St. Francis of Assisi was an extraordinarily complex and difficult figure whose effect on his contemporary society was electrifying. Even today, many people are moved by his visionary message of universal toleration. Twelfth-century Italy had an exceptionally grim and regimented society, but the barefoot monk from Assisi .. Read more
| Starring | Alec Guinness, Graham Faulkner, Judi Bowker, Leigh Lawson |
|---|---|
| Director | Franco Zeffirelli |
| Genres | Drama |
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St. Francis of Assisi was an extraordinarily complex and difficult figure whose effect on his contemporary society was electrifying. Even today, many people are moved by his visionary message of universal toleration. Twelfth-century Italy had an exceptionally grim and regimented society, but the barefoot monk from Assisi undoubtedly had the courage that comes from deep faith and was able to transcend the oppressiveness of the time. In this Italian/British-produced film, director Franco Zeffirelli attempts to bring his vision of this great man to the screen. The contemporary (1970s) example of the hippie movement contributed a great deal to the style in which the story is told. The musical score, using ancient Italian melodies, was arranged by Donovan. The film is visually beautiful in a way which tends to minimize the squalor of the times. As the movie begins, Francis (Graham Faulkner) is the son of wealthy merchants, and enjoys his share of wine, women and song without serious thought. When war and disease devastate his neighborhood, Francis undergoes an anguished transformation which culminates in his appearing before the local bishop and removing his clothes to renounce his previous life and family before dedicating himself to God. The culminating dramatic moment is Francis' appearance before Pope Innocent III (Sir Alec Guinness), to make his case for an independent religious order under new rules.~ Clarke Fountain, All Movie Guide
| Starring | Alec Guinness, Graham Faulkner, Judi Bowker, Leigh Lawson, Lee Montague |
|---|---|
| Director | Franco Zeffirelli |
| Studio | PARAMOUNT HOME ENTERTAINMENT |
| Run time | DVD: 1 hr 56 mins |
| Certificate |  |
| Genres | Drama |
| Language | DVD: English |
| Released | Production year: 1973 To Rent: DVD: 05 Apr 2004 |
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Zeferelli Masterpiece about St Francis
This is a fantastic and inspiring film about St Francis of Assisi. It gets across the true feeling of St Francis and Assisi. I have visited Assisi and all the ... read more »
[Highly rated reviewer]
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The Italian Connection
Nothing like 'The Taming of the Shrew' which was better if only because of the excellent performances of its stars, Richard Burton and Liz Taylor, but ... read more »
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Mixed feelings
Interesting viewing for anyone keen in learning a little about St Francis of Assisi, but possibly not a great film in its own right.
Some of the ... read more »
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Absolutely loved this: totally inspiring!
Loved the message of this movie and the gentle way in which it was put across. Totally inspiring. Music by Donovan very ... read more »
Franciscan friars have petitioned Mel Gibson to follow his film "The Passion of the Christ" with a movie depicting the life of Saint Francis of Assisi. The campaign is gathering pace after more than 8,000 added their names to the friar's "<A href="http://grassrootsrenewal.com/petbut/petition.htm"> open letter and respectful petition </A>". The letter was posted after Father Glenn Sudano, head of a community of 82 friars in the New York area, watched &quo Read more
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