Watch Brother Sun, Sister Moon

Brother Sun, Sister Moon, directed by Franco Zeffirelli, is a captivating 1972 biographical drama. The film showcases the unique story of the life of Italian Catholic friar and saint, Francis of Assisi, played by Graham Faulkner, and his journey to lead a more holy and humble lifestyle. The film begins with an introduction of Francis, who is depicted as a disillusioned young man living in 12th century Italy. Francis is the son of a wealthy merchant and has always been charmed by the dazzling lifestyle of the aristocracy. But he soon comes to question the real value of wealth and status. He becomes disillusioned and unfulfilled, yearning for something deeper and more meaningful in life.

One day, while on the battlefield fighting for his father's side, Francis has an epiphany that changes his life forever. Struck by the violent and senseless nature of war, he turns away from the affluent life and chooses a simple lifestyle. He becomes determined to live his life guided by God's plan rather than his own selfish ambitions.

Francis begins by dedicating his life to the service of the poor and the sick. He is accompanied by his best friend, Bernardo (Leigh Lawson), and together, they live a life of simplicity and devotion to God. Soon, others join them and Francis becomes the leader of a growing group of faithful followers, who call themselves Franciscans.

As the film progresses, we see Francis and his followers come face to face with numerous challenges. They attract the attention of the Catholic Church, and as their order expands, they gain powerful enemies. Despite the challenges, they continue their work, spreading the message of simplicity, humility, and devotion to God.

Throughout the film, the audience is treated to a remarkable display of the beauty of nature and the importance of spirituality. The music score, composed by Riz Ortolani, is stunning, and it greatly enhances the atmosphere of the film. Through these elements, the film manages to capture the essence of the Franciscan order and the spirituality that its followers sought to embody.

The performances in Brother Sun, Sister Moon are nothing short of exemplary. Graham Faulkner plays the protagonist, Francis, with great depth and sensitivity. He manages to strike the right balance between humility and charisma, portraying Francis as a man moved by his faith, rather than his ego.

Judi Bowker, who plays Clare of Assisi, the woman who Francis knows and helps launch what would become the order of the Poor Clares, is also remarkable in her performance. She exudes a deep spirituality and a sense of devotion to God that are central to the themes of the film.

Leigh Lawson, who plays Bernardo, Francis's closest friend, also delivers a powerful performance. His portrayal of Bernardo is perhaps the most human, and his relationship with Francis is the emotional centerpiece of the film.

Brother Sun, Sister Moon is not just a film about the saint Francis of Assisi but a testament to the power of faith, love, and compassion. It portrays an inspiring message that challenges the viewers to reexamine their own values and priorities.

In conclusion, Brother Sun, Sister Moon is a captivating and thought-provoking film that will leave viewers feeling spiritually enriched. Its portrayal of St. Francis's life and the ethos of the Franciscan order is both captivating and moving. It is a film that deserves to be watched and revered by people of all faiths and backgrounds.

Brother Sun, Sister Moon is a 1972 drama with a runtime of 2 hours and 2 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.2.