Watch The Divine Plan

The Divine Plan is a gripping documentary that showcases the story of two men, President Ronald Reagan and Pope John Paul II, and their extraordinary impact on ending the Cold War. The film explores the relationship between the two great leaders and portrays them as two sides of a coin, each possessing qualities that the other lacked.

Through interviews with experts and insiders, archival footage, and re-enactments, the audience is taken on a journey through the turbulent 1980s, a period marked by intense political tension between the United States and the Soviet Union. Against this backdrop, the film illustrates how Reagan and John Paul II’s collaboration led to one of the most significant events in modern history - the fall of the Berlin Wall.

The Divine Plan begins by examining Reagan and John Paul II’s early lives, tracing their journeys to power and highlighting their individual achievements before they eventually crossed paths. The audience gets to know Reagan as the skilled orator, a charismatic politician known for his optimism and profound beliefs. John Paul II, on the other hand, is portrayed as a humble man of faith who overcomes adversity in his personal life to become the first non-Italian pope in 455 years.

The film delves into how Reagan and John Paul II’s shared dislike of communism drew them together. The audience is taken behind the scenes as the pair communicate through letters and private meetings, discussing their mutual goal of defeating communism. The Divine Plan shows how this unlikely duo employed unconventional diplomacy to undermine the Soviet regime, such as using a multi-faith coalition to exert pressure on the communist government in Poland.

The Divine Plan provides an illuminating and heartwarming window into Reagan and John Paul II’s deep friendship. The film narrates how Reagan confided in the pope, admitting that John Paul II was “the only one I trust completely.” John Paul II, in turn, called Reagan his “friend,” touching the hearts of both men's supporters and detractors.

The documentary also delves into the assassination attempt on Reagan in 1981. It highlights the role that the pope played in Reagan’s recovery, as well as the positive effects this event had on Reagan’s presidency.

The Divine Plan depicts the global impact of Reagan and John Paul II’s teamwork. The audience is transported to Poland to witness the Solidarity movement, a social movement that arose out of growing frustration with the government’s policies. Through interviews with Solidarity leaders, the film reveals how Reagan and John Paul II’s support helped Solidarity grow into a political force that ultimately helped bring an end to Soviet dominance in Eastern Europe.

The documentary concludes by showcasing the fall of the Berlin Wall, an event that brought the Cold War to an end, and emphasizes the significant role that Reagan and John Paul II played in ending the Cold War. The film portrays the two leaders as heroes of our time, celebrating their collaborative efforts that led to one of the most significant actions in modern human history.

In total, The Divine Plan provides an exhilarating and thought-provoking account of the complex diplomatic and human relationships between Ronald Reagan, Pope John Paul II, and the world at large. It is a poignant reminder of the power of goodwill and camaraderie, providing a narrative of leadership, courage, and heroism that is still relevant today.

The Divine Plan is a 2019 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 19 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.6.