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Wenders offers hagiography
The director's undoubted cinematic achievement is lessened by his undue reverence for Pope Francis which leaves too many vital questions unanswered, writes MARIA DUARTE

Pope Francis: A Man of His Word (PG)
Directed by Wim Wenders

IN HIS five years in office Pope Francis has become known as the champion of the poor and the disenfranchised and as a man who leads by example and now you are given a unique insight into the thoughts and views of this religious leader in this eye-opening documentary.

Film-maker Wim Wenders (Buena Vista Social Club) was given unprecedented access by the Vatican to their archives and to the Pontiff himself who, in a series of four interviews carried out over two years, speaks frankly and honestly about a wide-ranging number of issues including environmental damage, the impact of economic globalisation, poverty and the sexual abuse scandal in the Catholic Church.

By using a camera with a special attachment it appears that Pope Francis is talking directly down the lens at each one of us resulting in an intimate, passionate and moving address.

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