Anybody who is interested in the person of saint Francis of Assisi must have noticed that he is one of the historical figures that has been at the top of interest in cinema, no matter of period or country. From the most famous artistic BROTHER SUN SISTER MOON (1972) by Franco Zeffirelli, through FRANCIS OF ASSISI (1961) by Michael Curtiz, FRANCESCO D'ASSISI (1966) by Liliana Cavani (remake 1989), FRANCESCO, GIULLARE DI DIO (1950) by Roberto Rossellini to this movie by Michele Soavi. The fact is that there is still an interest in the genius of this saint, his universal message of life filled with purity, straightforward love to God and His creatures. Since there are so many films made so far, every new film inevitably copes with the higher expectations of the viewers. This is also the problem that FRANCESCO (2002) is subjected to. However, the question is how many films really resemble the gist of Franciscan life. Michele Soavi's FRANCESCO is different than most other movies in the sense that it emphasizes biographical facts rather than concentrates on the selected events, like Rossellini's or Zeffirelli's films do. But is it helpful enough for a modern viewer? Does it add anything to the usually distorted film image of this great saint?
The film very memorably shows some of the facts from Francis' life that are helpful for the viewer to get to know this person better. First, I like the way Mr Soavi shows Francis' change of heart, from a pampered boy of his rich parents to a man of piety, sacrifice, and simplicity. Being in prison during the war with Perugia, he comes across the Bible written in modern language and reads it word for word, skipping nothing. It was, as a matter of fact, at this period of his life that he started to love and follow all words from the Gospels without any exceptions. Second, it is the only film that so profoundly and touchingly shows the famous sermon to birds. Francis sings hymns to God and birds of various kinds follow him. That's really showed in an unforgettable way!
SPOILER: There are, however, quite serious simplifications that are hard not to be skipped, but also typical for biographical movies in which it is difficult to balance the time given to certain events. My complaint relates to two major aspects: firstly, too limited mention about Francis' journey to the Holy Land, and, secondly, no mention of Porziuncola church , the only place outside Rome where people could get the plenary indulgence. It was one of Francis' greatest dreams that was fulfilled. Concerning Francis' visit to the Holy Land, it is important to mention that he was a crusader of peace, he visited the sultan with the slogan of PAX ET BONUM (Peace and Goodness) on his mouth, which was purely Christian. So far, this scene was entailed only in Curtiz' movie FRANCIS OF ASSISI (1961). Both of these aspects too profoundly refer to modern times to skip them in such a movie.
The cast give fine performances but not all of them fit to their roles as well as in other films about Francesco. Raoul Bova is a good choice for the main role expressing memorably Francesco's purity and childlike attitude towards God and His creatures. Amelie Daure is also accurate as Claire stressing her innocence and the sole aim in life which is to follow Francesco in his simplicity and charity. I also liked Toni Bertorelli as the Pope Innocent III. He wonderfully combines his power and calmness. SPOILER: However, Mariano Rigillo does not do a very good job as Pietro Bernardone. Sometimes, a viewer may get a wrong impression that Francis' father was a good person who wanted well for his son. As a matter of fact, he was greedy and furious when Francis gave the riches to the poor. He was also very cruel for his son. The portrayal of Bernardone is best done by Lee Montague in Zeffirelli's movie so far. In that movie, you really get a clear idea of Francesco's relationship with his father. However, in Soavi's film, it appears to be less clear. And Bishop Guido, an indefatigable supporter of Francis' new lifestyle, is very shadowed as well. But mistakes are unavoidable...
Nevertheless, honestly speaking, this movie provides the viewer with a lot of facts from Francis' life, which is helpful for a number of viewers. However, the complaint to this movie might be the fact that it is too much of biography and too little of reference to universal Franciscan and Christian life. Since the life of saint Francis of Assisi was a focus in many movies so far, we do not need another biography. Books are best for reading about Francis' life. What we need now is a movie that brings the message of Francesco's virtues to modern world, particularly peace, love, and charity. Michele Soavi's movie unfortunately does not serve this purpose as much as it could. 7/10! Perhaps, there will be a movie that will manage to do it...
The film very memorably shows some of the facts from Francis' life that are helpful for the viewer to get to know this person better. First, I like the way Mr Soavi shows Francis' change of heart, from a pampered boy of his rich parents to a man of piety, sacrifice, and simplicity. Being in prison during the war with Perugia, he comes across the Bible written in modern language and reads it word for word, skipping nothing. It was, as a matter of fact, at this period of his life that he started to love and follow all words from the Gospels without any exceptions. Second, it is the only film that so profoundly and touchingly shows the famous sermon to birds. Francis sings hymns to God and birds of various kinds follow him. That's really showed in an unforgettable way!
SPOILER: There are, however, quite serious simplifications that are hard not to be skipped, but also typical for biographical movies in which it is difficult to balance the time given to certain events. My complaint relates to two major aspects: firstly, too limited mention about Francis' journey to the Holy Land, and, secondly, no mention of Porziuncola church , the only place outside Rome where people could get the plenary indulgence. It was one of Francis' greatest dreams that was fulfilled. Concerning Francis' visit to the Holy Land, it is important to mention that he was a crusader of peace, he visited the sultan with the slogan of PAX ET BONUM (Peace and Goodness) on his mouth, which was purely Christian. So far, this scene was entailed only in Curtiz' movie FRANCIS OF ASSISI (1961). Both of these aspects too profoundly refer to modern times to skip them in such a movie.
The cast give fine performances but not all of them fit to their roles as well as in other films about Francesco. Raoul Bova is a good choice for the main role expressing memorably Francesco's purity and childlike attitude towards God and His creatures. Amelie Daure is also accurate as Claire stressing her innocence and the sole aim in life which is to follow Francesco in his simplicity and charity. I also liked Toni Bertorelli as the Pope Innocent III. He wonderfully combines his power and calmness. SPOILER: However, Mariano Rigillo does not do a very good job as Pietro Bernardone. Sometimes, a viewer may get a wrong impression that Francis' father was a good person who wanted well for his son. As a matter of fact, he was greedy and furious when Francis gave the riches to the poor. He was also very cruel for his son. The portrayal of Bernardone is best done by Lee Montague in Zeffirelli's movie so far. In that movie, you really get a clear idea of Francesco's relationship with his father. However, in Soavi's film, it appears to be less clear. And Bishop Guido, an indefatigable supporter of Francis' new lifestyle, is very shadowed as well. But mistakes are unavoidable...
Nevertheless, honestly speaking, this movie provides the viewer with a lot of facts from Francis' life, which is helpful for a number of viewers. However, the complaint to this movie might be the fact that it is too much of biography and too little of reference to universal Franciscan and Christian life. Since the life of saint Francis of Assisi was a focus in many movies so far, we do not need another biography. Books are best for reading about Francis' life. What we need now is a movie that brings the message of Francesco's virtues to modern world, particularly peace, love, and charity. Michele Soavi's movie unfortunately does not serve this purpose as much as it could. 7/10! Perhaps, there will be a movie that will manage to do it...