Pope Benedict XVI: A Profile on the Life of Joseph Ratzinger

Narrated by Pope Benedict XVI's older brother, Fr. Georg Ratzinger, this attractively-produced profile of Joseph Ratzinger visits the Bavarian villages of his childhood and youth, detailing the future pontiff's intensely religious upbringing, seminary years, and rise through the hierarchy to the ultimate post of Holy Father of the Roman Catholic Church. In addition to the on-location filming and supplemental archival photos, the documentary features interviews with childhood friends and local citizens of the area—warm reminiscences for the most part, although the Nazi era is discussed (Ratzinger's father opposed Hitler's regime) and referred to as the “dark times.” While viewers won't gain any new insights into the philosophical and theological views or future vision of the leader of the church here, this well-made film does offer a solid overview of the life of Pope Benedict XVI. Recommended. Aud: P. (J. Reed)