A change of pace for visionary director Michele Soavi (Cemetery Man; Arrivederci Amore, Ciao) St. Francis tells the story of John Francis Bernardone who will eventually become St. Francis of Assisi. The film, a TV-production which was shown on cable in Italy, follows the life of St. Francis as he renounces the wealth of his family and embraces Jesus Christ (Soavi provides an interesting spin on the actual story and particularly on the Pope's decision to canonize John Francis Bernardone after his death).

As it was the case with the recently introduced by No Shame Padre Pio, also made-for-TV Italian production, St. Francis runs at nearly 200 min. allowing its viewers to follow the story without necessarily embracing its message. With other words even if one knows very little about St. Francis, his deeds, and status amongst Catholics one is likely to encounter a story with remarkably flexible construction-names, locations, facts and fiction are mixed to perfection.

It is the talented cast of St. Francis however that truly elevates this film to something truly special. Looking at the long list of actors that contributed to this production one will notice the names of Raoul Bova (as Francesco) from the Italian award-winning drama La Finestra di Fronte a.k.a Facing Windows (2003), Gianmarco Tognazzi from the recent hit Romanzo Criminale (2005), Claudio Gioe from La Meglio Gioventu a.k.a The Best of Youth (2003), and Paolo Briguglia who took the leading role in the directed by Sergio Rubuni La Terra (2006).

With this said it is rather surprising to me that such deeply religious film as St. Francis has emerged from the hands of no other but Michele Soavi. A man who created hordes of dedicated fans with his horror pictures (Dellamorte, Dellamore) seems somewhat of a misfit next to St. Francis and the message the film conveys. The endless hours of hard work that must have gone into this TV production, and in particular the emphasis on detail which Soavi's camera reveals, are rather unexpected.

If there is anything that one can be unhappy with looking at St. Francis and the manner in which the story is being told it must be the lack of consistency when true events from the saint's life are being recreated. It appears to me that Michele Soavi has chosen to focus on some of them in greater detail while other are being intentionally neglected (the events surrounding the Pope's decision to canonize John Francis Bernardone quickly come to mind). Yet, I do believe that there is a good reason for such an approach as in reality the current construction of St. Francis should appeal to a much broader audience to which the story not its accuracy should be of greater interest.

While I am eagerly anticipating the European release of Michele Soavi's controversial thriller Arrivederci Amore, Ciao I must admit that this little-known TV project released by NoShame turned out to be quite the surprise. Perhaps not as impressive as NoShame's Padre Pio Michele Soavi's St. Francis still offers plenty of good entertainment. With an excellent pace, very good performances from the main leads, and an impressive direction St. Francis undoubtedly deserves to be seen.

How Does the DVD Look?

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.66:1 St. Francis does not appear to have been enhanced for widescreen TV's and believe there is a good reason for it. I am certain NoShame were not provided with the proper elements as this was a production that was shot for TV and therefore the letterboxed image is the most we can get. This being said the print is in excellent condition: vivid colors, very good degree of contrast, and no print damage at all place this release right next to the impressive Padre Pio disc. The image remains stable even when blown out through a digital projector and I could hardly spot any disturbing faults with it. My only minor complain is the presence of some sort of overcompresson which appears towards the end of the film. Aside from that the image quality is simply spectacular.

How Does the DVD Sound?

Presented with a Dolby Digital Stereo Italian track and optional English subtitles St. Francis sounds quite well. Dialog and music are well mixed and I did not have any trouble following the dialog at all. The actors' speech is clear and very easy to understand (if fluent in Italian). Aside from that there are no detrimental pop-ups or cracks that are likely to detract from your viewing experience.

Extras:

As this appears to be a budget title for NoShame there are not that many extras to be found here. Aside from a gallery of stills we also have a short "Behind the Scenes" documentary with Michele Soavi and star Raoul Bova (total of 10 min.). There is however an excellent booklet that comes with St. Francis in which you will find Michele Soavi's Bio (courtesy of NoShame regular Richard Harlan Smith), a Raoul Bova Bio, "St. Francis of Assisi in the Movies"- a short essay following the main subject and its treatment by mainstream cinema, and finally "The Real Life of St. Francis"- essays on St. Francis from director Michele Soavi, composer Carlo Siliotto, producer Pietro Valsecchi, and actor Raoul Bova in which they share their visions of the famous saint.

Final Words:

To say that I am surprised by Michele Soavi's St. Francis would be an understatement. This made-for-TV Italian production is quite entertaining and I am pleased to see that NoShame have decided to make it available to US audiences. If looking for something to tie you over until the release of Arrivederci Amore, Ciao…look no further. St. Francis comes RECOMMENDED.