Kerin Fresa

After watching this movie, I can certainly see why certain Catholics are vehemently criticizing and dismissing it as yet another bash on the Church. Yet, this movie focuses on universal (and timely) issues of human frailty, greed and lust for power, liberal vs. conservative viewpoints and, most importantly, tolerance and acceptance for "not us". It does so with such nuance. Ralph Fiennes is brilliantly cast as the pragmatic (and conflicted) manager of the Conclave. The repeated camera focus on his face and eyes highlight the actor's skill in conveying emotion without dialogue. Stanley Tucci was also brilliantly cast. He turns in a typical Tucci performance, but here it works. He's a progressive and opinionated Cardinal whose role, as expected, is much more dialogue-driven. Isabella Rosellini is also perfectly cast. The cinematography and directing were superb. Some may find the last 15 minutes "got ya" sequence disturbing. I found it though provoking. wow!