Rating: 
Summary: A life-changing video of sublime beauty
Review: I count excellence in film by how it changes the viewer, how its images cause the viewer to internalize its lessons. This film's astonishing visual imagery and simplistic but poetic dialogue go to the heart of the viewer quickly and indelibly. The glib and shallow reviews from professional critics take nothing away from this film. Don't listen to them, listen to your heart! Graham Faulker's touching Francesco gripped me in the many scenes where he spoke only with his eyes and actions. The triumph of humility over grandeur is not a lesson easily assimilated in this world. This film makes it believable!
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Summary: WONDERFUL, RICH, AND MOVING
Review: THE FIRST TIME I SAW THIS MOVIE WAS IN A THEATRE WHEN IT WAS FIRST RELEASED, AND I'VE JUST HAD TO SEE IT AGAIN, AGAIN, AND AGAIN. FINALLY I BOUGHT IT! THE MUSIC IS ABSOLUTELY THRILLING AND WONDERFULLY INTEGRETED WITH RICH, COLORFUL SCENERY. AND COULD A STORY BE MORE TOUCHING AND MOVING? THE CHARCTERS ARE WONDERFULLY ATTRACTIVE AND BELIEVABLE. ALSO, THE DIRECTING TO BRING ALL OF THESE ELEMENTS TOGETHER IS FIRST RATE. IT RATES IN THE TOP- TEN- ALL- TIME- LIST THAT I'VE DEVELOPED FOR MYSELF. THIS IS A MUST SEE FOR MOVIE LOVERS.
Rating:
Summary: excellent
Review: This film was wonderful. My favourite scene is in the church of San Damiano, where they're all singing. It really moves me. When I first saw this film about 10 years ago, I thought it was wonderful, but it seemed to vanish off the face of the earth. I'm so glad I've re-discovered it, I've watched it about 10 times since last Tuesday!! It totally rocks, and is inspirational.
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Summary: Inspirational!
Review: I first saw this video on a tour-coach as we were making our way to Assisi. What an introduction it was to the gentle saint and his hometown! This film practically exudes the gentle spirit of the title saint (St. Francis of Assisi)and gives a touching and inspiring portrayal of his life. I was completely enthralled by the gorgeous setting, beautiful musical scores and excellent acting. The message of St. Francis (to serve and love others in humility) came across clearly and it is hard not to be moved by it. A must see!
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Summary: A Story of Hope and Reconciliation
Review: If you see a movie this evening, please spend the $2 on this one. It will take you back 800 years to a small village in, what is now, Italy. Slough off any biases or prejudices about the Catholic church during the Crusades because the movie is about the "present moment" and where your God is according to your "present spirit." This vast and breath-taking movie is a fine addition to Nikos Kazantzakis' "Saint Francis." As Francis reaches a better understanding of God, he soon reaches a better understanding of his parents on earth. Francis is shown in this film, not only as a lover of nature, as a humanitarian one should mold their life after. My hope is that people of all ages can recognize the essence of God within themselves when enthralled by this film. Along with this movie, I recommend MindWalk and The Last Temptation of Christ. Both have deep philosophical and theological meaning. Enjoy!!!
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Summary: One of the most exceptional films I've seen!
Review: This film is so filled with subtle nuances and symbolism that they may escape many--but watch it again (and yet again!)--it is well worth it.The message so simple, the means superb! The dreamlike quality of many of the scenes--and Donovan's music--support the characters and dialogue in conveying what is too easily forgotten today. To quote Donovan..."...Do few things and do them well, heartfelt work grows holy."
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Summary: Beautiful, moving (true!) story!
Review: This film is one of my all-time favorites. I first saw it back in the 70s when it first came out and was so glad to rediscover it in video format. It still moves me the way it first did. And I'm happy to see that my children took to it in just the same way. Donovan's songs are too beautiful for words!
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Summary: Excellent Film for Young Teens to Learn About Idealism
Review: When I first saw this movie in 1973, at 17, I was so impressed with the visual images. Zeffirelli's early films in particular are simply stunning in their cinematography-like great paintings come to life. The images express clearly the way the Idealist is moved to pursue his ideas. The film is not supposed to be about the realism of the saint's conversion, but rather the spirit of it and why his conversion sparked a revival in the Catholic Church, which helped it survive the corruption of the priesthood. As it was advertized in 1973, it is about Original Innocence, not Original Sin. If you watch it with that in mind, you can overlook the hippie overtones and find the spiritual struggle of conversion as experienced by several characters. Dispite moments which can seem silly, emotionally it is dead on in showing how we long to find ideals worth pursuing when we find our full life is bereft of them. Show it to your young teens - mine all loved it and made them think about what faith vs dogma is about in the church.
Rating:
Summary: Close to the way it was
Review: I saw this in 1973 and was amazed that somehow it vanished to oblivion. Critics working for money killed this beautiful film. Forget them and trust yourself to go with the flow of the presentation. You'll like what you get. Memorable and haunting.
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Summary: movie stayed with me for years-
Review: I watched movie first in the Navy. I had a distinct feeling of an intense bond with St. Francis as well as Italy. The movie stayed with me for years after, being one of my top ten. You have to be aware of his teachings to be in sync with this movie
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