I really forgot I was watching an actor, both young Karol and the man Karol, the acting was so well done by all. Patrick Stewart as an antagonist was superb. One can not help but feel the emotions that Karol felt as his character is formed by the experiences of his life, from the loss of his mother at an early age and his father as a young man, the ocupation by the Germans, the plight of the Jewish families that led him to risk his life for them. Also his meeting with a mentor who intoduces him to St. John of the Cross, he became a Secular Carmelite as a result and the Carmelite St. John of the Cross was to influence his life right up to the present day. It was his dealings with the Communists, as Bishop of Cracow, that gave such hope to the Polish people. An example was at Nowa Huta. This is the story of a man who was formed by the experiences of his life which brought him to the understanding of the true meaning of love. Not the passive kind, but the love that acts to restore the dignity of the human being. It shows his ability to be empathic with the suffering of everyone. It reveals his capacity to understand all sides and to mediate well, which is part of what got him elected to the highest position in the church. It also shows his astute mind and strong-willed commiment to his principles in dealings with the Communists and others. Keep your kleenex handy, you will feel this story very deeply.