Clare and Francis
by Fabrizio Costa
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Mary Petruolo and Ettore BassiDirector: Fabrizio Costa
Brand: Ignatius Press
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown); Italian (Unknown)
Format: NTSC
Running Time: 200 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2008-10-15
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Ignatius Press
Movie Reviews of Clare and Francis
Movie Review: The Best of Them All
Summary: 5 Stars
I've seen them all. Francis of Assisi Francis of Assisi, Brother Sun, Sister MoonBrother Sun Sister Moon,Francesco (1989) Francesco, even the Italian shorts "Little Flowers of Saint Francis". But this is the best of them all. It isn't perfect, and neither will it appeal to everyone. However, as one who has been a franciscan devotee for most of his life, I give this two-part italian tv movie two thumbs up.
It lasts 3 hours and 15 minutes, approximately, and feels dragging at times. That's the bad.
The good is much better.
Actors: Ettore Bassi is the best St. Francis yet. His interpretation has more warmth and range than Dillman's, conveys "jesterhood" authentically without looking spaced out like Graham Faulkner, and is just simply more believable in his interactions with the poor than Mickey Rourke. Mary Petruolo shows us many aspects of St. Claire, from an innocent youth to motherly abbess, without the audience having to suspend one's intellect too much. Also, I was particularly impressed with her acting during the scene where Claire confronts her uncle.
History: One can divide this movie into two concurrent biographies: Claire and Francis. Each biography (or should I say hagiography?) can be divided into stages, and each stage is close enough to traditional sources versions that I can safely call this film the most historically accurate. Most movies talk about the Church of San Damiano, but this is the first one I know to mention Our Lady of the Angels. Francis of Assisi mentions the Porziuncula once, that's it. I don't recall Rivo Torto as being mentioned in the film but that is no big loss.
The pivotal scene where Francis renounces his inheritance is done well here. It was omitted in Francis of Assisi, overdone in Brother Sun, and doesn't quite have the same "mmph" in Francesco. His audience with the Pope is also done well, and I'm glad it was mentioned that "radical poverty" was also practiced by heretics of the time such as the cathari, but it was obedience that convinced the Pope to approve the Friars Minor.
Mood: When I think of the various St. Francis movies, I can always pinpoint what "mood" the producers are after. Francis of Assisi wanted to present him as a holy man. Francesco as a radical, and Brother Sun Sister Moon as a hippie. Claire and Francis, to me, presents a balanced view. He is also presented as ever obedient to the Church, something lacking in many presentations of the character.
I especially love that first line that Francis says to a young Clare, "Go and don't look back" It sets the tone of the whole film as going through one's path and never looking back.
Another reviewer commented that miracles were not shown in this movie. If you think about it, miracles are never the selling point of Saint Francis movies, but this one did show several which I won't spoil for readers. I therefore beg to disagree with the statement about lack of miracles. But miracles are not the point of St. Francis' life - it's his life and how his had changed others. This was perfectly seen here with Clare. At the same time, one does not get the feeling that Francis dominates Clare. She is her own person.
If you must watch one Saint Francis movie, watch this one. I used to say that about Francis of Assisi, but Clare and Francis surpasses it greatly.
Summary of Clare and Francis
A major new epic feature film on the lives of St. Clare and St. Francis of Assisi shot on location in Italy by the Italian film company Lux Vide, the producers of Saint Rita, Pope John Paul II and St. John Bosco. This movie is unique among films on St. Francis because of the historical accuracy of the story and its authentic spirit of joy and piety Francis was known for, as well as the major role played by Clare who is given equal stature with Francis. The two leads are played by very appealing performers, Mary Petruolo and Ettore Bassi, who give genuinely inspiring and beautifully moving performances of the daughter of a patrician family and the son of a rich merchant who leave all to follow Christ. Francis renounces his inheritance of wealth to live the Gospel and serve the poor and outcasts. Clare reads deep into his heart and decides to follow him, leaving her home and family to give herself as the bride of Christ. Both found major religious orders and together they inspire many to follow their radical call to live the Gospel, and their impact has even reached across the centuries to change the world. This DVD includes the following language tracks: English and Italian language, Spanish amp English subtitles. Special Features: A 16 page booklet by Tim Drake with study questions, biographies of St. Clare and St. Francis, and resource list. Behind the scenes featurette and a special Making of Clare and Francis featurette with Franciscan Fr. Raniero Cantalamessa, Preacher to the Papal Household. Publisher: Ignatius Press Format: DVD, 200 minutes ISBN: 897079001591