First off, Someone by the name of sddavis63 mentions that this movie was based on the hagiography by von Wohl. And he asserts that this was 1) a hagiography and 2) biased since it was commissioned by the pope. Well i guess one could throw out Anne Frank as well. Pure hagiography. But at least in that case you would be on to something since researchers have suspicions as to the authenticity of the work. In the case of St. Francis, it is perfectly within the realm of possibility to write about his life free of bias. The Pope's comments sounds like helpful advice and in no way demonstrates bias.
Regardless, Saint Bonaventure (philosopher on par with Aquinas) writes about the life of Francis and yet what is written of him is even more supernatural than what is shown in this film. By all means, much of what is shown seems plausible under the realm of natural reason. Francis is of course known for his humility and this is what the film try's to demonstrate. His Piety and poverty of spirit is the most central theme to the movie as well as his charisma and what he had at the beginning of the film - wealth and status. This film is obviously not for people who are atheists or people that dogmatically adhere to naturalism. If you don't operate from a system of supernaturalism you won't get it. And if you toss out virtue you really won't care for the film or story-arc.
If you're religious, take what you hear here from critics with a grain of salt since they seemingly have an axe to grind against the Majesty & Superiority of the Catholic Church established by Jesus.
My one detraction of the film is that it leaves a lot out of Francis's story and his talk with the pope is a bit too much - he, in my estimation, hovers on schism with the Pope. I would doubt that would be the case.
Regardless, Saint Bonaventure (philosopher on par with Aquinas) writes about the life of Francis and yet what is written of him is even more supernatural than what is shown in this film. By all means, much of what is shown seems plausible under the realm of natural reason. Francis is of course known for his humility and this is what the film try's to demonstrate. His Piety and poverty of spirit is the most central theme to the movie as well as his charisma and what he had at the beginning of the film - wealth and status. This film is obviously not for people who are atheists or people that dogmatically adhere to naturalism. If you don't operate from a system of supernaturalism you won't get it. And if you toss out virtue you really won't care for the film or story-arc.
If you're religious, take what you hear here from critics with a grain of salt since they seemingly have an axe to grind against the Majesty & Superiority of the Catholic Church established by Jesus.
My one detraction of the film is that it leaves a lot out of Francis's story and his talk with the pope is a bit too much - he, in my estimation, hovers on schism with the Pope. I would doubt that would be the case.