Western Civilization

Dr. Murphy
Film Worksheet (Brother Son Sister Moon)
4021110142 Eling Liu

1. During his illness, what are some of the memories Francis that go through
Francis mind? What did this experience have on him after he woke up?
After Francis came back from the war because of a serious illness, he lies on bed
and suffers from many memories about his past when he is a young and boisterous
son of a wealthy family. He also dreams about his past when he is riding a horse
with his friends and they are talking and laughing about the war. After that, he met
a beautiful girl called Clare nearby the river and Francis follows her to the bank.
Clare calls brothers and sisters, who are lappers, out to eat breads and take a bath.
Francis is shocked by lepers and their horrible wounds. These memories basically
reflect that he indulges in worldly pleasures and doesnt have enough empathy
with sick or poor people. I think these memories are like a reflection or confession
to his past before his awaking to a new life.

2. Discuss the effects of war and the Crusades in the film. How is Francis friend
influenced after returning from the war?
The most apparent effect is that Crusades bring Church lot of wealth. Besides,
people are less faithful than the pass. Francis friend, Bernardo, who just returns
from the war and he is exhausted and feels lost. After talked with Francis, he
decides to help Francis rebuild the church. Later, Franciss other friends also join
them.

3. Discuss the role and status of the Church in the film. How would the Church see
Francis and his followers as a threat to their power and influence?
In that time, the Catholic Church is very wealthy and dominates many
resources. It is not only a religion authority but also a political one. Besides,

Church is where people can receive knowledge and helps people to judge what is
right or wrong. For example, Franciss father draws him in front of the citys
Bishop after Francis throws his fathers textiles to the poor. In the other hand, I
think why Church sees Francis and his followers as a threat is because he claims
Church should not be wealthy and should not only focuses on worldly material
treasures but treasures from Heaven. Francis claims people in Church dont have
enough faith. Church should share their sources to the poor and treat everyone
fairly. Many people in Church seem they are offended and that will endanger their
fortune or doctrines. They think Franciss speech is nonsense.

4. Discuss the role of nature in the film. Give two examples of Francis relationship
with nature from scenes in the film.
In the film, nature is regarded as a part of creation of God, as well as human
being. People and nature share the same love from God and have a very close and
equal relationship with each other. The relationship between Francis and nature
can be found when he sees a sparrow outside the window and he walks on the roof
in order to catch it. After that, he kisses that sparrow gently. I think Francis shows
his deep love to creatures in nature and that he may not notice or do before.
Another scene is that when Francis is sitting under the tree and enjoys the
beautiful landscapes and creatures, such as butterfly, rabbits, and flowers in
nature.

5. Describe the ending scene. What is the significance of Popes actions? Why might
his intentions be insincere? Include a personal opinion: Do you think the Pope
truly endorsed the Franciscans and advocated their beliefs? Explain your answer.
I think kissing someones foot has a significant meaning in the Christian religion
because it can be a sign of subservience, or reverence, acknowledging the holiness or
honor of another person (Blanc). At first, Pope doesnt believe what Francis is saying
and doesnt willing to provide help. He even says, What do you want for us? But
after listening to Franciss explanations, he finally changes his mind. I think Pope is
convinced by Franciss belief, but I am not sure if he will advocate their beliefs
because it seems that he is the only one who believes Francis.

6. Reflect on the film. What did you find interesting? Are there any scenes that
moved you? Explain your answer.
I think it is a simple movie with great meaning behind. From the film, we can see
more different aspects of people and culture background in that time. We can see
how close the distance between people and religion. That is very different from
nowadays. Among the scenes, I like the conversion scene the most. When Francis
gives back all possessions to his parents and claims everyone is a house of
brothers and sisters. I am so admire his determination and courage to be a beggar
without any material possessions and live as free as a bird. Francis shares his great
love from God with anyone especially with the poor. I think that is so hard to do in
the modern society if you have to take everyone as generously as your brother and
sisters. Besides, I also like the scenes when Francis tries to catch a sparrow on the
roof and runs through the fields and flowers, which remind me the joy and
innocent of peoples nature.

Work Cited
Benjamin, Blanc. "What Is the Symbolism of Kissing Someone's Feet?" Chacha.com.
1 Jan. 2009. Web. 20 Dec. 2014. <http://www.chacha.com/question/what-is-thesymbolism-of-kissing-someone's-feet>.