Educational Media Reviews Online

Berman’s The Faithful: The King, The Pope, and The Princess delves into the culture of devotees. There are various manifestations of devotees represented here, through religion, celebrity, royalty and family. Berman explores Pope John Paul II, Diana, Princess of Wales, Rock ‘n Roll icon Elvis Presley and her personal devotion to a deceased aunt. Structured in narrated segments for each subset of devotees, audiences will come to understand this phenomena both personally and culturally.

Similar themes are discovered across devotee groups such as the need for keepsakes. This illustrates the significance of ritual and community. Berman reveals the for-profit machinations that license and merchandise images of these icons. A humanistic tone seeking to understand these icons as individuals, steadies this revelation. Mainly, the portrayal of devotees is conveyed respectfully. And this thoughtfulness fosters repeat viewing.

Though somewhat overlong, this piece is entertaining and informative. The content will make viewers identify with the subject and think critically about their own motivations. Library collections that encourage the understanding of groups in society will benefit.

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