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Documentary

Francesco (2021): Cast & Ratings

Francesco (2021) movie poster

Francesco is a 2021 documentary directed by Evgeny Afineevsky, starring Pope Francis, Sheikh Hasina and Armen Sarkissian. It runs 1 hour 56 minutes. Critics gave it 71% on Rotten Tomatoes and 37 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.9/10.

IMDb rating
5.9/10
Rotten Tomatoes
71%
Echo Score
77
Metascore
37
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Francesco (2021) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 56m (116 min)
Genre
Documentary
Original language
English
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Francesco About?

The premise of Francesco without spoilers.

This documentary offers an intimate look at Pope Francis as he discusses his perspective on a more caring world. He addresses significant global issues, including environmental concerns, migration, and social inequality, sharing his thoughts with conviction and empathy. The film highlights his call for unity and inspires viewers to consider their role in creating positive change.

Francesco Themes & Keywords

· 2 tags
  • pope
  • religion and spirituality documentary
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Cast & crew

Francesco Cast

Pope Francis leads the cast, with Sheikh Hasina and Armen Sarkissian. Directed by Evgeny Afineevsky; 10 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Francesco

· 6 more
From the director

More from Evgeny Afineevsky

More films directed by Evgeny Afineevsky, best-rated first: Cries from Syria, Freedom on Fire: Ukraine's Fight for Freedom, Winter on Fire: Ukraine's Fight for Freedom and Oy Vey! My Son Is Gay!.

Full filmography
Ratings

Francesco Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Francesco 71% on Rotten Tomatoes and 37 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.9/10. Our Echo Score gives it 77/100, strongest in character & emotion (85) and weakest in rewatch factor (60).

77 /100

Francesco Echo Score Breakdown

Overall, Francesco offers a broadly sympathetic and emotionally engaging portrait of its central figure, though its pacing and structure occasionally feel uneven. The film’s emphasis on compassion and social issues resonates through consistent messaging of peace, supported by creative use of archival footage and social media posts. However, some viewers note abrupt transitions and a length that challenges sustained immersion. Ultimately, the documentary achieves an earnest depiction that is occasionally hampered by its editorial choices.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 70

    In terms of art and craft, Francesco demonstrates both dedicated access and craftsmanship alongside uneven editing choices. Critics praise Afineevsky’s direction and the polished cinematography that captures Vatican interiors with intimacy. Yet, some viewers find the sequence transitions abrupt and the shot composition inconsistent. Overall, the film’s visual execution is competent but occasionally disjointed.

  • Character & Emotion 85

    When it comes to character and emotion, the documentary offers a respectful and empathetic portrayal of Pope Francis that evokes compassion. The consistent emphasis on his advocacy for marginalized communities creates genuine emotional resonance. Despite the absence of traditional acting, the film’s interviews and personal anecdotes foster engagement. The result is a heartfelt but straightforward depiction.

  • Story & Flow 70

    Regarding story and flow, Francesco conveys a coherent message of peace, yet its structure can feel fragmented. The use of archival headlines and social media posts sustains viewer interest but leads to abrupt narrative shifts. The pacing, while generally measured, sometimes undermines continuity. Overall, the storytelling is informative but uneven in execution.

  • Sensory Experience 75

    In terms of sensory experience, the film effectively integrates archival audio, news clips, and Twitter visuals to reinforce its thematic focus. The sound design and musical underscoring support key moments of reflection. However, some sequences exhibit flat lighting and inconsistent audio levels. Consequently, the sensory presentation is engaging yet occasionally inconsistent.

  • Rewatch Factor 60

    When assessing rewatch factor, Francesco’s earnest message and insightful moments encourage contemplation on social issues. The depth of coverage on environmental and humanitarian topics offers thoughtful substance. However, the non-linear editing and documentary length may reduce replayability for some viewers. In sum, the film presents valuable content but may not invite frequent revisits.

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FAQ

Francesco FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings and post-credit scenes of Francesco, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Francesco?

Francesco runs 1 hour 56 minutes (116 minutes).

When was Francesco released?

Francesco was released on March 28, 2021.

Who directed Francesco?

Francesco was directed by Evgeny Afineevsky.

More films by Evgeny Afineevsky

Who is in the cast of Francesco?

Francesco stars Pope Francis, Sheikh Hasina and Armen Sarkissian, among 10 credited actors.

How is Francesco rated?

Francesco has 5.9/10 on IMDb, 71% on Rotten Tomatoes, 37 on Metacritic and 72% on TMDB.

Does Francesco have a post-credit scene?

No. Francesco has no extra scene during or after the credits.

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