Francesco

Directed by Liliana Cavani
Film Movement Classics
1989
135 Minutes
Italy
English
Classics, Drama
PG-13

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.

Director & Cast

  • Director: Liliana Cavani
  • Starring: Mickey Rourke
  • Starring: Helena Bonham Carter
  • Starring: Hanns Zischler
  • Starring: Paolo Bonacelli

Trailer

Photos

Reviews

  • "[Rourke] has the intensity of a religious mystic..."
    Vincent Canby, The New York Times
  • "...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. "
    Kenneth R. Morefield, Chrstianity Today
Nominated
Golden Palm
Cannes Film Festival
Winner
Best Production Design
David di Donatello Awards
Winner
Silver Ribbon
Italian Nat'l Syndicate of Film Journalists
Winner
Best Suppporting Actor
Italian Nat'l Syndicate of Film Journalists