Clare and Francis - thumbs up

We finally got to view the made-for-television movie Clare and Francis.

It is long - 200 minutes! - so although we started it last night we had to finish it today after Mass. But it does not seem "long." It is well done and engaging. The acting is great. It captures some of the youthful spirit of Francis without going overboard (like Brother Sun, Sister Moon sometimes does). Although it was made for Italian television, the English dialogue is natural and not stilted as you sometimes see in some dubbed movies. I get the impression they shot it in English as well as Italian. If it's dubbed, it's remarkably well-done.

The movie helps to give a realistic picture of Francis and Clare, and gives Clare equal billing as the title suggests. I also like that Francis's parents are portrayed in a more favorable light - too often his dad is made to seem a villain.

My only quibbles are that both actors seem too good looking( !), Clare does not seem to age (she looks the same at 10/11 as she does at 20 plus), and that Francis seems too healthy and well-fed until the end. But they are minor quibbles.

I highly recommend the movie.