Brother Sun, Sister Moon

Oh yes, we can look at this as a parable of the "hippies" and an anti-war, anti-establishment film (as if those are somehow "bad" things.) It is all that. Any director who cannot interpret through the lenses of his time is not a very good director. Zefferelli is a master at it. It may make the movies seem dated but that also is a sign of mastership as we see the life of Francis and also see life in the Vietnam era 1970s. The movie itself is hauntingly filmed in a dreamlike manner. It tells the story of Francis who we will later know as Saint Francis Of Assissi. It is not an attempt to tell the complete story of the saint, but to use episodes from his life to speak to the culture of the time. It is not a biography so much as it is an interpretation.

I just wanted to comment on the film, mainly because the one other commentator stated that the film was terrible. I happen to like the film. Sure, there are moments when it is a bit too saccharine, but it is still worth viewing. The cinematography is superb, and I think the music score is AMAZING. It is simple with a folk-song quality that I think fits with Saint Francis's teachings. I only wish there were a soundtrack available; I'd buy it in a heartbeat. I agree with the other commentator that there is nothing really "new" added to the story of Saint Francis; however, the story is a good story without something "new" added to it. I do wish that the film could have been a bit "grittier"; what I mean is, sometimes in the film, Saint Francis comes across as if he were so kind and gentle that he is floating or mindless. I wish the film could have shown the harsh realities that Saint Francis would have faced. Overall, the film is beautiful. Don't miss it.

its lively poetry. like a refuge. like a veil. this is the gift to me each time when I saw it. and the motif to discover it as the best film about Francisc of Assisi. sure, it is a religious film. and more. sure, it has the mark of its director art. but not only. it is a declaration of faith and the inspired translation of a profound and delicate story about a symbol of Western Church. and this does it real different by the other versions. because it is the film who not gives a story but reveals its aura and air and flavor and force and specificity. its poetry is the basic motif to see it. for a sort of special beauty. for the art of a refined manner to see the pure faith.

I finally ordered the video after renting it a dozen times! This film captures the essence of what I have read about St. Francis of Assisi. Faulkner, Bowker, and of course Alec Guinnes shine in their roles. I recognized the actress who played Francis' mother as the same actress who played Herodias in Jesus of Nazareth. Yes, it is a movie of the "flower children", but it is sincere and faultless. After so many viewings I even got used to Donovan! Zeffirelli did a wonderful job of directing, bringing out beautiful pieces of acting from all. The scene at the end with Pope Innocent III, Francis and his little band was as powerful as anything I've seen in film, religious or not. IMDB lists this film as Graham Faulkner's one and only! What happened to him I wonder?

Upon seeing this movie in my young 20s, I fell in love (metaphorically speaking) with St. Francis of Assisi and the simple message of life that he practiced. Though many of the absolute facts were stretched, like in most "historic" films, the movie was completely on the mark about his simplicity and his love of nature and mankind. In addition, it gave a very plausible and probable glimpse of the love relationship he had with St. Clare, all in contrast with the idea of love and sexuality which we have in these times.

Though the Italian version soundtrack was not by Donovan, the English language songs he sang gave the movie great focus and support. I often wondered why it was only issued on vinyl in Italy, which is how I discovered Donovan's songs were not present. The music is sensitive and wonderful.

Both young actors, Bowker & Faulkner, fill their roles with perfection. Bowker is one of the most beautiful and sensitive young actresses of that period, so it is with wonder that she was not more utilized or popular.

Yes, the film does have the allegorical connection with the hippie movement, but that does not diminish the story nor the impact. In fact, rather, it parallels our times and served to connect me with the times of Francis, if that is possible.

Finally, Zeffirelli deserves a thanks for tackling this saint with compelling zeal, passion, sensitivity, and panache. As another reviewer here noted, the scenery will blow you away. And as a child of the 50s who grew up in the late 60s, this movie offset the idea of love having to be of a sexual nature, and elevated love to a plane where it becomes transcendent and transforming. Isn't that what love is supposed to do in our lives? I have had my own 2 sons watch it with me more than once as they were growing up, and they are mid-20s now.

It will be a hard film to find, but is viewable for any age without reservations and is well worth the search. (It is now available on DVD for around $10 or less.)