Directed by Roberto Rossellini in 1950, The Flowers of St. Francis is inspired by I fioretti di san Francesco and the life of frate Ginepro. To highlight less conventional aspects of Franciscan life, the director also drew on the expertise of historian Arnaldo Fortini. The episodes, independent from one another, are linked by their reference to the Porziuncola di Santa Maria degli Angeli.
Without aiming for strict historical accuracy, Rossellini recounts traditional stories about Saint Francis of Assisi and his companions, portrayed by real monks. However, the protagonist remains almost in the background compared to Brother Juniper, accompanied by Giovanni the Simple.
The film celebrates a spontaneous and unconventional form of holiness, expressed through simple actions that challenge common morality. Notable are the episodes in which Juniper gives his habit to a poor man, or suggests stealing it to avoid disobedience, and the encounter with the tyrant Nicolaio, where his message of humility and poverty remains incomprehensible to those in power.