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Francesco

Name: Francesco
Director: Liliana Cavani
Released: 1989
Duration: 157 min

Representation Score

2.2/10

Limited

1989

PG-13

Director

Liliana Cavani

Runtime

157 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

Liliana Cavani’s biographical drama is rooted in the religious context of 13th-century Italy. The narrative centers on male spiritual development and monastic brotherhoods, which limits its representation of modern diversity. Despite the lack of contemporary diversity markers, the film provides a critical perspective on socioeconomic hierarchies. It challenges the sanctity of wealth and familial obligations through the life of St. Francis.

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Category Breakdown

Does Francesco have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film is set in a medieval context and focuses on a male monastic brotherhood, without any representation of LGBTQ+ identities or same-sex relationships.

How does Francesco portray gender?

Limited

The story centers on male spiritual growth and the dynamics of the merchant class. Women play minor roles, and there is little emphasis on female empowerment or ability to act.

How racially and ethnically diverse is Francesco?

Limited

The cast includes only European actors, reflecting the historical context of medieval Italy. The film portrays a homogeneous society without diverse racial backgrounds.

How does Francesco represent religion and culture?

Good

The film critiques the emerging capitalist system and the morality of material wealth. It highlights the renunciation of wealth and familial authority through the life of St. Francis.

Does Francesco include disability representation?

Minimal

There are no prominent depictions of physical or cognitive disabilities. Disabilities are not used as central character traits or plot devices.

Present on Screen

Provides a critical perspective on capitalist structures and material wealth.
Highlights the subversion of traditional masculine roles through asceticism.
Critiques the morality of material wealth and familial obligations.

Limited or Absent

Lacks female empowerment and representation within the social structure.
Maintains a homogeneous racial and ethnic depiction of the period.
Offers no representation of non-cisgender gender identities.

Official Synopsis

The life of St. Francis of Assisi (1181-1226) as related by followers who gather after his death to tell stories so that Leone can record them: a privileged and virile youth, a prisoner of war, an heir who turns away from his father and gives all to the poor, a beggar for others, and an inspiration to friends who accept the Gospels' life of poverty.

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