#293: ROSSELLINI, Roberto: The Flowers Of St. Francis (1950)

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ROSSELLINI, Roberto (Italy)
The Flowers Of St. Francis [1950]
Spine #293
DVD


In a series of simple and joyous vignettes, director Roberto Rossellini and co-writer Federico Fellini lovingly convey the universal teachings of the People's Saint: humility, compassion, faith, and sacrifice. Gorgeously photographed to evoke the medieval paintings of Saint Francis's time, and cast with monks from the Nocera Inferiore Monastery, The Flowers of St. Francis is a timeless and moving portrait of the search for spiritual enlightenment.

87 minutes
Black & White
Monaural
in Italian
1:33:1 aspect ratio
Criterion Release 2005
Director/Writers


Inspired by I fioretti di S. Francesco.

Film Rating (0-60):

60

The Extras

The Booklet

Thirty-four page booklet featuring an essay by film scholar Peter Brunette and reprinted writings by Rossellini and critic André Bazin.

Commentary

None.

Video interviews

Conducted in 2004, with actress Rossellini, film historian Adriano Aprà, and film critic Father Virgilio Fantuzzi.
American-release prologue

Situating the film in its historical context through paintings and frescoes.
Extras Rating (0-40):

39

60 + 39 =

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