- Description
A vivid story with Christian themes set in the medieval era, telling the life of Saint Francis of Assisi. The son of a wealthy cloth merchant from the Umbrian town of Assisi is a young man who enjoys spending time with his friends. When the cities of Perugia and Assisi go to war, he too sets out to fight in search of adventure. Thus, in 1201, Francis marches to battle against Perugia. During the campaign he is wounded, and while recovering he experiences numerous dreams and visions that lead him to understand that his calling is a life of poverty and service to the poorest. After regaining his health, he follows a small bird up onto a rooftop and catches it — sensing, perhaps, that his life is about to change. He wanders through blooming meadows, honors and loves animals, sings songs, and reflects on life. He embarks on a journey that will lead to the founding of his own brotherhood — the Franciscan order, which rejected the wealth of monastic life of the time. The songs for the film were composed by the British folk singer Donovan.
