Rating: 
Summary: A great watch, excellent leads.
Review: I picked up Joan of Arc upon reading the reviews both here and the Internet Movie Database, and the purchase of this disc has been worth the far more than the price tag on it. Leelee Sobieski's Joan was a completely believable person, full of the emotions, lack of confidence at times, but ultimately inspired with a vision that she holds on through-out. The 180 motion picture does indeed bear a great deal of resemblance to scenes in Braveheart (particularly the battle at Falkirk and the execution scenes in the latter), but comparisons aside, I found myself moved to tears still in Joan. I was particularly impressed with Peter Strauss (Captain La Hire), and Olympia Dukakis (Mother Babette) too. I read that this series was made for $20 million- a paltry sum compared to the bloated budgets of Hollywood movies today who frequently offer scarcely the emotional impact this show had. The sets used were amazingly real, landscapes and costumes were stunning, and the entire show had a nitty, down into the dirt look about it. My only (small) gripes was the casting of Neil Patrick Harris, who didn't quite look the part of the King Charles, and didn't seem too comfortable with his lines; and PG rating of the show also meant that the show could not demonstrate the gore and violence that one finds in Braveheart. But ultimately, this is still an excellent picture, and though the forthcoming two other Joan of Arc pictures (starring Mira Sorvino and Milla Jovovich in the title roles) will almost certainly bring about comparisons, this picture can hold its head high amidst such strong competition.
Rating:
Summary: Joan's essence captured
Review: Even though "Joan Of Arc" was just a television movie it was well made. It captured your attention from beginning to end and gave you some insight on what Joan accomplished in her life. Leelee Sobieski (actress) intelligently portrayed Joan as an innocent farm girl to a brave, yet still sweet, leader. In the scenes of Joan's court trials Leelee acted amazingly. She showed how Joan could be witty while answering questions from the clergy. The rest of the cast also played there parts well and helped make the film seem more realistic. It had older, more well known actors and some great younger actors. This movie was filmed on wonderful locations, as well. For example, the cathedrals and forts in the battle scenes looked incredible. Basically this film was outstanding! I would have to say that it was much better than "The Messenger" in which Milla Jovavich portrayed Joan as a more disturbed and violent person. Sure, I agree Joan may have not been as calm as she is in "Joan of Arc", but I refuse to believe that she was as crazy as the person that was in "The Messenger". Based on some things I have read about the actual trial and life of Joan , I must say that Sobieski captured the essence of Joan better than Jovavich. If you want a great Joan Of Arc movie to watch, I enthusiastically suggest the CBS version!
Rating:
Summary: Joan of Arc
Review: Of all movies and/or televisions programmes I have seen about Joan of Arc, this one is the best. LeeLee Sobieski was the best and most believable Joan I have ever seen. LeeLee brings the human-side of the equation into the young warrior/martyr. Also, it is refreshing to actually have a very young woman played by a young actress. In fact, the whole cast, screenplay, settings, etc were so realistic. In Joan's death scene, LeeLee was the only Joan of Arc who made me cry so deeply. Others have only made me shed a tear or two. But LeeLee, as Joan, showed true fear; crying out for God and Jesus. Her close friend, who helped Joan begin her quest and fought with her in from the very beginning, held a crucifix "at the level of [her] eyes", and tried to give her a chance and hope of rescue. Instead, he witnessed her death. The cast is truly amazing. Not only were there semi-known and well-known actors, but also high-profile actors, such as Peter O'Toole, Maximillian Schell, Shirley Maclean. I saw this version of Joan of Arc on televison as a mini-series (and recorded it), as well as bought the VHS tape version (abridged).
If it is at all possible, try to look for the complete version of this epic. PS: This is even better than the one with Igrid Bergman.
Rating: 
Summary: A Joan without edge...
Review: ...a too sweet Joan, an unconvincing Joan, a boring Joan. The flames were too long in coming.
Rating:
Summary: The best Joan of Arc television film yet!
Review: I absolutely love this film!!! Joan is superbly acted by the beautiful and talented leelee sobieski, her portrayal of joan is captivating and believable(the most lovable joan). A Brillant Cast of characters, each with a unique degree of personality and character, especially from the performance of legendary actor Peter O'Toole(Bishop Cauchon) and Neil Patrick Harris(King Charles) plays his part very well(not sure about his hair style but). The costume designs are excellent and the scenery brillantly chosen and filmed(real castles)... This is a family film with hearts, a very moving film that introduces the life of joan of arc in all her glories. As I understand many critics will argue against the lack of historical accuracy of this film... I agree, certain scenes are dramatized and distorted in the film, but only to enchance the viewing experience(entertainment values). This is not a documentary and it should be enjoyed as a family film... Atleast this is how I want to remember Joan of Arc as she is portrayed in this film. I also love the angelic voice of Charlotte church at the opening and ending of the film... Wow! If you ask me? I enjoyed every minutes of it... 5 Stars ***** If you don't ask me I still give it a 5 Stars :D
Rating:
Summary: A five Star Movie
Review: "Ah! I would far rather have my head chopped off seven times over, than to be burned!" --- Joan of Arc I first watched this movie on TV (a two-part mini series), and I liked it. The DVD runs for 180 minutes (not 140 min) and is essentially the same as what originally showed on TV. It depictures the life and death of the 15th-century French heroine and martyr, "Maid of Orleans". The movie keeps a good balance for different stages of Joan of Arc's life. The performance is excellent. Leelee Sobieski's interpretation for Joan of Arc is probably the best, and Peter O'Toole as the Bishop is definitely a plus. Though a TV movie, Christian Duguay did a wonderful job. The preference between this movie and its competitor, Message, depends on personal taste. I like "Joan of Arc" better because of Sobieski's outstanding performance. Anyhow, this movie is worth to watch. Joan of Arc is the most famous to be burned alive (most died at the stake were actually first strangulated with a rope so that the fire just burned an already dead body). Her martyrdom and tragic fate is emphasized by starting with the burning and ending with the execution at the market. Scenes, such as bounded bare feet, cross in front of the victim, surrounding by fire, and crying for the God, are appropriately used for this purpose.
Rating:
Summary: A soul-stirring epic masterpiece
Review: Only rarely does a television miniseries rival the power, beauty, and excellence of Hollywood's most celebrated theatrical releases. 1999's Joan of Arc is one of those rare gems; it is simply an exquisite film of epic proportions, boasting one of the most impressive cast lists I have ever seen. Yet even among such stellar names as Jacqueline Bisset, Peter O'Toole, Robert Loggia, Shirley MacLaine, and Maximilian Schell, the young Leelee Sobieski keeps all eyes riveted upon herself with her moving, deeply human portrayal of one of history's most famous and tragic heroines. Over the course of three hours, we follow the young peasant girl who became The Maid of Orleans, Joan of Arc, from the day of her birth to her final fiery moments. I do not know enough details of the historical Joan of Arc's life to truly judge the historical accuracy of this film, but from what I can tell and have read, it does try mightily to follow the story as closely as possible, working especially hard to recreate the social and political situation of Joan's time. The historical Joan of Arc remains a controversial figure, with learned men and women interpreting her life and story in a couple of quite divergent ways. This movie's Joan is the bravest and most pious of souls, and she meets her fate willingly as a martyr and not a victim; her faith in God's plan for her never wavers. The presentation of her visions is kept low-key and free of creative exploitation. The compassion of her soul is revealed countless times over the course of the movie, and the incredible humanity of her character is this film's true strength. Still, it remains difficult to understand exactly how the French nation could turn against and burn at the stake a girl who fought for the unification of the French people. The film offers some illuminating yet difficult to understand (at least for me) reasons and motivations through the story of Bishop Cauchon. Peter O'Toole is absolutely marvelous as Cauchon, reflecting much of Joan's tragic end in his own life. The character remained something of an enigma to me until the end, but no moment was as moving and telling as a short shot of Cauchon privately breaking down in tears as Joan is being executed. Shirley MacLaine warrants special mention in honor of her memorable cameo appearance toward the end. Suffice it to say that I could write many glowing paragraphs in praise of all of the incredible performances in this movie. The only performance that failed to enthrall me was Neil Patrick Harris's portrayal of King Charles; even with his Moe Howard-inspired haircut, all I could see was Doogie Howser, making it hard for me to accept the wiliness and despotism of the character. No epic is complete without incredible visuals and sound, and Joan of Arc is amply blessed, with an exception or two, in both regards. The music is just wonderful and soul-stirring, particularly the one battle scene in which the angelic voice of Charlotte Church singing Panis Angelicus looms over the fray. The 15th century battle scenes were done quite well, as was the look and feel of the mediaeval French setting. One would never know that filming actually took place in the Czech Republic. The fact that this is not a big-budget Hollywood theatrical release is apparent in two scenes, though; both of these involve characters standing in the foreground watching a group of people in the background, and it appears obvious to my eyes that what we are seeing in front of our characters is a screen projection. My only other quibbles have to do with the actual fight scenes. While men were slashing each other down left and right, I only saw blood appear on one sword over the course of the movie. Even more interestingly, whenever an important character was killed or injured in battle, both sides seemed to just stop fighting as long as we and the other characters were focused on the injured party. All in all, though, I was more than impressed with Joan of Arc. No matter how accurate or inaccurate it might be in terms of the history, it is inarguably a touching dramatic masterpiece. Even though you know how it will end even before you watch it, the final moments are sure to send tears coursing down your cheeks and move your heart in ways few movies can ever succeed in doing. Leelee Sobieski is fast becoming one of my favorite actresses, and this movie is one I will not soon forget.
Rating:
Summary: Maybe The Worst Film EVER (no joke)
Review: This is a sad excuse for a movie; it's terribly uninteresting, uninspired, and bland. It may be the worst film I have ever seen, at least in along time. Technically, it's more than flawed, it's broken; shattered really. First, the acting is awful and inexcusable. Blame should be spread evenly amongst the whole cast with a huge mound piled on Leelee Sobieski for her role as Joan. As Joan, she is asked to carry the movie, and she fails miserably. She lacks charisma and screen presence; there is also the odd way in which she speaks sometimes. When reciting some of her poorly written lines, she almost closes he mouth and mumbles them out all while making a weird face. Next problem: 95 percent of the shots are close-ups. This is not an exaggeration. The shot selection isn't varied with the only change in the opening, ending, and battle scenes (sometimes). The film suffers greatly and is a result of a director and cinematographer not suitable to work on second-rate hip-hop music videos. This made-for-tv movie (very obvious) is a perfect example of everything you wouldn't want to happen in a film including some you wouldn't even think of. Included are bad costumes, unbelievable sets, and extremely weak writing. Bad special effects are also present as well as bad music at crucial times. The cameras can be jumpy, probably due to the cameramen dozing off inbetween takes (no one could blame them). Plus, the story seems stretched, and that was before I read the factual account. It seemed like all the facts were skewered with the only thing historically accurate in the name. One more thing, they are supposed to be French but nothing other then a few over pronounced French words thrown in their conversations suggest that they are. If they speak English, that's one thing. But if they all have different English accents (no French accents, not even an attempted one) but the try to throw in French words randomly in their already awkward and cheesy dialogue, that's completely different. Joan of Arc is unforgivable with all its mistakes, and there was many of them, it led to and excruciatingly bad movie that was way to long (poor editing), one of the worst that I have ever seen.
Rating:
Summary: Joan's essence captured
Review: Even though "Joan Of Arc" was just a television movie it was well made. It captured your attention from beginning to end and gave you some insight on what Joan accomplished in her life. Leelee Sobieski (actress) intelligently portrayed Joan as an innocent farm girl to a brave, yet still sweet, leader. In the scenes of Joan's court trials Leelee acted amazingly. She showed how Joan could be witty while answering questions from the clergy. The rest of the cast also played there parts well and helped make the film seem more realistic. It had older, more well known actors and some great younger actors. This movie was filmed on wonderful locations, as well. For example, the cathedrals and forts in the battle scenes looked incredible. Basically this film was outstanding! I would have to say that it was much better than "The Messenger" in which Milla Jovavich portrayed Joan as a more disturbed and violent person. Sure, I agree Joan may have not been as calm as she is in "Joan of Arc", but I refuse to believe that she was as crazy as the person that was in "The Messenger". Based on some things I have read about the actual trial and life of Joan , I must say that Sobieski captured the essence of Joan better than Jovavich. If you want a great Joan Of Arc movie to watch, I enthusiastically suggest the CBS version!
Rating:
Summary: Joan of Arc
Review: As I watched this movie, I was hooked by the minutes that ticked by. Yes, I have seen The Messanger, and I absolutely hated it. (I may not, nor does anyone else, know exactly who and how Joan of Arc was really like, but the insane-possessed version of Joan of Arc in Messanger and hard to follow movie was not it). This version, with Leelee Sobieski was outstanding. I am aware that the history of the movie is not entirely correct; however, the movie in itself was great! All I can say, is if you haven't seen it, you need to. (and don't waste your time and money on Messanger...believe me--don't get me started on that movie.)
|
