Rating: 
Summary: Another Franco Zefferelli Masterpiece
Review: If you haven't seen this movie, I'll bet you have seen Zefferelli's, Romeo and Juliet. This film is made with the same eye to beauty and presentation of character, but captures the tale of St. Francis of Assisi. There may be some overdramatization to make a point here or there, but then I don't mind that sort of thing - it's artistic freedom. One of my favorite scenes, is when the group of Franciscan brothers finally gets to have an audience with the Pope - and the Pope acknowledges "Christ in the distressing disguise" of Francis and his group of brothers, it speaks volumes. See this movie if you have respect for the message.
Rating:
Summary: ZEFFIRELLI IS A GENIUS!
Review: Franco Zeffirelli is responsible for 3 of the greatest films ever made: 'Romeo and Juliet', 'Jesus of Nazareth' and 'Brother Sun, Sister Moon'. This film displays Zeffirelli's genius at it's clearest and is a perfect amalgamation of his other two films, 'Romeo' and 'Jesus of Narareth'. Ennio Guarnieri's photography is amazing. Any single frame is this movie is a work of art that could be framed and hung up on a wall. Donovan's music is lovely even though he only wrote 3 of the songs. All but three of the songs, including 'Brother Sun, Sister Moon' were composed by Italian composer Riz Ortolani.It's a crime that this masterpiece hasn't been released on DVD yet. Paramount is releasing the film 'Frankenstein and the Monster From Hell' on DVD in 2003 even though it's ranking in the Amazon.com sales rank is in 13,163. While 'Brother Sun, Sister Moon' is ranked 306 and there are no plans to release it in the near future. If you want this film on DVD as soon as possible please sign my 'Brother Sun, Sister Moon' DVD release petition at: petitiononline.com/jyo235/petition.html
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful and Inspiring
Review: It has been almost thirty years since I saw this movie, and to this day I vividly recall it's simple and moving beauty. It's message is even more relevant today. The title song is an elegant, simple, mantra of peace and love. I am currently searching for the sound track of this movie.
Rating:
Summary: Dynamic and Beautiful Film
Review: Like other reviewers, I was dismayed by the Amazon.com review. I am a Secular Franciscan and have done alot of academic study on the life of St. Francis. I also attended a Franciscan college that has a world famous Franciscan Institute, so I feel I am able to make a reasonable judgement about this film. Although I wish the film had covered some of his later life, as it portrays the early days of St. Francis this film is really excellent. It very accurately portrayed Francis' early, privileged, and carefree beginnings to his change after the war. I loved the beauty of the scene where his mother is nursing him back to health and sings him a beautiful song...very well done. The depiction of his horror upon visiting the "factory" where the poor workers are dying and making the expensive cloths is especially moving. Historically, Francis realizes a change has come about when he is able to embrace a leper - something he had a particular horror of in his early days. The movie does show the horrors of leprosy and both Francis, Clare, and his brothers ministering to the lepers. The end scene with the Pope is magnificent - the church at this time was very wealthy, but detached from the average person in many ways. Alec Guiness delivers the memorable line about the clergy being arrayed in gold and jewels and tells Francis, "You in your poverty, put us to shame." Don't pay attention to the negative review by Amazon. This is a beautifully done movie in every way. I have also heard negative comments about Donovan's soundtrack, which to be sure, has elements of the "flower power" days, but is lovely. See this movie - you will not be disappointed. You will want to know more about Francis of Assisi and his later life and how he changed the church, and the life of the people, in a significant way.
Rating:
Summary: Pay NO Attention to Negative Reviews
Review: One of my parish priests decided to enter the religious life after seeing this movie. He mentioned it in one of his sermons a few weeks ago and I came across the video in a Catholic Bookstore and I bought it. I had doubts because it was made during the hippie/flower power era....and there are things in the movie that are reminiscent of that. But the whole thing moved me tremendously and I have watched it over and over again. The soundtrack by Donovan is simply superb as are the visuals and the cinematography. The ending is a tearjerker without being manipulative. The acting is first-rate....no doubt brought forth by the genius of Franco Zeferelli, the famous director. Graham Faulker brings a touching sensitivity and reaches into the soul of Francis of Assisi. The supporting cast deserves kudos as well, particularly Alec Guinness as Pope Innocent. Faulkner should have been nominated for an academy award for his breathtaking and stunning performance as Francis. There is not one false note in his playing. I cried many times during this movie and for those cynical, poor reviewers who didn't like it...to each his own. Take my word for it....pay no attention to the negativity....this movie is superb and I want the DVD to come out, as well as the soundtrack!... You will NOT go wrong with this movie. If you liked "Jesus of Nazareth" you will love "Brother Sun, Sister Moon". I can understand now why Father Abraham decided to become a priest after watching this movie!!
Rating: 
Summary: Zeffirelli-esque
Review: I just watched this classic movie today on a very small and not high quality TV, but even still the cinematography was stunning. I've been studying Sts Francis and Clare, and my studies lead me to this film which I had long since forgotten. Agreed, it's not complex and gripping, but the simplicity of this piece - the portrayal of (brain damaged) Francis, sweet Clare, the political climate, and even the music - can be no accident. Zeffirelli is a master of caturing the bigger picture in subtle ways. I thought it was wonderful, and I wish I could find the soundtrack because I would love to play them myself.
Rating:
Summary: Why Didn't I See "Brother Sun, Sister Moon" Years Ago?
Review: A video of Brother Sun, Sister Moon recently fell into my possession. I think that I've watched the video a dozen times since I received it in May of 2002. Several of the times I watched it were with guests that wanted to see it, and they felt the same way that I did about the movie. The movie, though it did not get into much depth about St. Francis, stimulated all of us to want to learn more about Francis to see if the main points presented in the movie were more or less authentic. Graham Faulkner was superb as Francis, particularly as he acted out each phase of Francis' life--youth, post-crusade, and religious...he literally changed before our eyes. The director did an incredible job of bringing out the best in his actors and acresses.
Rating: 
Summary: Tom, you're not alone
Review: I've tried so hard to like this film but, alas, even four times hasn't done the trick. I REALLY like St. Francis and his story is challenging and inspiring, but this film always makes me want to giggle and, in fact, put me off from studying the saint for years. St. Francis comes off like he's on drugs and everyone else looks like they get inebriated just looking at him. Francis was extreme, granted, but the light within him was from God, and I just didn't see that in this movie. And I have to agree that, although I usually like Donovan, the music here always struck me as silly. The facts of the story are probably accurate but I grew up in the '60s and this has always just looked like revisionist film making to me.
Rating:
Summary: beautiful symbolism.
Review: This delightful film while perhaps not capturing the historical St. Francis truly captures the spirit of his life and the life who inspired him. It conveys meaning to any who "have eyes to see" and illustrates the difficulty some have in seeing the message of simplicity and love of all and the joy in being. In simple symbolism of shadows, light, and image if we are willing to look we can see the illusions of the modern age and its empty quest for meaning in materialism. Pay close attention to this film those who find it boring were perhaps wanting to be entertained those who see its richness seeking the artists message and the truth of all art and of Francis "in loving we are loved."
Rating:
Summary: I waited too long to see this film
Review: I recently borrowed the film from my local library. It was purchased in February 2002 & already borrowed 16 times. One of the reasons I viewed it is because it's the work of Franco Zeffirelli.
Not having seen it, I dismissed it as a "hippie" version. But Francis' simplicity, innocence, humility & love for God's creatures came through beautifully. Plus, the cinematography is stunning, & made me homesick for Tuscany & Umbria.
I've always loved St. Francis since my mom took me to the church named after him on 31st ST in New York City.
It wouldn't hurt any of us to be more like the poor man of Assisi.
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