This is the fourth film I have watched on the subject, following efforts by similarly renowned directors: Roberto Rossellini's THE FLOWERS OF ST. FRANCIS (1950), Michael Curtiz' FRANCIS OF ASSISI (1961) and Franco Zeffirelli's BROTHER SUN SISTER MOON (1972); curiously enough, Cavani had already dealt with the titular saint's life in her acclaimed (if rarely-screened) 1966 debut feature with Lou Castel. This particular version, then, got some mileage out of the fact that the lead role would be essayed by Hollywood bad boy Mickey Rourke – other than that, there seemed to be little discernible point in making yet another trip to this particular well…unless Cavani, the controversial lady behind THE NIGHT PORTER (1974), relished the opportunity of 'realistic' wallowing in the squalor inherent in the medieval setting (even including some unwarranted gore and full-frontal nudity). Rourke seems more mystified than mystic, wrong-headedly approaching the role as if it were an "Angry Young Man" type!; in that respect, the spiritual calling experienced by the nobleman of Assisi is distinctly unconvincing here (while his acknowledged affection for animals is barely touched upon) – with the result that the entire film is seldom inspiring. Interestingly, events play out in flashback – with St. Francis' disciples gathered to reminisce subsequent to his death: prominence, and an atypical though much-needed female perspective, is given to his former love (forcefully played by Helena Bonham Carter). While his work usually proved an asset to any film, Vangelis's electronic score in this case is clearly out-of-place and hardly memorable. Finally, the print on the budget DVD I watched was quite horrendous: apart from being the choppy U.S. theatrical version (which was cut down by almost 40 minutes from the Italian original), it sported a hazy sub-VHS quality and, at one point, even duplicated a few seconds of film within the same scene!

My rating does not relate to the film itself but to the DVD release available in the US. I saw this film when it was released in Europe in the movie theater, and therefore know that in the present US DVD release there is a significant portion of this film missing. Let alone the fact that it's full screen. In the original film as a crusader Francisco committed severely violent acts before converting to religion. These scenes are all missing from the Trinity DVD release. For the sake of Christian propaganda this film has been mutilated! Unfortunately there is no complete English version available. There is an Italian/Greek version out there that's supposedly uncut and letterboxed.

I am continually amazed that this truly great film still receives so little recognition. There are probably multiple reasons for this. Certainly, the initial distribution was lackluster. Critical commentary is also hard to come by. Still, even in its most widely available and unfortunately truncated form (more on this later), Francesco impresses and inspires.The decision to cast Mickey Rourke as St. Francis must seem almost like a goof to many. Those who are most likely to want to see a film of this nature might even be put off by what they may see as stunt casting by a director who is not serious. But this is just not the case. Rourke's career since this film has been spotty at best and his screen image has often descended into self-parody, but there was a time when he was a fine actor doing exemplary work and his performance here is absolutely on par with any of that. He gives us a vision of the saint which is rooted in material human essence, not overwrought histrionics. His internal changes are evoked through delicate, nuanced moments--small changes in Rourke's facial expressions, physical gestures, etc. Not a note is careless or inconsistent. The paroxysms of emotion toward the end are earned. The development of his spiritual quest is not overstated; we are constantly positioned on the outside looking in--the film is framed by the reflections of Francesco's followers. This has the effect of heightening the aura of mystery around the man and establishing respect for him as a man, not simply an iconic caricature.Cavani takes the religious aspect of the story very seriously; far more so than many more overtly pious films. Though every scene carefully considers the implications of faith, no points are made simply. The reality of the life Francesco chose is depicted as rough and uncompromising. The film's theological arguments are subtle and complicated, benefiting from the deeply serious tone of the piece. Having said all that, it must be added that the version currently available in the US is pretty atrocious actually. At 119 minutes, it savagely whittles the original version down by a full half hour. This is common with European films distributed in the US and isn't always unbearable. Here, though, it isn't a matter of just cutting out or trimming scenes. Whole sequences have been rearranged, creating a jumbled rhythm. Vangelis' music cues, which add so much to the emotional quality of the film, are also switched around for no apparent reason. It is a tribute to the strength of Francesco that even in such a butchered state it remains powerful (the US cut was all I could see for years), and it does benefit from the ability to hear Rourke and Bonham-Carter's real voices. If you give the film a chance and like what you see try hunting down the region 2 DVD release. It is well worth the effort to see such a glorious work in its proper form.

How many religious epics have you seen that are actually historically acurate and present the Characters as human?One Website critiqued Francesco as the "Dr. Dolittle" of Christianity. This is an extremely unfair and shortsighted view of what this movie presents. The stories of St. Francis' union with nature and animals do not even get mentioned in this film.One of the coolest things that this film gives is a glimpse of the mystery of conversion to Christianity. No one could understand what Francesco has discovered until they too are willing to forsake all they have and commit themselves to the obedience of the gospel. This movie screams of the love affair that Francesco had with CHRIST.Also this film does a great job showing how the pride and ambition of man screws up good things that GOD has started in the hearts of men.Could any one do better than Mickey Rourke in this role? Probably, but could it be somebody that wouldn't come across acting like Pat Boone in the Cross and the Switchblade?My only regret is that the actors in this film have not discovered in reality the truth of what St. Francis' life can show us. Helena Bonham Carter has all but been type casted in my mind as Chiara, but films like Fight Club will add a good amount of dross to that image.I've seen this film several times and plan to see it several more, this film is a treasure among religious films. Brother Sun, Sister Moon sucks compared to this film. I do hope to see more like it.Also if anyone can help me find out where I can see the 1966 version I would be appreciative.