@celeste_writes
A patient, formally daring work — the cinematography lingers on empty rooms longer than most audiences will tolerate, but those who stay are rewarded with the most haunting final act of the year.
In his delirium from his return from war, Francesco Bernardone goes back in his memories to the days when he lived for parties and carnal pleasures. He slowly recovers, but after the illness he is no longer the Francesco that everybody knew. Instead of spending hours in taverns, he meditates on the beauty of God's creatures, soon renouncing his riches and his family with plans to rebuild an abandoned church and his life.
Quick Stats
7.0
TMDB Rating
140
Votes
2h 1m
Runtime
$3.0M
Budget
—
Box Office
—
Return
Key Crew
DirectorFranco Zeffirelli
WriterFranco Zeffirelli
CinematographyEnnio Guarnieri
ComposerDonovan
EditorReginald Mills
Production DesignLorenzo Mongiardino
Produced by
Euro International FilmsVic Films ProductionsParamount Pictures
Where to Watch
Free
HooplaRent
Amazon Video
Apple TV Store
Google Play Movies
YouTube
Fandango At HomeBuy
Amazon VideoApple TV StoreGoogle Play MoviesYouTubeFandango At HomeSee more on TMDB → JustWatch
Critics & Reviews
3 featured@jhalberg
I walked in expecting another genre exercise and walked out feeling like I'd been eavesdropping on a confession. The lead performance is genuinely singular — a career-defining turn.
@priya_a
A few too many scenes feel borrowed from a better film, but the soundtrack and the production design carry the rest. Solid recommendation for fans of slow-burn European thrillers.
Cast
Graham Faulkner
Franz von Assisi
Judi Bowker
Klara von Assisi
Leigh Lawson
Bernardo
Kenneth Cranham
Paolo
Lee Montague
Pietro Di Bernardone
Valentina Cortese
Pica Di Bernardone
Alec Guinness
Papst Innozenz III.
Michael Feast
Silvestro
N
Nicholas Willatt
Giacondo
J
John Sharp
Bischof Guido
Adolfo Celi
Konsul
F
Francesco Guerrieri
Deodato
Carlo Pisacane
Priester von San Damiano
Peter Firth
Guido Lollobrigida
