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Brother Sun, Sister Moon

Play trailer Poster for Brother Sun, Sister Moon PG 1973 2h 1m Biography Play Trailer Watchlist
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42% Tomatometer 19 Reviews 78% Popcornmeter 2,500+ Ratings
A medieval Italian wastrel (Graham Faulkner) becomes Francis of Assisi, founder of an order under Pope Innocent III (Alec Guinness).
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Brother Sun, Sister Moon

Critics Reviews

View All (19) Critics Reviews
Don Druker Chicago Reader Soft-focus spiritual gunk. Mar 11, 2015 Full Review Jay Cocks TIME Magazine Zeffirelli's work looks like a Sunday-school coloring book: everything is glowingly photogenic, including poverty, and leprosy. Mar 11, 2015 Full Review Variety Staff Variety Franco Zeffirelli has utilized a style of simple elegance, befitting both the period and the subject. Mar 26, 2009 Full Review Robert Mazzocco The New York Review of Books Faulkner, a winsome newcomer who could probably have been much happier as one of the Monkees, presents the young Francis as a sort of super-straight who returns home from the horrors of the Crusades a disillusioned anti-establishmentarian seeking answers. Mar 22, 2018 Full Review Adrian Turner Radio Times Avoid this insipid rendering of the early life of St Francis of Assisi. Rated: 1/5 Mar 11, 2015 Full Review TV Guide A pretentious bore. Rated: 1/5 Mar 11, 2015 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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Dadziu D A captivating exploration of the spiritual journey of St. Francis of Assisi and his friends. The film intertwines stunning visuals of nature, a soulful musical score, and a poignant narrative that beautifully portrays the transformation of a man seeking purpose beyond worldly riches and war. The movie begins with the horrors of war, leading Francis to reject materialism and embrace the profound simplicity of life. It takes viewers on a journey of self-discovery, as Francis sees the beauty in everyday objects—a rock, aspiring to become a church, becomes a profound metaphor. These moments are emotionally stirring, encouraging reflection on the contrast between the opulence of human ambition, embodied in a golden emperor, and the purity of a humble existence. The film reaches its climax in the Vatican, where Francis’s sincerity and faith pierce through the heavy, bureaucratic atmosphere of the Church. The interaction with the Pope is deeply moving, as Francis’s unyielding spirit sparks a rare moment of humanity and awakening in the elder pontiff. The enchanting music, seamlessly woven into the narrative, elevates every scene, adding depth to the emotional and spiritual themes. Brother Sun, Sister Moon is not just a film but an experience, a meditation on faith, simplicity, and the search for meaning in a complex world. A must-watch for those seeking inspiration and a deeper connection to the essence of life. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/09/24 Full Review john l Postcard to the life of St. Francis. Beautifully photographed. Well acted. A beautiful way to give the finger to the established formal church. Just enjoy Donovan's music, the lush scenery and the simple message about what it means to be truly a "religious" man. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 12/30/23 Full Review Devils A An absolute movie about the first monk and the first Nun. Takes us on a beautiful run of Italy during the Crusades War. Highly recommended for it's great scenery and gorgeous Mountains. Thus my *5* star rating!!!!! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 12/02/22 Full Review Audience Member This movie is a work of art. Those who call it "rotten" have no idea what they're saying, probably because they do not see through the eyes of a Catholic, nor a Christian, at that. Francis in this movie comes to life for those of us who so wish we could have met him, a feast that we can relish in our minds far after the movie concludes. Rather than shunning away from the Church, he sought to bring it back to its simplistic and true origins through Love, with a capital L. Zeffirelli accomplishes what he undoubtedly set out to do, show us the world through the eyes of Francis--a world with immense potential for Love. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/26/23 Full Review Audience Member I don't think the expert critics got it. This movie is essentially saying St. Francis was the first hippie that we know of, or one of the first anyway. It was made in 73 after all. According to the movie he tuned in, turned on, and dropped out, without any LSD. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/12/23 Full Review robert c What a beautiful, human, exceptional portrayal of Francis. Beautifully done. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Read all reviews
Brother Sun, Sister Moon

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Cast & Crew

Ludwig 33% 89% Ludwig Watchlist Stavisky 85% 59% Stavisky Watchlist Joe Hill 50% 90% Joe Hill Watchlist Give 'Em Hell, Harry! 100% 83% Give 'Em Hell, Harry! Watchlist Bound for Glory 81% 76% Bound for Glory Watchlist Discover more movies and TV shows. View More

Movie Info

Synopsis A medieval Italian wastrel (Graham Faulkner) becomes Francis of Assisi, founder of an order under Pope Innocent III (Alec Guinness).
Director
Franco Zeffirelli
Screenwriter
Suso Cecchi d'Amico, Lina Wertmüller, Kenneth Ross, Franco Zeffirelli
Rating
PG
Genre
Biography
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Oct 12, 2010
Runtime
2h 1m
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