Dramatization of events in the life of St. Francis of Assisi from before his conversion experience through his audience with the pope, including his friendship with St. Clare.Dramatization of events in the life of St. Francis of Assisi from before his conversion experience through his audience with the pope, including his friendship with St. Clare.Dramatization of events in the life of St. Francis of Assisi from before his conversion experience through his audience with the pope, including his friendship with St. Clare.
- Nominated for 1 Oscar
- 3 wins & 2 nominations total
- Minor Role
- (scenes deleted)
Storyline
Did you know
- TriviaAccording to Franco Zeffirelli's autobiography, The Beatles were asked to appear in this movie in the main roles, but were unable due to scheduling conflicts. Zeffirelli also screentested Al Pacino for the role of Francesco, but rejected him due to his theatrical overacting style.
- GoofsHH Pope Innocent III is depicted with a full beard; however, there are several contemporary portraits that show that he was clean shaven.
- Quotes
Clare: Do you remember me? I'm Clare... People say you are mad, do you know that? When you went off to war they said you were fine, intelligent - and now you are mad, because... because you sing like the birds, you chase after butterflies and... you look at flowers. I think you were mad before, not now.
- Alternate versionsThe Italian version runs 14 minutes longer, has a different score (no Donovan) and is totally recut, almost to the extent of being a different film. The film is not a flashback, it begins as the boys travel to an attic where they've acquired suits of Armour, then into the credits, then an extended ride through the fields with totally different dialogue. Different scenes, shots and dialogue throughout.
- ConnectionsFeatured in Tabloid (2010)
Though the Italian version soundtrack was not by Donovan, the English language songs he sang gave the movie great focus and support. I often wondered why it was only issued on vinyl in Italy, which is how I discovered Donovan's songs were not present. The music is sensitive and wonderful.
Both young actors, Bowker & Faulkner, fill their roles with perfection. Bowker is one of the most beautiful and sensitive young actresses of that period, so it is with wonder that she was not more utilized or popular.
Yes, the film does have the allegorical connection with the hippie movement, but that does not diminish the story nor the impact. In fact, rather, it parallels our times and served to connect me with the times of Francis, if that is possible.
Finally, Zeffirelli deserves a thanks for tackling this saint with compelling zeal, passion, sensitivity, and panache. As another reviewer here noted, the scenery will blow you away. And as a child of the 50s who grew up in the late 60s, this movie offset the idea of love having to be of a sexual nature, and elevated love to a plane where it becomes transcendent and transforming. Isn't that what love is supposed to do in our lives? I have had my own 2 sons watch it with me more than once as they were growing up, and they are mid-20s now.
It will be a hard film to find, but is viewable for any age without reservations and is well worth the search. (It is now available on DVD for around $10 or less.)
- dfwtvman@aol.com
- Oct 29, 2005
Details
- Release date
- Countries of origin
- Language
- Also known as
- Bruder Sonne, Schwester Mond
- Filming locations
- Abbey of Sant' Antimo, Montalcino, Tuscany, Italy(interiors of the Assisi parish church)
- Production companies
- See more company credits at IMDbPro
Box office
- Budget
- $3,000,000 (estimated)
- Runtime2 hours 1 minute
- Sound mix
- Aspect ratio
- 1.85 : 1
Contribute to this page
