Watch Liberating a Continent: John Paul II and the Fall of Communism

Liberating a Continent: John Paul II and the Fall of Communism is a historical documentary film that was released in 2016. The film is directed by David Naglieri and narrated by Jim Caviezel, who is famous for his portrayal of Jesus Christ in the movie Passion of the Christ. The movie tells the story of how communism fell in Europe during the late 1980s and early 1990s. It focuses on the role that Pope John Paul II played in bringing about the fall of communism in Poland and other countries in Eastern Europe.

The documentary begins by taking us on a journey back in time to the 1970s, when communism was at its peak in Poland. Through rare, never-before-seen archival footage, we see the living conditions in Poland during the communist era. The footage is accompanied by commentary from historians who provide insight into life under communism.

The film then goes on to detail the rise of Karol Wojtyla, who would later become Pope John Paul II. We see how he rose from humble beginnings to become a powerful figure in the Catholic Church. The movie also highlights his role in fighting communism, both before and during his papacy.

Throughout the film, we see how the Pope's message of hope and freedom inspired people in Poland and other countries to rise up against their communist oppressors. The documentary features interviews with people who played a key role in the fall of communism, including Lech Walesa, the founder of Solidarity, the first independent trade union in a communist country.

The movie also examines the role that the United States played in the fall of communism. It features interviews with several U.S. politicians and diplomats who were involved in the events of the time. They talk about how the Pope's message of freedom and democracy was closely aligned with U.S. foreign policy objectives.

The documentary is well researched and provides a fascinating look at the inner workings of the communist regime in Eastern Europe. It sheds light on how people lived under communism, how they were suppressed, and how they eventually overcame their oppressors.

The archival footage used in the movie is impressive, as are the interviews with key figures from the era. The film also features powerful imagery, such as shots of people tearing down the Berlin Wall, and of the Pope addressing large crowds of people during visits to Poland and other countries.

The movie is not without its flaws, however. Some critics have pointed out that the film leaves out some important details about the role that the Soviet Union played in the fall of communism. Others have criticized the hagiographic treatment of Pope John Paul II, arguing that the movie overlooks his controversial and divisive decisions, such as his crackdown on liberation theology in Latin America.

Despite these criticisms, Liberating a Continent: John Paul II and the Fall of Communism is a powerful and moving tribute to the people who fought and died for freedom in communist Eastern Europe. The film is a testament to the power of hope and the human spirit, and a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.

Liberating a Continent: John Paul II and the Fall of Communism is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 32 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.2.