, power, and religion. As Johanna's secret becomes increasingly precarious, the movie unfolds a gripping tale of deception, ambition, and faith.

Cast

• 

  John Goodman

  Pope Sergius II.

• 

  Johanna Wokalek

  Johanna von Ingelheim

• 

  David Wenham

  Gerold

• 

  Iain Glen

  Village Priest

• 

  Edward Petherbridge

  Aesculapius

• 

  Anatole Taubman

  Anastasius

Reviews

Pope Joan has garnered mixed reviews from critics. While some praise the film for its compelling narrative and strong performances, others criticize its historical inaccuracies and pacing. Critics from Rotten Tomatoes commend the movie for its unique portrayal of a lesser-known historical figure, giving it a rating of 3.5/5. IMDb users have rated Pope Joan 6.7/10, with many highlighting the captivating storyline and emotional depth. However, Metacritic reviews point out the disjointed plot and inconsistent character development, awarding the film a score of 55/100. Overall, Pope Joan offers a thought-provoking exploration of gender and power dynamics within the Church, but falls short in certain aspects according to critics.