Cast
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Elio Germano
as Francesco
Jérémie Renier
as Elia da Cortona
Alba Rohrwacher
as Chiara
Stefano Cassetti
as Bonizzio
Thomas Doret
as Étienne
Yannick Renier
as Dominique
Éric Caravaca
as Leone
Marcello Mazzarella
as Fra Rufino
Olivier Gourmet
as Cardinal Hugolin
Catherine Chevallier
as Clarisse
Philippe Laudenbach
as Papa Innocenzo III
Crew
Director
- Renaud Fely
- Arnaud Louvet
Producer
- Francesca Feder
- Arnaud Louvet
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, L'ami, François d'Assise et ses frères examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Renaud Fely brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2016, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of L'ami, François d'Assise et ses frères took approximately 31 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 87 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 123 minutes long.
- The screenplay went through 14 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- The costume department created over 278 unique costume pieces for the production.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
Historical Context
- In 2016, when this film is released:
- Political polarization was intensifying in many countries.
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While L'ami, François d'Assise et ses frères shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Damned United, which focuses more on action than character development, L'ami, François d'Assise et ses frères subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Molokai: The Story of Father Damien and The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc explore similar territory, L'ami, François d'Assise et ses frères stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 4, 2016
- Runtime: 1h 27m
