Is Pope Joan Worth Watching?
Answer: Maybe not, Pope Joan is likely a skip if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 110 minutes and offers a standard storyline that appeals to general audiences.
Pope Joan Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1972, Pope Joan emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, History domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of Based on the medieval legend of Pope Joan, who was made Pope for a brief period around 855 A. Unlike standard genre fare, Pope Joan attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a conventional take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Pope Joan features a noteworthy lineup led by Liv Ullmann . Supported by the likes of Olivia de Havilland and Jeremy Kemp , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Pope Joan (1972) is mixed. With an audience rating of 5.9/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Pope Joan Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: Pope Joan is a Drama, History film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Pope Joan Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: Pope Joan attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Pope Joan reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Pope Joan Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Pope Joan draws heavily from documented historical records. As a drama, history film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, with attention to period detail and historical context.
Accuracy Assessment: Pope Joan adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Pope Joan?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Drama films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
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Full Cast & Crew of Pope Joan
- Liv Ullmann – Pope Joan
- Olivia de Havilland – Mother Superior
- Jeremy Kemp – Joan's Father
- Franco Nero – Louis
- Maximilian Schell – Adrian
Top Highlights
Liv UllmannPope Joan
Olivia de HavillandMother Superior
Jeremy KempJoan's Father
Franco NeroLouis
Maximilian SchellAdrian
Lesley-Anne DownCecilia
Trevor HowardPope Leo
Keir DulleaDr. Stevens
Natasa NicolescuJoan's Mother
Sharon WinterJoan as a Child
Parents Guide & Age Rating
Pope Joan is rated PG. It is generally suitable for all ages.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 5.9/10, and global collection metrics, Pope Joan stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1972 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pope Joan movie hit or flop?
Pope Joan has received mixed reviews with a 5.9/10 rating, making it a moderate success with the audience.
Is Pope Joan worth watching?
Pope Joan is a mixed bag. It might be worth watching if you're a fan of Drama, History movies, but read reviews first.
Where can I watch Pope Joan online?
Pope Joan may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
