Brother Sun, Sister Moon (Widescreen)
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Movie Reviews of Brother Sun, Sister Moon (Widescreen)
Movie Review: THE JEDI AND THE JESUS FREAK...
Summary: 5 Stars
I thought of titling my review "Saint Frank Meets Popi-Wan," but I love this movie too much to sink to such levels of kitsch. At least in the title. Anyhow...
Brother Sun, Sister Moon is, in my opinion, one of the greatest love stories of all time. And no, I'm not just talking about Francis and Clare (though their shared love certainly resonates). This is actually three love stories:
-As mentioned, there is Clare and Francis's story.
-There is the story of Francis's love for God and His Church.
But the great over-arching story is that of God's love for humanity as told through the eyes of Francis and the words of Jesus that Francis quotes. "Consider the birds of the air..." God's care for humanity, His hope for their true, life-giving freedom, is, in the eyes of Francis, complete.
This movie is beautifully done. While Donovan's soundtrack shows its age, it is more of a plus to my mind than a minus. Overall, a GREAT film.
Even Alex Guiness turns in a fine, though slighty Obi-Wan-esque, job in the role of the Pope (do you think the pope really used the word "lad?")
Take the time and watch Brother Sun, Sister Moon. You will not regret it.
Movie Review: A BEAUTIFUL MASTERPIECE
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought the VHS a couple of years ago and have waited patiently for the DVD version. I was not disappointed. The video and sound are enhanced and improved considerably from the VHS. The colors leap out at you from the screen! This film was nominated for an academy award for art direction and well deserved. The sets are spectacular. Also noteworthy is the cinematography, the screenplay and the outstanding musical score enhanced beautifully by Donovan's music. I only wish the SOUNDTRACK were available!! The performances are first rate and I feel Graham Faulkner should have at least been given an academy award nomination for best actor as Francis. Absolutely perfect. Also outstanding and worthy of nominations as well would have been Alec Guinness as POPE INNOCENT III and the actor who plays Francis' tormented father.
This film will capture your heart, inspire and edify you! It made me enter the seminary to pursue a religious vocation!!
Everything about this movie is perfect and Zeferelli's production is in every way a masterpiece!
"I am God's creature, of Him I am part,
I feel His love awakening my heart!"
Indeed.......
I never get tired of watching this beautiful film!!!!
Movie Review: Simply Lovely
Summary: 5 Stars
I had a little bit of trouble getting into this film. I thought that if I saw one more field of wildflowers I might have to turn it off. But then I slowed down (as the words to the Donovan tune recommend) and let go of the cynicism of today's world and let myself be moved by this lovely film. It is a creation of its time, as all movies are, and this needs to be understood. Frankly I think we are in need of another era of "Let's get back to the simplicity of Nature."
The settings, costumes, photography are all lush, as can be expected from Zeferelli. This is man who loves Beauty! The cast is perfect. Graham Faulkner was lively and joyous as well as humble and pious. Judi
Bowker is innocence and purity incarnate, as well as very pretty. I loved Alec Guiness as the Pope!
Much has been said about Donovan's music, pro and con. I think it fits well with the spirit of the time, a time when a generation was trying to get back to the basics of life. How lovely to have this film remind me of something most of us have lost.
It is a pity that the Amazon reviewer didn't see the beauty in this film. I guess it lies in the eyes of the beholder.
Movie Review: They Just Don't Get It
Summary: 5 Stars
Several of these reviewers just don't get it. I'm an orthodox Catholic and a Secular Franciscan. Having done some research on this movie I know a little bit about Franco Zefferelli's intentions. Sure Francis starts out looking just like a 60s hippie and nature mystic. But that is the audience Zeferelli wanted to speak to. But as you watch the film you realize that, little by little, he tightens the reigns and leads the viewer back to the Church. Sure, there is evidence of wolves in sheep's clothing in the Catholic Church. But isn't that the way it always has been? Wasn't there a Judas even among Christ's own inner circle? But more importantly, without giving away too much of the plot, the papacy and the Church are finally vindicated in this film. Imagine Obi Wan Kenobi as the Pope! And, yes, there is some nudity, a rear view of Francis, based on a historical event. The director here, I think, wishes to show Francis' return to an Adam-like state before the fall. The problem is ours, not Francis'. So, yes, as a Secular Franciscan and a conservative orthodox Catholic I highly recommend this film. Don't let the director's strategy fool you. This movie is a great classic.Movie Review: Gentle Souls, Rejoice!
Summary: 5 Stars
I thought I was the only person in the world who loved this movie (or for that matter, who had even heard of it!)Yes, it is very clearly colored by the era when it was made - flower power and all that. But Franco Zefferelli delivers the kind of film we've come to expect from him. Every frame looks like a Renaissance painting. The faces are unique and wonderful; the Italian scenery is breathtaking.
Zefferelli is a little heavy-handed with visual imagery now and again - Francesco's death and rebirth symbolism, in particular. He also has Francesco move in slow motion when he wants to make sure that you get the point, and I find this mildly annoying. However, these shortcomings are more than eclipsed by the joyful innocence and power of the overall message.
Graham Faulkner and Judi Bowker are perfect for the roles they play, as are the members of the supporting cast.
Donovan's music, far from jarring when set into a medieval story, fits seamlessly. I wish it had been released on a CD; I'd buy it in a heartbeat. It's glorious and uplifting.
This is a gentle film, full of color and joy.