This movie was a cult favourite in a repertory movie house in Montreal in the 70s. I understood why when I saw it on DVD format.
As we know Franco Zeffirelli, he did great with either Shakespeare flicks (Romeo and Juliet among others) or Jesus of Nazareth, nor he did not so with Endless Love.
This time he succeeded with the rendering of Francis of Assisi's life.
Back from the war, wounded emotionally, Francisco found peace by seeing a lark on the roof, and rejecting the luxuries of his father's business. He abandoned all this to a life of poverty and sacrifice, rebuilding a sanctuary with some friends who joined him on the way, including Clare, a former love interest of his. However, the higher clergy jealousy takes over him and his new order, Francis must ask for forgiveness to the leader of Christianity: Pope Innocent III.
With songs by Donovan and strong interpretation, beautiful photography and well written script, this is one of the best Christian stories ever told.
Now I understood why it was such a cult favourite.