The Porziuncola Project
Franciscan Film Review
It seems that every couple of years there is yet another movie about Saint Francis. Each generation claims him as their own and seeks to identify with his desire to abandon the world and follow the Gospel with radicality and joy. In the desire to try to understand Saint Francis many films have captured some aspects of his life, some, very few, have actually and accurately captured this humble man from Assisi. It has been very rare that any film has understood Saint Francis' most faithful disciple, Saint Clare.
1911
San Francesco: Il Poverrello Di Dio
This early black and white silent film was the first movie about the life of Saint Francis. It was an Italian picture Directed by Enrico Guanzzoni, written by Contessa Salimie and starred Emilio Ghione as St. Francis
and Fernanda Negri Pouget as St. Clare.
We could not find a copy of this film
1916
Francesco Di Assisi: Frate Sole
This is an old Silent Italian Film
1927
This Italian film is another attempt by early movie makers to bring St. Francis to the big screen.
Directed by Giulio Antamor.
Stars Alberto Pasquali as St. Francis
It was made in honor of the 700 anniversary of St. Francis' death.
So far the only clip I have found is of Saint Clare's profession as a nun.
1930s
Saint Francis of Assisi
This American made silent black and white movie is little known. It has been preserved by Huntly Film Archives
It was a noble attempt that they made, but didn't quite cut it.
Its worth watching for the sake of its historical value as an early film.
1944
San Francisco de Asis
Directed by Alberto Gout
Starring Jose Luis Jimenez
This is a Spanish film made in 1944. I have not been able to find this film, but it does show cinema's continued efforts to produce a film of the life of Saint Francis.
1950
I Fiorretti: The Little Flowers of St. Francis
This is a delightful film based upon the famous early biography written in the 14th century.
The film was directed by Roberto Rossellini
Starring Br. Nazario Gerardi
1961
Francis of Assisi
Stars Bradford Dillman and Deloros Hart
Based on the book "The Joyful Begger"
This film is generally accurate and a bit cheesy, however it is worth watching.
This Film is recommended
1966
Francesco di Assisi
This is an Italian film billed as
"retold from a sixties radical point of view"
Starring Lou Castell
I was only able to see two clips of this film. Besides St. Francis appearing a bit angry,
it seems to have some good direction. I would like to see it all before I would recommend.
1972
Brother Sun Sister Moon
This is one of the most famous films about Saint Francis produced by Franco Zeffireli
Starring Graham Faulkner and Judi Bowker
This film is close to 3 hours long and covers only two years of St. Francis life. It presents him as the first protestant at odds with the institutional Church.
This film is not recommended
1981
Forza Venite Gente
This Italian musical of the life of Saint Francis and Saint Clare was quite popular in Italy. Why? I have no idea.
In 1991 it was performed in Assisi before the Basilica of Saint Francis.
Its really bad! But if you want to laugh AT it,
give it a whirl. You may enjoy the music?
Not recommended!
1983
Messiaen: St. Francis of Assisi
Yes! It's true! The French turned the life of Saint Francis into an Opera.
It was composed by Olivier Messiaen
I'm not sure how to categorize this one,
If your an opera fan...enjoy!
1983
Saint Francis: Troubador of God's Peace
Saint Luke Productions
This is a one man play starring Leonardo Defillipis
This is a wonderful and accurate account of the life of St. Francis.
This play-movie is recommended
1989
Francesco
Stars Mickey Rourke and Helena Bonham
Although this film has some good qualities, it is very inaccurate and at times weird.
It is not recommended
Caution: It contains three scenes of full frontal male nudity.
2002
Francesco
This is an Italian Production dubbed in English
Strarring Raoul Bova and Amalie Daure
This film has some redeeming qualities but, it is very inaccurate and loosely based on the life of St. Francis. As I watched it I kept asking myself: "Who is this movie about?" and "What are they doing now?"
It is not recommended
2005
Francis: Knight of Assisi
This is a 30 minute Cartoon produced by CCC
This is a great cartoon for young children!
This is only one of many cartoons about the life of Saint Francis.
20o7
Clare and Francis
This is an Italian Production dubbed in English
Starring Ettore Bosse and Maria Petruola
This is the BEST FILM of both
St. Francis and St. Clare!!
They got it right! Highly recommended!!!
2015
Finding Saint Francis
This is a contemporary English Film that attempts to place Saint Francis in the new millennium dealing with contemporary issues of our day.
I have only seen the trailer so I can't comment on the film. From what I have seen I would say that it may have real issues of authenticity and accuracy. From the little I've seen, I think they "lost", rather than "found" St. Francis.
2016
Il Sogno di Francesco
This is an Italian film that, once again, tries to capture Saint Francis.
Starring Elio Germano
This is a very strange film that creates weird and completely undocumented stories that are just...strange!
This film is not recommended!
2018
This movie focuses on the life of Saint Francis— the monk who spoke to everyone’s heart— especially to the hearts of the young, as he did with Bernard, Clare and many others… It was in the summer or autumn of the year 1181 that Francis was born, and the world was by no means a peaceful place…
This film is recommended as a Cartoon!