Joan of Arc

Rating:
Summary: no star in this movie = one star
Review: pale performances of former movie legends, anemic plot, sticky-sweet soundtrack. even history lessons about joan were more fun. this "the messenger" copy is no match for luc besson's masterpiece.

Rating:
Summary: Riveting Performance by Leelee Sobieski
Review: Early in the 15th Century, Burgundy and England fought for control of a divided France, while Charles, the dauphin and rightful heir to the throne, hadn't enough power nor the backing to make his ascendancy. But it had long been prophesied that a maid from Lorraine would rise up to unite France and make the country whole; and in 1429 that prophecy came to pass, when a young woman from the farming country in the north made her way to Charles and convinced him that she was on a mission from God. Her name was Joan D'Arc; and this is her story. "Joan of Arc," directed by Christian Duguay, stars Leelee Sobieski as Joan, who-- seventeen-years-old at the time-- through Divine guidance managed to lead an army to victory after victory, and within months was instrumental in placing Charles upon the throne, as King of France.

When Joan was ten, she first heard the "voices" that would ultimately lead her to her destiny. It was the voice of her patron saint, Catherine; and by the age of seventeen, having been guided by others, including Saint Michael, she was in the court of Charles (Neil Patrick Harris). How she was able to do what she did still seems inexplicable; and yet it is a matter of recorded history that this maid, Joan D'Arc, did indeed lead the armies of France and helped unite the country. That she was betrayed by Charles and burned at the stake for heresy when she was nineteen is also well documented, as is the fact that seven years after her death France at last became a whole country, united-- as she had predicted. And Charles went on to reign for another thirty years.

Originally made for TV as a miniseries, this film nevertheless is as good, or actually even better, than many projects that find their way into theatrical release. Well written (by Michael Alexander Miller and Ronald Parker) and directed by Duguay, it presents Joan as a very real person, struggling herself to realize where she fits into the grand scheme of things. Duguay successfully avoids lapsing into any melodrama, and instead delivers a solid drama that is realistic and absorbing. But the real strength of the film is clearly Sobieski, who was herself seventeen when this movie was filmed.

Sobieski, with a maturity beyond her years, keeps Joan grounded with a portrayal that is not only credible, but which makes her extremely accessible to the audience; one with whom you can easily empathize. Her Joan is strong, yet vulnerable, and Sobieski's ability to capture the complexities of the character is what makes her so good, and makes her Joan so believable. There is an innocence about her that, along with her maturity conveys an attitude as well as attributes that the real Joan of Arc conceivably would have had. And Sobieski embodies it all with her engaging, powerful performance, which is arguably the best portrayal of Joan ever brought to the screen, and for which she deservedly received an Emmy nomination.

The supporting cast includes Jacqueline Bisset (Isabelle), Powers Boothe (Jacques D'Arc), Maury Chaykin (Sir Robert de Baudricourt), Olympia Dukakis (Mother Babette), Jonathan Hyde (Duke of Bedford), Robert Loggia (Father Monet), Shirley MacLaine (Madame de Beaurevoir), Peter O'Toole (Bishop Cauchon), Maximilian Schell (Brother John Le'Maitre), Peter Strauss (La Hire) and Chad Willett (Jean de Metz). A lavish and emotionally involving presentation of the life of this remarkable young woman driven by Divine providence to carry out a singular mission, "Joan of Arc" is an inspirational meditation on the many and varied manifestations of destiny, and those who in rare instances are motivated by forces clearly beyond the comprehension of mortal man. Riveting and extremely well presented, this is a memorable film that will promote a reflection on life, while providing a true sense of the eternal.

Rating:
Summary: The best story of Joan of Arc
Review: This is the best movie ever! LeeLee S. portrays Joan perfectly. The storyline and everything is very interesting, and it got me into France and the French history. I highly recommend this!

Rating:
Summary: A TV Movie
Review: I would have liked this movie a whole lot more if I couldn't tell where the commercials were supposed to go.

Rating:
Summary: Stephanie's Review of this awesome movie!
Review: Hi! I'm Stephanie and I have always been quite intrested in the story of Joan of Arc. I even named her my patron saint. Having watched every movie about her I can really say that this one has got to be the best so far. It's a family classsic that can be watched over and over again

Rating:
Summary: Realistic Version
Review: This version of the story of Joan of Arc is so much better than the motion picture version titled "The Messenger". I have been facsinated with the story of Joan of Arc since I was a little girl. The motion picture version disgusted me as the character was portrayed as downright psychotic and just plain nuts. The television version was much more enjoyable and in characteristic of other Biblical stories. If you are the least bit interested in the story this version is quite a bit more entertaining and not insulting to the name of Joan of Arc!

Rating:
Summary: Brilliant
Review: A absolutly brilliant film. Enhanced for proper 16:9 widescreen format the picture quality and sound are excellent. A long film but never boring. I found it gripping with a great script and film layout. I would recomend everyone buying this on DVD.

Rating:
Summary: Best Television Movie I've Ever Seen
Review: Never before has a television movie moved me more than this one. The calabor of this production is excellent and the acting superbly strong and powerful by all invloved. Leelee Sobieski as Joan is simply outstanding, her performance is the backbone of the production. Her conviction in her portrayal of Joan was so moving, I found myself in tears at the end. I recommend this movie to everyone, young or old. Joan's faith and courage will touch you all, guaranteed.

Rating:
Summary: AAAaaahhhhh
Review: The worst Crusader movie ever made. Yikes. LeeLee Sobieski's screaming, invincibility was not only not believable, but downright silly. She is beaten, shot w/ arrows and thrown from turrets yet she screams on. I am in shock at the 'positive' reviews I've read here - clearly the same people that enjoy the acting of Ally McBeal or Friends.

Stay away from this movie if you value your time!

Rating:
Summary: Keeps your attention
Review: The first time that I saw this movie was on TV. I love it. It goes through Joan Of Arc's life right from when she was born until she was burned. The Girl who play's Joan is a wonderful actor and fills the part wonderfully. All of The actor did an excellent job. The last hour is sad because you see how badly she was treated. It is a very long movie so make sure that you put it is early!