13th century flower child

bkoganbing

In the days when kids were chanting, "tune in, turn on, drop out" are the days when Franco Zeffirelli chose to make a film about St. Francis Of Assisi whom he turns into the world's first Christian flower child. Apparently he knew his market well. There is a more traditional film biography of Francis with Bradford Dillman in the title role.

This one also has a score of songs that well fit the director's idea by British folk singer Donovan. Graham Faulkner plays Francis who abandons his fairly prosperous family to become what we would later call a hippie. All Faulkner needed was some cannabis and he would have fit into any commune of the time. I have to say that Faulkner's wide eyed innocence is infectious as is that of Judi Bowker playing Francis's first woman follower St. Clare who founded an order for women along the same lines as what Francis was trying to achieve.

The final confrontation scene with the beggarly Francis and his disciples and the majesty of the Roman Catholic Church in Pope Innocent III works on so many levels. Alec Guinness who was a most serious Catholic in his lifetime plays Innnocent. He probably couldn't resist playing a Pope.

Guinness is captivated by Faulkner's faith. At the same as is remarked by an observer he well knows that a message of be content and enjoy the simple things of life is a great one for quieting down class disturbance. Innocent III was no dope.

Brother Sun, Sister Moon is an interesting interpretation about the life of one venerated as a saint.

score 6/10

bkoganbing 18 December 2016

Reprint: https://www.imdb.com/review/rw3601666/