The Flowers Of St. Francis
In a series of simple and joyous vignettes, director Roberto Rossellini and co-writer Federico Fellini lovingly convey the universal teachings - of humility, compassion, faith, and sacrifice—of the People's Saint. Shot in a neorealist manner, with monks from the Nocere Inferiore monastery playing the roles of St. Francis and his disciples, The Flowers of St. Francis is a timeless and moving portrait of the search for spiritual enlightenment.
Member Reviews
Joy! - Bethy
Oh, I loved this movie. I'm glad I watched it when I was in a quiet mood (it's black and white, subtitled, from the 50s, and very basic), because as a child of the "help! my attention span!" generation, I occasionally find myself not giving films/books/music the attention they deserve when my mind wanders off.
That would have been criminal in this case. This film was so sweet. The predominant feeling it left me with was one of joy--from the outset, when the friars are soaked to the bone in their tunics, discussing the best ways to approach preaching, the joy in what they do and who they are is evident. The characters themselves (Ginepro in particular) are so simple and guileless that they reminded me of characters such as the boy from Coehlo's 'The Alchemist' or Voltaire's 'Candide'.
While I was smiling almost immediately, I didn't expect this movie to make me laugh, but the vignette in which Ginepro tries to preach to the barbarians was comedy gold. The showstopper was absolutely Aldo Fabrizi as Nicolaio the Tyrant. I've never seen such amazing body language and facial expressions on an actor, and the bit with the armor is priceless.
I really like this movie, and recommend it, but do the film and yourself a favour--watch it when you're in a quiet, happy mood.A BEAUTIFUL PORTRAIT - JOACO
Watching the movie was a breath of fresh air. The acting was very convincing and authentic. A very simplistic and direct view of this religious character. It was trascendental watching Isabella Rosellini's comments on the movie, where she explains that her father used real monks and not actors to portray the franciscans.A Simplicity that Becomes It's Subject - Anton_CA
Rosallini's masterpiece of Italian and religious film does not disappoint. Its 10 vignettes adapted from the "Flowers of St. Francis" draw the viewer into the world of the saint and his community of men; a world where heaven meets earth.
The acting, or rather non-acting (most were actual monks)is so fluid and natural one quickly is drawn into story rather than snagged with persona. The symbolism of creation painted with existential reality and beautiful observational cinematography creates pause in the viewer and draws one deeper into meaning. Francis is holy, he is reachable, touchable and at times muddy.
If you're a fan of Wim Wenders or even Terrence Malick you'll appreciate Roberto Rosallini's simple style that evokes without proding effects.
This is satisfying cinema!
Member Reviews
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Joy! - Bethy
Oh, I loved this movie. I'm glad I watched it when I was in a quiet mood (it's black and white, subtitled, from the 50s, and very basic), because as a child of the "help! my attention span!" generation, I occasionally find myself not giving films/books/music ...A BEAUTIFUL PORTRAIT - JOACO
Watching the movie was a breath of fresh air. The acting was very convincing and authentic. A very simplistic and direct view of this religious character. It was trascendental watching Isabella Rosellini's comments on the movie, where she explains that her ...A Simplicity that Becomes It's Subject - Anton_CA
Rosallini's masterpiece of Italian and religious film does not disappoint. Its 10 vignettes adapted from the "Flowers of St. Francis" draw the viewer into the world of the saint and his community of men; a world where heaven meets earth.
The acting, ...