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Chad Willett, Jacqueline Bisset, Leelee Sobieski

A strong cast, impressive production values, and astute direction distinguish this generally successful dramatization of the tumultuous life of the 15th-century French heroine whose military victories...( read more  read more... ) were eclipsed by her martyrdom. At the heart of the story is the conflict between the teenager's simple but fierce faith and the more complex political and theological issues that influence her downfall, a theme fleshed out through the portrayals of the young warrior's liege, the Dauphin (later King) Charles, and the Bishop Cauchon.

The 140-minute feature follows Joan D'Arc's odyssey from peasant obscurity to notoriety as the "Maid of Orleans," spiritual fulcrum for the beleaguered French forces struggling to halt English invaders. As played by Leelee Sobieski (Eyes Wide Shut), her evolution from naive farm girl to seasoned soldier is convincing, as is her gradual awakening to the underlying agendas of church and state. Most critically, Sobieski radiates the young girl's fervent spiritual devotion.

Framing Sobieski's focal performance are two equally fine turns from Neil Patrick Harris, who erases his legacy as TV's Doogie Howser, M.D. with a neatly shaded, steely Charles, and Peter O'Toole, who balances his signature reserve and present physical frailty to make Cauchon a moral compass for the story. Having opposed Joan as a threat to orthodoxy, the Bishop recognizes her purity too late; O'Toole turns this moment into a dreadful epiphany that resonates through the story's inevitable, fiery denouement. Fine supporting performances from Peter Strauss, Shirley MacLaine, and Maximillian Schell, plus evocative medieval locations in the Czech Republic, further buttress the story. French-Canadian director Christian Duguay handles the large-scale battle sequences with fluid blocking and smart camera work. --Sam Sutherland

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62% liked it

33,552 ratings

Unrated, 140 min.

Directed by: Christian Duguay

Release Date: May 16, 1999

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DVD Release Date: February 20, 2001

Stats: 662 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (662)

  • lavenderfawn
    January 25, 2007
    lavenderfawn
    "The Messenger" was better.
  • cartersimo
    December 19, 2006
    cartersimo
    Was ok thought it could be better.
  • clairebear44
    November 13, 2009
    clairebear44
    A good film, good quality and good acting. Not spectacular though, just good.
  • Angela0077
    September 28, 2009
    Angela0077
    I remeber seeing this movie a while back and as it says it is a very good movie from start to finsh
  • RachelJezel
    September 15, 2009
    RachelJezel
    LeeLee was born to play Miss of-Arc. LeeLee rulez, luv yas girl.
  • InTheFleshOfBlood
    August 14, 2009
    InTheFleshOfBlood
    this is good movies,
    beautiful actress, she looks like saint here, Leelee Sobieski
    Others who shine in their roles are,.
    The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc still the best for me,
  • flipperntx
    August 12, 2009
    flipperntx
    Too long and drawn out. Wouldn't be so bad if there were more action.
  • samanthaseaotter
    July 21, 2009
    samanthaseaotter
    wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy overrated. Waste of a (mostly) good cast.
  • MrOrange8590
    June 30, 2009
    MrOrange8590
    i used to think leelee sobieski was hot... i was a strange boy.
  • charlenebonnici86
    June 19, 2009
    charlenebonnici86
    Ten years before her death, Joan hears voices. Six years later, from the village of Domremy, she begins her mission to unite France under King Charles...

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Joan of Arc Trivia

  • "One thing I know is that Joan of Arc is not Noah's wife." is a quote from what movie?  Answer »
  • Name The Actress. She Played Leeloo, Joan of Arc, Alice and Violet Song jat Shariff.  Answer »
  • Who played Joan of Arc in the same titled movie?  Answer »
  • Not sure if this is in any of the adaptations of the movies so please let me know if it is or not: How many times was Joan of Arc burned at the stake?  Answer »
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