Rating: 
Summary: An epic with intelligence
Review: I always seek some literary level of interpretation and symbolism; of philosophy and psychology; of art and beauty. Of intelligence.Thank you, Luc. The story seems rooted in Mark Twain's little known and publicized book, Joan of Arc, but with modern twists. Do we believe religious zeal and fervor, and willingness to believe in divine spiritualism? Or, do we believe the pragmatic conclusions offered by Hoffman? Constantly we are shot by the bullets of doubt throughout the film. Joan is suspiciously fervent and ardent-and simultaneously inclined to be both wrathful and forgiving. She becomes God--her will is misinterpreted, even by herself. And, since God is an unresolved question of existences, we are allowed our own personal summations. I appreciate Gladiator, Patriot, and Braveheart-offered here because of their contextual values in epic filmaking-but the Messenger leaves me with something to think about. Finally, an epic with a message. Beauty with intelligence. Unresolved issues that can tear apart your mind. Floating swords falling from heaven, and discarded dirks in the grass. Make your own conclusion-just as she makes hers.
Rating:
Summary: The Best Film of 1999
Review: Luc Besson's 'The Messenger' was torn to pieces by critics, yet i found it to be a brilliant and assaulting take on the story of the patron saint of France. Milla Jovovich is not a great actress, and in interviews is often the first to admit it, but you can see that she is puting 110% into her performance. i Thought she did wonderfully as Joan. The Rest of the cast is great and all the scenes between Milla and Dustin Hoffman are magnificent. Dont listen to critics, view the film for yourself.
Rating: 
Summary: Triumphant of the Maid...or the Messanger....
Review: Not many would appreciate what portrays Joan of Arc as is in Luc Besson's The Messenger: Joan of Arc. She may be not the one the Church has told us. She may not be the one written according to the historical documentary. But she may be the one she could possibly be. One should not forget Catholicism has been constantly evolving, not to say the least Joan was sainted 500 years after her death by the Church who put her on trial in the English territory, city of Rouen. Our view on the historical heroine might certainly be evolving too. Joan perhaps was the Messenger. Joan perhaps was the Maid. Joan could, certainly, be the Revenger, driven by her own desire to make revenge on the Brits for her sister death. We should remember that we are sometimes the servants (or the maids) of God, sometimes we are just driven by our own internal desires. God knows it certainly well. One could not become a saint on earth while he/ she struggles, but only after his/ her death. On the contrary, the Holy Mother Church would not turn away (as the Bishop vividly said in the movie) anyone who repent, who make confession to the Church. Yes, Joan constantly asked for confession. The concept of confession is very important in the Catholicism and in the path to saint. Luc Besson couldn't be more accurate in portraying Joan's feverish faith in God: her confession in the beginning of the movie till the last, the continuous examination by the Conscience, her absolute confidence in God when she was burned at stake. That she won battle after battle, that she saved France from the foreigner in the 15th century, that her single-mindedness and devotion to her country are only penalized by her fellow countrymen out of greed, jealousy and power. Luc's sense of black humor and MTV-style of cinematography might not appeal to everyone. And Milla Jovovich sometimes is too dramatic. But to the fans of Luc Besson, you are completely satisfied by his vision, fast-cut, and enthralling exploration.
Rating: 
Summary: This movie deserves to be burned at the stake!
Review: I haven't seen this movie since it came out at the theaters, but what I do remember is walking out on the movie. I see, on average, at least 2 movies per week - just because we like movies. Many of them have been great, most reasonably entertaining, a few real stinkers, but I have only walked out on two movies. The first was "Highlander 2", which was a great disapointment since we loved "Highlander" 1 and the second was "The Messenger". What I remember about the movie was wondering if the star had slept with someone to get the part, she was that awful. All she seemed to do was scream and screech, I can't believe anyone, let alone a king and an army, would follow her into battle. I felt that the writer and director had no respect for Joan d'Arc, the historical person. It wasn't a matter of letting you decide if she was hearing God or was just crazy, they made it very clear she was just plain crazy. They made the character of Joan so unlikeable, you were actually rooting for the English, or at the very least you didn't care what happened to her. Shortly after this movie was released, television released another version "Joan of Arc" starring Leelee Sobieski that was far superior in every way. If you want to spend your money on a copy of Joan of Arc, try to find the TV version.
Rating: 
Summary: The Messenger is the Message
Review: After seeing the Messenger only a week after Hallmark's Joan of Arc, I think it's a testimony to the real life enigma that she could be interpreted in such very different ways- from a girl of incredible strength and courage ready to die for her faith to a woman made neurotic by circumstance and visions fueled by her faith in God despite all she had seen. Leelee vs. Milla? I think both women simply found a part of Joan they identified with and ran with it, though I must say, I enjoyed Leelee's portrayal more. It was hard to watch the end though with the conscience (Dustin Hoffman) but when you are called by God to do something it often doesn't make sense- even to you and you are tormented with whether it is really God or your ego. And yet, you must keep these fears silent to accomplish the goal. In that, I think "Messenger" hits both its mark and the heart of Joan of Arc in this beautifully sylistic if gritty epic.
Rating:
Summary: Braveheart in a dress
Review: Like Braveheart before it, this film portrays the English as a truly barbaric bunch of pillaging maniacs, which indeed we were before the invention of the cucumber sandwich.
Rating:
Summary: If I had wanted accuracy I'd have read a history book.
Review: Before watching MESSENGER I read the mixed reviews and expected a disappointing effort. To be truthful I expected to watch the normal 20 minutes that I give most movies (13th Warrior, for example) and then turn it off. But instead, this is a movie I will recommend to friends as a companion to Braveheart and Excalibur. As for accuracy, I'm not a historian. But if you want a grand scale motion picture that looks like you've jumped back in time then MESSENGER does not disappoint. 4 1/2 out of 5 stars. Not 5 because the accents don't seem quite right. NOTE: I recorded a copy off the pay channels but plan to pick up the DVD for the widescreen treatment.
Rating:
Summary: A true testament of faith in God
Review: Despite the lackluster reactions from critics, I believe this to be one of the best portrayals of religious faith. This movie was picked apart for the acting (or lack thereof in some people's beliefs) and the subtle comedy. However, I don't believe that those who criticize this movie truly saw the REAL meaning. Joan of Arc was about faith....period. Those who said Milla Jovovich wasn't old enough or yelled too much or the scenes weren't realistic enough, are all missing the point. "Messenger" is about a young girl chosen by God to be His voice on earth, and Joan of Arc rose to the challenge. Perhaps it wasn't made as magnificently as "Titanic," for example. But was the acting in "Titanic" any better? Were any of us there during either period in history to really know if the directors recreated it accurately? I believe Milla Jovovich did an outstanding portrayal of what Joan of Arc must have dealt with. Imagine the fear--the shock--the responsibility--and the mystery of being chosen by God at such a young age. She never faltered in her beliefs. Even when people laughed at her, called her names, accused her of being evil, she stood her ground. She never let them chisel away at her belief in God. Isn't THAT the real message we should pay attention to, and not pick apart every line or costume? See this movie and judge for yourself. It's a true masterpiece.
Rating:
Summary: Horrible...
Review: Oh my God!It's unbelievable how this movie could gain so much popularity.I think Luc Besson did not know anything about Joan of Arc.And Milla Jovovich shouldn't play this role.She couldn't expressed her (I mean Joan's of Arc) emotions.She was crying and shouting all the time.Nothing more.Besides she was too old to play 17 years old girl.Only one thing in this movie was impressive - batallistc scenes. I am very disappointed with this movie.I guess most of the people who know Joan's biography after watching this movie would feel the same as I do.
Rating: 
Summary: Yawwnnnnnnnnnn
Review: This movie uhhhh, stunk. Period. Milla Jovovich was so bad I wanted to burn HER not Joan...HER! In fact all the acting from the "stars" was horrible including John Malkovich who you'd think would excel in such a role. The fight scenes were so utterly ridiculous...as in: Joan gets shot with the arrow while on the ladder and suddenly the BATTLE STOPS!! INCREDIBLE. The attempts at humorous banter were so bad it actually makes you uncomfortable. About the only redeeming quality of this waste of a movie is the scenic landscapes. And thats the ONLY reason I gave it 2 stars.
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