The Divine Plan

The Divine Plan is a gripping and thought-provoking film that debuted in 2019, directed by Robert Orlando. The movie stars Peter Reznikoff and brings together a variety of influential figures including historians, journalists, authors and church officials. The Divine Plan provides a fascinating exploration of the individual journeys and eventual alliance of two of the most influential figures of the 20th century- President Ronald Reagan and Pope John Paul II.

The film is set against the tumultuous backdrop of the Cold War, where political tension and ideological conflict pervaded every aspect of the international stage. The film aggressively dives into the historical abyss to explore the intricate interplay of politics, religion, and diplomacy, which started with the ominous narrative underlining the assassination attempts on both Pope John Paul II and President Ronald Reagan in the span of mere six weeks in 1981.

The Divine Plan employs a combination of compelling narration, dynamic animation sequences, archival footage, and interviews with experts to weave a tale that is as informative as it is intriguing. The narration by Peter Reznikoff, with her deep, resonant voice, adds another layer of depth to the film and does justice to the seriousness and gravity of the subject matter.

The film prominently exhibits the substantial overlaps between the lives of Reagan and Pope John Paul II. Both men were strong leaders who possessed a remarkable willpower and an unshakeable faith in their mission. They both believed they had been spared in the assassination attempts for a divine purpose, linked with the liberation of the Eastern Europe from the clutches of Communism. They converged on a shared vision; a vision of peace, faith, and freedom.

Significantly, the film also explores in great detail the spiritual beliefs of these two iconic figures. Reagan and Pope John Paul II were deeply religious men who saw themselves as instruments of a higher purpose. Both of them believed that there were providential reasons for their survival from the assassination attempts, asserting that their lives were part of 'The Divine Plan'.

The Divine Plan adroitly integrates rarely seen pictures and video clips from the Reagan Library, Vatican Archives and never before shown KGB files to authenticate its compelling narrative. The personal letters and public papers disclose the depth of their spiritual bond.

The film also features Paul Kengor, an American political scientist and historian and the author of the book "A Pope and a President", and Bishop Robert Barron, an American prelate of the Roman Catholic Church as interviewees. Their insights illuminate the intimate bond and shared mission of these two towering figures.

Interestingly, the film doesn't shy away from exploring the conflicts and challenges that both figures faced in their struggle against communism. Such a portrayal provides a well-rounded character study and a balanced perspective on their significant achievements. The film also covers the role of the Solidarity movement in Poland and how the Reagan administration and the Vatican covertly supported it.

The Divine Plan is a fascinating juxtaposition of politics and faith. It showcases how determinism, pragmatic diplomacy, and deep religious conviction played major roles in strategic alliances between distinct parties. This combination subsequently reshaped the world by helping to end the Cold War.

This film manages to shed light on the political systems and international relations of a bygone era, offering a powerful exploration of the politics of faith and the faith in politics. The Divine Plan serves as a reminder of the power of conviction, the importance of faith during troubling times, and the positive influence leaders can have when they are jointly driven by a shared vision and mission.

Overall, The Divine Plan is a riveting docu-drama that provides an eye-opening examination of a significant period in modern world history. Through its exploration of Reagan and Pope John Paul II's alliance, it offers audiences a chance to reflect on the ways in which faith and politics can intersect to produce profound global change.