I've seen three or four films on the life of St. Francis of Assisi and they have all focused on different aspects of his life. I found this film in a library on video. The tape was not in the greatest shape, or perhaps it had had a lot of use. . . at any rate, it presented a bleak existence for St. Francis and his little band of followers. However, Rossellini had the presence of mind to find humor in almost every episode. I am thinking especially of the leader of a tribal encampment who unsuccessfully tries to bully and provoke one of the monks who has been captured. Because of the passive, good-natured monk, and his ability to withstand the bullying, the tribe burns the camp, sets the monk free, and leaves the area securing peace for the villagers.
This film is somewhat "raw" in that there is not much depth and it is rather crudely put together. I imagine it was a labor of love for Rossellini. If you want to see a truly stunning film on the life of St. Francis, get a copy of Francesco, with Mickey Rourke and Helena Bonham Carter.
This film is somewhat "raw" in that there is not much depth and it is rather crudely put together. I imagine it was a labor of love for Rossellini. If you want to see a truly stunning film on the life of St. Francis, get a copy of Francesco, with Mickey Rourke and Helena Bonham Carter.