The Shoes of the Fisherman

From political prisoner to Pope.

1968 • 162 min • Drama

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Synopsis

Ukrainian bishop Kiril Lakota, a political prisoner in a Soviet gulag for twenty years, is unexpectedly released and sent to the Vatican, where, upon the sudden death of the Pope, leader of the Catholic Church, he must face a challenging destiny that will put the future of the entire world in his hands.

Our family guide

Best from age 10

Movie Knight Score

88 reviews

68 Audience · 88 · 100%

Released after decades in a Soviet gulag, a Ukrainian bishop is sent to the Vatican. When the Pope unexpectedly dies, he finds himself on a path to a challenging destiny that could shape the future of the world. This thoughtful drama explores faith, leadership, and global responsibility.

Violence & peril: 2/10
Language: 1/10
Drinking, drugs & smoking: 1/10
Romance & sensuality: 0/10
Scary moments: 2/10

Heads up

Discussions of political imprisonment and suffering.
Depicts Cold War tensions and nuclear threat of nuclear famine.
Some intense emotional intensity around global crises.

What it models well

Compassion and empathy
Leadership and responsibility
Forgiveness and reconciliation
Faith and conviction

Talk about it after

What makes a good leader, especially in times of crisis?
How can personal suffering lead to wisdom and strength?
The role of faith in confronting global challenges.
Understanding different cultures and political systems.

Written by the Movie Knight editorial team for The Shoes of the Fisherman. Our own words, our own scoring — always double-check against your family's standards.