Gabriel (2001) User Reviews

Movie About The Life Of St. Gabriel Possenti, AKA St. Gabriel Of The Sorrowful Mother

[Clusium · 7/10 · 25 September 2019]

Francis Possenti grew up in Assisi Italy, in the 19'Th Century, and was Baptized in the very same place as his the patron saint chosen for him, at his birth and christening. The story shows him growing up from a wild party loving youth, to a deeply spiritual young man who chooses the monastery, over riches. Upon taking his vows of celibacy, Francis changes his name to Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother, in honour of his devotion to Mary's Sorrow over her Son's Passion. The movie flashes back and forth throughout, to show various people who knew him before he died, and advocating for his Canonization. One thing that disappoints me about the movie, is that it left out a very interesting story about his life. The real Gabriel Possenti supposedly saved his town from invading marauders, that were pillaging the town and raping its women. Possenti stepped outside his monastery, & approached the invading men, and managed to take their guns off of them, & demonstrated to them his good marksmanship. Upon realizing how good he was, they left immediately, without further harm to the women there. The movie does not show this heroic act, which is a real shame. Overall, the acting was well done, in my own opinion.