A focus on the early years of Francis of Assisi, who sought communion with the natural world by renouncing his family's riches to seek his own destiny unencumbered by material possessions. Francis was, in a sense, history's first 'drop-out'; he left a life of comfort to seek a spiritual union with the world, a journey that is recreated in this uncommonly rewarding and meaningful film experience.
Graham Faulkner (St. Francis of Assisi); Judi Bowker (Clare); Leigh Lawson (Bernardo); Kenneth Cranham (Paolo); Lee Montague (Pietro Di Bernardone); Valentina Cortese (Pica Di Bernardone); Alec Guinness (Pope Innocent III); Michael Feast (Silvestro); Nicholas Willatt (Giacondo); John Sharp (Bishop Guido); Adolfo Celi (Consul); Francesco Guerrieri (Deodato). Please contact SFC to add other cast members and characters.
Important: the following essays and comments are authored by Soul Food Cinema readers. Whilst the Editor prays for the spiritual integrity of all content of this site, it should be noted that these represent personal opinions and carry no official endorsement. If you consider any content to be a misrepresentation of Catholic teaching, please contact SFC. May God bless you and enlighten you in your reading.
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Quirky, but Faithful.
Mark Banks (United Kingdom)
Opinion: Recommended
My hesitant expectations in watching 'Brother Sun, Sister Moon' had only half been fulfilled after its two hours had finished running. From one or two clips I had seen beforehand I was aware the film had, shall we say, something of a 'hippy' theme to it; and this half of my expectation was fulfilled. Throughout the film there were various folk songs, the lyrics of which were presumably based upon St Francis's writings. These were all sung in stereo-typical flower-power 1960s style, and were certainly not the kinds of scenes that could be used to evangelise the local high-school football players! Although the lyrics of the songs contained a lot of truth, for me they were too effeminate and their repetition became a little annoying.
That said, these quirky musical numbers were more than compensated for by a script, and a good level of enthusiastic (if perhaps over-dramatised) acting, that stayed faithful to St Francis's preaching of the gospel messages of poverty, chastity and simplicity. The degree to which Francis's life changed, and the accusations of him being mad, are also respectfully portrayed. Few could watch this film without having a good degree of appreciation for the way this man chose to live his life; leaving behind a world of luxury and material riches.
The time period covered included the short period leading up to Francis's conversion, and his early days of ministry thereafter - up until he receives recognition of his calling from the Pope. That contrasts with 'The Flowers of St Francis' (1950), which features several vignettes of St Francis and his followers post their initial callings. The humour and art of the 1950s production is enough to push it into my own Top-100 list (for now), however, I still lament the fact that neither of these productions really brings St Francis alive in a way that truly captures the depth of his personality and holiness. If it be God's will I'm sure St Francis's intercession will bring about a new production in good time though; and in the mean time, 'Brother Sun, Sister Moon' makes for worthwhile watching.
