The Flowers of St. Francis (1950)

  'The Flowers of St. Francis' (Francesco, giullare di Dio) is a 1950 Italian film directed by Roberto Rossellini.

  This is the story of St. Francis in the early 13th Century, where he founded the Orders of Friars Minor. He gave up a lifestyle of wealth, to devote his life to god, to share the teachings and to help the poor. The film tells of his years of being reclusive in the countryside, teaching a group of his early followers lessons about god. The film partially focuses on the follower Giovanni and his many experiences under Francesco.

  Told in a series of vignettes, 'The Flowers of St. Francis' is a biography of Giovanni di Pietro di Bernardo (shortened to Franceso) of Assisi. He was born to the upper class, known as maiores, but after a crusade, he gave up his wealth to meditate alone. He began to preach the word of god, and eventually gained followers. After repairing many churches, he founded the The Franciscan Order, and is now one of the most known religious figures in world history. Rossellini's film does not focus on the whole story, but one of the periods of time Francesco taught his group of disciples to believe in god. The story is told as Francesco is a normal person, without alluding to him being a saint. Rossellini shows him as a man that the audience can relate to, which is unusual for a religious biopic.

  Rossellini uses his Neo-realist style, first developed in his war trilogy ('Rome, Open City', 'Paisan', 'Germany Year Zero'), where he combined authenticity with truth and naturalness. The films also include natural lighting and many unprofessional actors. 'The Flowers of St. Francis' feels like he has perfected all of his neo-realist techniques, and is a flawless film.

  The hard-hitting truth of the poverty and barbarianism of the time is not overlooked or ignored, but is confronted throughout the film. Most films set during key points in history are extravagant or unrealistic, but this is not the case with this film. Nothing is shied away from, including leprosy, tyrants and poverty. That said, it is told in a way which is not obscene and gritty, but rather real and true. This is a good example of a film accurately portraying historical event.

  The best scene for me, was when Francesco was praying alone one night, when a leper passes. Instead of throwing a coin on the ground and walking away, he embraces the leper in his arms. This event actually occured to St. Francis, and is the most terrifying and beautiful scene in the film.

  It's critically acclaimed by many critics and loved by Martin Scorsese. I agree with them and think this is Rossellini's greatest film.

TO CONCLUDE
A wonderful film about St. Francis and his followers. A hidden gem of Italian cinema.

SCORE
81