Francesco
Based on Herman Hesse's "Francis of Assisi", FRANCESCO depicts the life and times of St. Francis of Assisi and the rise of the Franciscan order that he founded. Following his death, Francis' devoted followers recall the saint's life and chart his transformation from the pampered son of an aristocrat into a selfless man of faith devoted wholly to a life of apostolic poverty. Directed by Italian auteur Liliana Cavani (The Night Porter), and starring Academy Award-nominees M ickey Rourke as Saint Francis of Assisi, and Helena Bonham Carter as Saint Claire, Francesco paints an intimate portrait of one of the most beloved, influential and complex figures in the history of religion and civilization.
"Presented in a longer 'director’s cut' version (compared to the edited VHS tape released on home video), filmmaker Liliana Cavani’s 1989 'Francesco' dramatizes the life of St. Francis of Assisi, drawing from Hermann Hesse’s 1904 monograph 'Francesco d’Assisi'... Recommended." - Video Librarian
Cast
- Mickey Rourke
- Helena Bonham Carter
- Hanns Zischler
- Paolo Bonacelli
- "[Rourke] has the intensity of a religious mystic..."
- "...powerful and affecting.... Mickey Rourke, coming off of Nine ½ Weeks, Angel Heart, and Barfly, would not have been among the first fifty actors I would have imagined playing the iconic saint. The casting turns out to be inspired, though. He is riveting. In fact, the whole film is remarkably engaging. "
Gallery
Awards & Recognition
Golden Palm
Cannes Film Festival
Best Production Design
David di Donatello Awards
Silver Ribbon
Italian Nat'l Syndicate of Film Journalists
Best Suppporting Actor
Italian Nat'l Syndicate of Film Journalists
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