Clare and Francis

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.

Very well done--acting, writing background acting, directing, musical score, sets, story . It was an inspiring, uplifting experience without being over-preachy. Most commendable , the film was believable, suspenseful, exciting, touching. The stars who played Francis and Clare played their roles truly realistically, without cloying excesses that amature actiors often delight in indulging in . Not here. The actors on the screen looked like people I had known during my lifetime, (I'm a monk) so I could easily identify with them and sympathize with their actions. I also liked that Clare and Francis never exhibited sexual or romantic love overtures--their love expression was all for the sacrificial service of God, and they showed great heartfelt joy in their pursuit of it. Highly Recommended!

After being disappointed by several other films on St. Francis, most notably Brother Sun, Sister Moon and Francis of Assisi, I found this film to be refreshingly authentic. It portrays both the bold, revolutionary spirit for which Francis and Clare are so famous, while also emphasizing their humility and sincere love for Christ and the Church.What I really loved about this film is the way it portrayed Francis and Clare's discernment of God's call in their lives. Having seen the examples of subsequent religious congregations (especially Mother Teresa and her Missionaries of Charity), we can easily forget how unusual it was for Francis and Clare to want to live as poor servants among the poor, rather than enter a "respectable," established congregation.A few disclaimers: the dubbing can sound a bit cheesy sometimes, and the dialogue does not exactly "match up" to the actors' speech, even in the original Italian. Also, I do wish the film would have included more about the end of Clare's life... but those are my only complaints!Highly recommended. Anyone interested in learning more about Francis and Clare will not be disappointed.

I have always enjoyed the story of the life of St. Francis. The DVD was historically correct. I have always enjoyed the life of St.Clare. Their simplicity and life style was very attractive to believers of any age.

Beautiful movie! Very well made and wonderful actors.

I originally saw an edited version of this on EWTN. The dvd was sooo much better. Beautiful cinematography! Touching performances by the actors potraying Clare and Francis. The soundtrack was lovely also. This dvd was in Italian with English dubbing and also subtitles. It came with a beautifully made companion booklet with additional info on Clare and Francis. There is nothing not to like about this dvd package. Well worth the time and every penny!

First off use Italian language with english subtitles. Italian actors seem to identify more the saints on a human level. The movie was more factual then any on the market. You can see the absolute spiritual growth and love between the two. Though not all of it is accurate,(i.e. Francis getting out of jail so quickly, teen Francis holding out a doll to Clare as a child as her parents run out of Assisi), it is still believable. Costumes, scene lay out, all well done. I recommend it not only for entertainment but to witness the development of pure Godly love between a man and a woman. The love between the two is eternal.

I love this movie. I could not find it anywhere else but here and the company Ignatius Press. I was very willing to pay the price for it, as the Italian-made movies that I love are very difficult to find, and then they are a little more expensive than I would like to see.

Excellent acting !

Very pleased.. a beautiful film.. easily able to get the English subtitles up and although actors are speaking Italian I didn't notice that much of a difference with the lips/ their speech.. it wasn't an easy issue at all.. you forget and just totally get drawn in and connect with the characters of Sts Francis' and Clare.. it is such a blessing to watch.. doesnt cover everything but captures the heart of their journeys and the authentic feel of the time.. x