Brother Sun Sister Moon (1972)

It seemed like a good idea in 1973: a musical scored by Donovan about the life and times of St. Francis of Assisi, the passionate ascetic who expressed love for God by loving nature. But the finished product was something else. Filmmaker Franco Zeffirelli (Endless Love) makes a decorous effort at communicating the ideals of Francis and even tweaking the character toward flower-power relevance. But the result is feel-good fluff, a boring movie that doesn't penetrate its subject as much as reinvent him toward a modern bias. Graham Faulkner is entirely forgettable in the lead, and Donovan's songs on this project aren't exactly first-rate, either. --Tom Keogh Amazon.com

Brother Sun, Sister Moon

Brother Sun, Sister Moon main objective is to show viewers how human beings have the capacity to give up everything for their purpose in life. This production represents beauty and the bases for meaning. Franco Zeffirelli is equivalent to Michael Angelo when it comes to producing movies; movies that leave you with the desire for beauty. June 19, 2008

A different approach

I finally got my own copy of this great film! I first saw it about 25 years ago and loved it then, and I still do. A war changes a young man's perception of life and makes him give up all earthly riches to instead enjoy the natural beauties of life. And there are plenty of those in this film! Wonderful nature scenes, lovely music, combined with the simplicity and wisdom of a man who lives what he believes instead of just talking about it. It never fails to lift me and to remind me of what really counts in life. June 11, 2008

Brings alive the life of a saint, even for non-believers

I first saw this in high school and was utterly blown away at the beauty of the story. It was with great pleasure that I viewed it again, indeed it was extremely moving and inspiring.

The historical context is well covered - Francis returning from a Crusade to an incomprehending Bourgeois family - but the inner journey of what Francis wished to do is the principal theme. It is realized with incredible beauty, a kind of re-telling of the story with Francis as a 60s flower child. I found it completely believable and visually stunning.

What was best for me is that I could empathize with everything that went on as an atheist. There is something universal about his achievement that is worth learning.

Warmly recommended. June 10, 2008

Brother Sun Sister Moon

This is a GREAT MOVIE FOR ANY AGE. THE MUSIC IS EXCELLENT & EXCEPTIONAL ACTING. May 17, 2008

Simply Lovely

I had a little bit of trouble getting into this film. I thought that if I saw one more field of wildflowers I might have to turn it off. But then I slowed down (as the words to the Donovan tune recommend) and let go of the cynicism of today's world and let myself be moved by this lovely film. It is a creation of its time, as all movies are, and this needs to be understood. Frankly I think we are in need of another era of "Let's get back to the simplicity of Nature."

The settings, costumes, photography are all lush, as can be expected from Zeferelli. This is man who loves Beauty! The cast is perfect. Graham Faulkner was lively and joyous as well as humble and pious. Judi
Bowker is innocence and purity incarnate, as well as very pretty. I loved Alec Guiness as the Pope!

Much has been said about Donovan's music, pro and con. I think it fits well with the spirit of the time, a time when a generation was trying to get back to the basics of life. How lovely to have this film remind me of something most of us have lost.

It is a pity that the Amazon reviewer didn't see the beauty in this film. I guess it lies in the eyes of the beholder. March 7, 2008

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