Brother Sun, Sister Moon (1973)
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67% of critics liked it
(9 reviews) -
75% of users liked it
(3,043 ratings)
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… More 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, Rovi
- Directed By
- Franco Zeffirelli
- Written By
- Kenneth Ross, Lina Wertmüller, Franco Zeffirelli, Suso Cecchi d'Amico
- Genres
- Drama, Faith & Spirituality, Classics
- In Theaters
- Dec 2, 1972 Wide
- Studio
- Paramount Pictures
Critic Reviews
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Emanuel Levy, EmanuelLevy.Com
In Zeffirelli's visually beautiful tale, the hero is perceived as a prototype hippie, and so the music is by Donovan.
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Steve Crum, Video-Reviewmaster.com
Way overwrought Zeffirelli work, pretty much lost since its debut in 1973.
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Ron Reed, Christianity Today
The most serious problem with this film is its softness, that sentimentality Zeffirelli is often accused of.
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Mark R. Leeper, rec.arts.movies.reviews
It is one of the most beautiful films I have ever seen. Just about any frame of the film, blown up, could make a beautiful poster for the film.
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John A. Nesbit, Old School Reviews
beautiful and nicely framed photography from northern Italy...not enough to overcome an inane script, inept acting, and Donovan's syrupy music
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Cast
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Graham Faulkner
as Francesco
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Judi Bowker
as Clare
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Alec Guinness
as Pope Innocent III
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Leigh Lawson
as Bernardo
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Kenneth Cranham
as Paolo
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Michael Feast
as Silvestro
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Adolfo Celi
as Consul
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Valentina Cortese
as Pica Di Bernardone
- Peter Firth
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Francesco Guerrieri
as Deodato
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Lee Montague
as Pietro Di Bernardone
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John Sharp
as Bishop
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Nicholas Willatt
as Giocondo
- Michael York