Franco Zeffirelli is a genius and is by far the greatest Italian director of all time (yes, greater than Fellini and Visconti). This film is one of the most exquisitely photographed films ever made. The Sparrow is an incredible tragedy about forbidden love, and reminiscent of Zeffirelli's greatest film Romeo and Juliet. Angela Bettis is amazing in her portrayal of a girl that must choose between god and lover. A 10 out of 10.