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.

RealLiveClaude This movie was a cult favourite in a repertory movie house in Montreal in the 70s. I understood why when I saw it on DVD format.As we know Franco Zeffirelli, he did great with either Shakespeare flicks (Romeo and Juliet among others) or Jesus of Nazareth, nor he did not so with Endless Love.This time he succeeded with the rendering of Francis of Assisi's life.Back from the war, wounded emotionally, Francisco found peace by seeing a lark on the roof, and rejecting the luxuries of his father's business. He abandoned all this to a life of poverty and sacrifice, rebuilding a sanctuary with some friends who joined him on the way, including Clare, a former love interest of his. However, the higher clergy jealousy takes over him and his new order, Francis must ask for forgiveness to the leader of Christianity: Pope Innocent III.With songs by Donovan and strong interpretation, beautiful photography and well written script, this is one of the best Christian stories ever told.Now I understood why it was such a cult favourite.

John Hope Despite Brother Sun, Sister Moon has a stunning photography, epic music, and amazing actors, the true value of this movie is the ability to reset your soul and let you enter Francesco's heart. The movie actually drives you into the exact mood of Francesco (and the Zeffirelli's Flower Power message): "return to the roots of purity and love" This is one of my favorites movies ever, everything is at it's best: the camera is like a paintbrush, the actors are more than real, the music can move you and let you cry. I recommend this movie to anybody who is willing to clean his spirit from outside noise. It works, once watched, you will feel changed.

zetes Francis of Assissi depicted as the first hippie. That's not really a ridiculous comparison. After all, Godspell depicts Jesus and the Apostles as hippies, as well, far more annoyingly, I may say, than Zefferelli depicts these characters. I actually started off really enjoying this picture. I thought it was sweet, lovely, and beautiful. It helps a lot if you like Donovan. I know that he's kind of dopey, but I've always found his mellowing tunes quite pleasant. None of his songs here are among his best (in fact, not a one appears on the anthology I own, which contains other work on soundtracks), but they're pretty good. Unfortunately, the film never really goes anywhere. It plateaus early and only reaches a little further in its climax, when Francis and his followers ask the Pope (Alec Guiness, in what amounts to a cameo) to bless their order. The only really good Francis of Assissi movie I've seen is Roberto Rossellini's The Flowers of St. Francis.