Rating: 
Summary: Incredibly Well Done - SEE THIS MOVIE
Review: If you were disappointed by The Messenger (or even if you weren't), you should see this movie. In my humble opinion, it is more likely a closer portrayal to Joan as she was. It doesn't have to stoop to vulgarity or a rape scene (of her sister, which isn't historical). Her visions are more accurately done (Joan never claimed to have seen Christ, as the Messenger would have one believe). How she came upon the sword of St. Catherine is also more accurate (The Messenger has her find it in a field, and never claims it was a relic). Finally, this movie shows more reverence to the sainthood of Joan, and as one other reviewer here stated, doesn't portray her as a psychotic. I cannot recommend this DVD enough.
Rating:
Summary: The True Story of Jehanne d'Arc
Review: The movie "Joan of Arc" is a wonderfully portrayed film of Jehanne d'Arc. Leelee Sobieski did a breathtaking job as Christian Duguay's leading lady. The movie was indeed true to the records of Jehanne's trials and although some may find it hard to believe, Joan's revelations were nothing short of a miracle of God. Taking into account the movie "The Messenger," one could only conclude that Joan was a victim of a mental disorder. Let me assure viewers that this is a false ASSUMPTION. Jehanne was wrongly tried for heresy against the church and witchcraft. "Joan of Arc" did leave out some details of her life, but it did give the true facts. Besson's movie did a horrific job of portraying Joan, leaving the audience no choice but to think that she really was insane. I am personally disgusted with Besson's portrayal of Joan but recommend anyone to see both movies for comparison. However, note that the extremes of personal conflict of Joan is ADDED effect for Besson's movie. The majority of his movie did not actually occur.
Rating:
Summary: It's Spectacular!
Review: This is one of my favorite movies. It is about my hero, Joan of Arc, and my favorite actress, Leelee Sobieski. That is the perfect combination for my taste! I have read a book on Joan of Arc and studied her a little and the movie tells her story wonderfully. Leelee Sobieski, very talented, portrayed her perfectly. She captured Joan's innocence and spirit. I saw the television version. It was split into two different nights, and I was dying to see the end when I wathced it. I am going to get the movie on VHS soon, I can't wait! If you are a fan of Joan of Arc, Leelee Sobieski, or both, like me, you will enjoy this movie to your full extent. WOW!!!
Rating:
Summary: This Version of Joan of Arc is my favorite
Review: Granted, i haven't seen all the Joan of Arc films out there, but i do believe that this is my favorite. the cast is awesome and LeeLee Sobieski does marvelously as The Maid of Lorraine, Jeanne D'Arc. This one is nothing like the Messanger and i think that is why i like it. i think in the Messanger, Milla Jovovich portrays Joan as a tad insane. And i do not like how the Messanger shows her visions and lets us all in on what she told the king. The Dauphin never told anyone what she did to convince him. so i think it was better in the miniseries, where it keeps more with history.
Rating: 
Summary: Awesome & Tragic! My 2nd Favorite Movie!
Review: Well, I've always been "haunted" by the story of Joan of Arc, but never really researched her. Because of this I'm not sure what is historically accurate and what isn't. Based on other reviews of the movie, it's obviously not as historically accurate as it could have been and some things in the movie which I know for a fact were different in real life, were added.
For instance, the screenwriters or director decided to have a subtle romance between Joan and Jean de Metz, which I thought was a nice change of fact. The battle sequences are believable, but not too gory since it's a made-for-TV-movie. What I really loved about the movie was the music. Charlotte Church is featured vocalizing throughout the film. Another thing I thought was impressive was Leelee Sobieski's performance as Joan. I think she did an awesome job portraying Joan as a passionate, intelligent (though illiterate), courageous heroine, which of course she was in real life. Peter O'Toole as Bishop Cauchon was purely sinister as was Neil Patrick Harris as Charles VII. As Captain La Hire, Peter Strauss was not only brave but stubborn and full of pride. Olympia Dukakis was so cute as Mother Babette and Joan's page. All in all, go rent or buy the VHS/DVD and see this great success yourself. It has enough historically based facts to make you want to research the real Joan herself.
Rating:
Summary: If this isn't what Joan was really like, it should have been
Review: I watched this movie when it was first on TV, and once again just recently. I was deeply touched by it both times, and I found Leelee Sobieski's performance very convincing and captivating. She captured the essence of strength and vulnerability at the same time. Joan's strong faith in God was refreshing to see in a movie, and I'm glad that part wasn't brushed aside as it could have been.Two parts I found especially moving were when she cried out to God after the death of her friend Emile and later her brother, Pierre. And then of course, her death, which was amazing. Even though, according to other reviewers, the rescue attempt by La Hire and Jean de Metz was fictional, I found it to be a very good addition. Having Mother Babbette and Jean there to witness Joan's death added to the emotion of the scene, as you could identify with what they were going through as well as what Joan was experiencing. All in all those final scenes, right up to the shot of Joan's banner flying before the church in her home village, were profoundly moving and poignant. The acting besides Sobieski's was superb as well. Peter O'Toole and Neil Patrick Harris show how "bad guys" can be three dimensional too. Peter Strauss (La Hire) and Chad Willett (de Metz) also stood out, illustrating the devotion Joan inspired in the men she led. I should add that I have only watched this movie on TV, so I have no opinion as to the DVD's merits. But the movie itself is a wonderful production! Once I have a DVD player of my own I will buy it, but if that isn't stopping you, what is? :)
Rating:
Summary: Spirit continues
Review: After having read at least six books and having seen at least five different films on Joan of Arc over a period of about 5 years, I can say from my own point of view that each has a unique way of interpreting and expressing something that at times seems inexpressable.
That is , the spirit of this young, devoted teenage girl who received deep and subtle messages from a higher source and then had the courage to obey these edicts even though her life was constantly at risk.
To express this and portray this spirit in a captivating yet fairly accurate way, that is, according to the available historical records of the time, is difficult and challenging I am sure. This particualr film with Leeleee Sobieski, in its own stylistic way, has done just that.
Perhaps some people do not like this kind of 'Hollywood' presentation of history which tends to relate it to present day language and style. Regardless of styleI feel that along with the style and attention to detail in the costumes and scenery, the director and the actors and actresses did well in capturing a certain spirit of the time and in Joan herself. I am not a film critic or producer. I can only give my experience in this case from a spiritual point of view.
Consciousness is an important feature of any film according to my standards. I relate to and enjoy more the films that tend to raise the consciouness of the viewer. I can watch a good film many times and never get bored, especially if it is based on reality, as in historical films such as this one. Some of the others fell short in portraying what I felt is the essential ingredient in Joan's character and her life, her spiritual receptivity to a higher voice and command. The writer, producer and director as well as the actors themselves have to have an understanding of this to be able to portray it effectively in film. I feel this version was one of the most successful in doing just that. I have seen it 15 times over the past two years already and I enjoy viewing it with others who appreciate its unique value and wonderful acting roles, especially Leelee.
Congratulations to a truly superb effort of love and dedication. Joan's spirit has obviously helped in the efforts and indeed lives on.
Rating:
Summary: A wonderful retelling
Review: This actress is just beautiful. She is tough, serious, and believable not to mention cute as a button. You feel for her, believe her, and cheer for her. Not only is this entertaining but I am going to use it in homeschooling my children as a supplement about females in history. It is a beautiful retelling of the story that is so familiar, yet we do not get bored when watching this. Anyone who is not familiar with the details of Joan's life would get a good overview from watching this, as well as some good battlescenes, fit for kids to watch as well. A very riveting movie. A must-see for any history fan, or anyone who likes good action and drama.
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.
|
