Rating: 
Summary: Beautiful film
Review: I am a member of the Franciscan Third Order and fell in love with this movie back when I was only 13. (I'm now 34) This movie is definitely a product of the 60's - but the message is timeless. I feel badly that the review by Amazon was so discouraging. I would not want anyone to read that and make a judgement. The movie represents, in my opinion, the true beauty of the Franciscan charism. The joy, simplicity and love that our Saint Francis embodied. I felt that Mr. Faulkner was an EXCELLENT choice for the lead role - he couldn't have been any closer to what I imagine Francis being. The director, Franco Zeffirelli, has done notable films ("Endless Love" NOT among his best). If you are a fan of the famous "Jesus of Nazareth", then I would suggest viewing this. In any case, this is a wonderful little film to get you acquainted with this timeless saint. One bit of trivia - Sir Alec Guinness wanted to play the part of the Pope - as he had just converted to Catholicism not long before the making of this film. :-) Hope this rudimentary review helped!
Rating:
Summary: Best Ever!!
Review: Though this may sound like hyperbole, I personally count this the best movie I have ever seen. Some artistic lisence is taken with Francis' life, but the viewer gets a still accurate and motivating view of the man some call the closest that a human has ever come to being like Christ. The 60's feel to the movie adds to it's message, and the viewer can not help leaving with a greater appreciation to the call to Holy Sister Poverty. For Folk Music fans, copyright legal issues after this movie mean that the Donovan scores can *only* be found on the soundtrack. Brief male nudity, but still a family movie.
Rating:
Summary: Great Then, Great Now
Review: I came of age in the period when this movie was made, like your reviewer, 'gloriana'. However, I didn't see Christ in greasepaint but rather through the more traditional teachings of the church. I remember seeing this movie in high school with friends. It opened our eyes to a different way of looking at the church, and at our own religions. It was a major factor in my exploration of beliefs other than my own Protestantism, ending in a primary study in Zen. I make no pretense at being any type of theological scholar. The movie itself never pretended to be a strictly biographical study of Francis. It was intended to communicate the love and spirit of charity that he practiced. It was not meant to be a reference for theologians. It is an introduction into a different way of believing. Yes, it was influenced by the time in which it was made, as are all films (and books, for that matter). The dreamy nature of the film fits perfectly with the peace/love/dove generation. However, this same characteristic lends a charm to the material that couldn't be duplicated today. Several children I know have seen this film on VHS, and were captivated by its simple premise. The cinematography was flawless. Leave your cynicism at home and enjoy the film for what it was, and is. If you want a strict documentary of St. Francis, look elsewhere. Enjoy the beauty and simplicity that is here waiting for you. Hopefully, this film will come out on DVD soon.
Rating: 
Summary: Where are you, Francesco?
Review: The answer certainly would not be anywhere in the action of this fluff, which may suffice for an "Up With People" reunion, but has no relation to the real Francis of radical gospel commitment, passion, conversion ... oh, and the stigmata. Then again, it was produced in an era (which I remember all too well) when relevance meant a Christ in grease paint who wore a Superman shirt. This film is basically a soapy fable from a time when radical penance meant sitting through the agony of endless choruses of Kumbaya. The "dreamy" Francesco is harmless, if all one wants is a film the kids can see, but one wonders just what point the film is an attempt to make. The real Francis is such a powerful character that a serious attempt at cinematic depiction could be brilliant - and one would think a director who created a film of the quality of Jesus of Nazareth could have fulfilled this promise. He did not...
Rating:
Summary: A Truly Inspiring & Unforgetable Video
Review: This is one of the simplest videos ever created. It has a bad sound quality, no special effects whatsoever, but; It is the most touching, inspiring and unforgetable piece of art that melts deep with your own feelings. For those who have already started their spiritual process, this movie brings to life sensations from within, and emotions that makes you realize the path you are taking. And Ofcourse! the music is really magnificent... It's a story from the heart, for the heart!
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Summary: A Heart-Opening Experience
Review: I'v seen the movie 37 times, and haven't grown tired of it yet. Rather, I can hardly wait to buy it on DVD! Brother Sun, Sister Moon also compelled me to visit Assis, Saint Francis' hometown in Italy -- an experience I will never forget. To me, the movie is a heart-opener, something to show all human beings how great it is to be innocent and simple. Seeing Francis chasing the small sparrow on the roofs of Assis still moves me to tears. As does the scene where Clare gives the begging Francis a loaf of bread under the rain. And the one where Francis visits his parent's and not even a window is opened for him. And the shot where Clare comes runnig thru the wheat fields to join Francis' group. Moments so radiant and pure. Not to mention Donovan's score -- very inspiring. I used to get blissed out by just hearing the songs. By the way -- does anybody know if the sound track is available anywhere?
Rating:
Summary: An instrument of peace
Review: This is a beautiful movie, truly "an instrument of peace." It is likely responsible for more people, Christian and not, discovering the Franciscan message of living with simplicity, virtue, love, and peace. Delight yourself in the beautiful Umbrian countryside, the "hippy" innocence of unknown stars, Geilgud's moving Papal role, the idealism in the message, and the haunting Donovan tunes.
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Summary: Gradually Acclimated To This Film's Greatness
Review: Reviewer: Cory Giacobbe How great that so many of us exist who love this film! I thought I might be one of the very few who even recalled it, until I decided just to check for any reviews. I must admit that my first viewing produced an uneasy reaction. The lingering, or even fleeting shots of lepers were upsetting; even more revolting were the hippie-like melodies of Donovan. Years ago, as a pre-teen girl, I disliked Donovan, in his heyday then; the movie just seemed to reinforce my distaste. And the volatile harshness of the father in the film, and the jerky melodramatic motions, and rapid chirpings, of the mother, seemingly a real twit (akin to the exaggerated mannerisms of an early 20c theatre actress) grated. Yet somehow I could not dismiss the film. I watched it again, and then, by the third time, I'd really grown to love it. I realized what a tremendous leap in consciousness, young Francis had had to make, sublimating initial disgust, into feelings of love and acceptance, for wounded human beings (lepers, his parents, etc). I saw how far I still needed to go to come even a little closer to Francis' (and Mother Teresa's, etc.) equanimity amidst horror. The songs of Donovan now emitted a spiritual quality: this indeed would be Francis' lighthearted voice, sweet wording, as a young man, opening his heart to the beauty, and generosity, of God. Watch for the subtle, perceptive symbolism throughout the film: an arrogant, grimacing stone creature mimicking the father's face; the camera shot of a lamb foreshadowing the close-up of Leonardo, the simple-minded innocent, etc. So many parts are touching. I loved particularly the apparent sincerity of a character (not named so as not to divulge plot) important to Francis. The former looks up at a painting of Christ, and then, dazed, illumined, turns slowly, tenderly uttering, "Francis ... Francis ..." as if the Christ personally were speaking through that soul, directly, to comfort, validate, the young monk, Francis. I encourage you to read as supplement an eloquent, concise book exploring St. Francis' famous prayer. It's entitled, Make Me An Instrument Of Your Peace, by Kent Nerburn. Also, you might check a poignant old film, The Miracle of Marcelino. (An orphan boy and the Franciscan monks who've adopted him, experience a tremendous spiritual blessing. The very spirit of St. Francis, via his life read at dinner by the monks, via the characters' nature as well, emanates throughout the film).
Rating:
Summary: From Claire to Andromeda
Review: Yeah, yeah; great movie, if a little too much flower-powered for me. Question: Whatever happened to the lovely Judi Bowker? Seems that after 'Clash of the Titans' she dissappeared altogether. Did she become a nun?
Rating:
Summary: if you're jaded...
Review: ok, life is tough, we are less and less naivé, but if you have an open heart and an open mind, this is the best movie that you will ever see! i first saw it in arizona on a hot summer's night in 1973. i have seen it again and again. donovan was right for the score. this is a timeless, ageless tribute to the value and joys of love!
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