I have not seen many movies. But in these few movies, I feel that the descriptions of clergy are very typographical. They either play the handsome/old final villain/big boss, or struggle between the soul and the flesh. The best is the person who can forgive all the sins of the protagonist.
Therefore, the first reaction of ordinary audiences when they see Catholics on the screen is "shady! Conspiracy! Pedophilia!" Under such an environment, seeing so many innocent, lively, and childlike red clothes. Bishops, their faith is so pure and warm, it is really a very happy thing. And the movies made in Catholic uniforms are so beautiful. With so many strong colors, so rigorous and gorgeous ceremonies, it is difficult to shoot badly.
Catholicism has always been a religion that pays much attention to rituals, and later Puritanism also seized this point and rebelled. But today, besides these rituals, what else can it catch people? The doctrine of itself? But today’s believers have too many choices. From liberalism to the recent 1,500-page declaration of murderers in Norway, everyone is scrambling to tell you what you should believe. No matter what kind of creed, you can put up something to replace it. Jesus. Religion in capitalist society is not easy, and competition is too fierce. That's why, when I see such a movie, it takes religion seriously, and I feel very moved.
The ritual for selecting the pope is like this: the previous pope died, and the cardinals gathered from all corners of the world for a meeting called a conclave. No one was able to leave this room before being elected, which was basically the same as Conan’s secret room. As a result, it was announced to the world with burning smoke. Black smoke is not selected, white smoke is selected. I didn't know what they burned before, but it is said that after modern technology is improved, chemical substances are used to precisely control white smoke and black smoke. After the pope was finally elected, the person concerned had to repeat "I don't want" three or five times in Latin to express humility and concessions, and everyone chanted. Repeated so many times, he finally accepted. Acted in the movie. But I guess the pope's temporary strike is the first time ever. In other words, such a pure pope election is the first time in history. Audiences who know a little about the history of the Middle Ages know how dirty it is, but the movie only feels warm and fun. The Swiss guards are also very interesting. These lads in clown suits must be the most politically competent people around the Pope. In the end, the scene where the cardinals dressed up to recover their pope was surreal, like Fellini with a lot of moisture.
But the most important thing is not these, but the pope's choice itself. When I first watched it, I thought it was just another "The King's Speech", but the more I watched it, the more I felt it was not. The choice of the king in "The King's Speech" is actually not that difficult. When the person standing opposite you is Hitler, no matter what you do, you can never go wrong. But here is the pope candidate. Opposite him is God, thousands of church members, loyal colleagues, and bureaucrats who do bad things with good intentions. But in this way he can be free-a king cannot give up being a king, but a person can be free to resist being pushed to the position of the pope. I think this is the highest compliment for people.
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