Watch Pope Joan

Pope Joan is a historical drama movie that was released in 2009. It is based on the fictionalized story of a woman who disguised herself as a man and rose through the ranks of the Catholic Church to become the only female pope in history. The movie begins in the 9th century in a small German village where a young girl named Johanna (played by Johanna Wokalek) lives with her family. She is a bright and curious child who loves to read and learn, but her father forbids her from getting an education because she is a girl.

One day, Johanna's brother is killed in a violent raid on the village, and she is forced to flee to a nearby monastery for safety. There, she disguises herself as a boy and is eventually taken in by the kindly monk Gerold (David Wenham), who recognizes her intelligence and helps her to continue her studies.

Years pass, and Johanna becomes a skilled scholar and healer, but she must constantly keep up the charade of being a man in order to avoid detection. She travels to Rome, where she becomes a trusted adviser to the pope (John Goodman) and gains widespread notoriety for her wisdom and medical expertise.

As Johanna's power within the church grows, she struggles to reconcile her faith with her own desires for happiness and fulfillment. She falls in love with a fellow scholar, but their relationship is complicated by her secret identity and the strict rules of the church. Ultimately, Johanna must confront the dangers and challenges of her position as pope, including threats from rival factions and the risk of being exposed as a woman.

Pope Joan explores themes of gender, power, and identity in a historical context, shedding light on the role of women in the church and society. Johanna Wokalek delivers a powerful and nuanced performance as the titular character, portraying the complex emotions and struggles of a woman who defies convention to achieve greatness.

David Wenham and John Goodman also provide strong supporting performances, adding depth and complexity to their respective characters. The movie features beautiful cinematography and production design, transporting viewers to a vivid and immersive portrayal of medieval Europe.

Overall, Pope Joan is a compelling and thought-provoking historical drama that raises important questions about gender, power, and identity. It offers a rich and engaging story that will captivate viewers from start to finish.