Milla Jovovich, John Malkovich, Faye Dunaway

A young girl receives a vision that drives her to rid France of its oppressors.

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59% liked it

15,825 ratings

Critics

31% liked it

72 critics

R, 158 min.

Directed by: Luc Besson

Release Date: November 12, 1999

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DVD Release Date: October 30, 2001

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Stats: 1,203 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (1,203)


  • October 27, 2009
    I think they did a pretty good job of telling the true story. Milla did a great job and the cast was phenominal.
  • October 17, 2009
    Not bad. Seems to check out historically, and there was plenty of good action and decapitation for the whole family. The only parts that I don't really follow are the whole creepy voiced under-eye-skin Jesus and the Dustin Hoffman imaginary friend. I guess they threw those in t...( read more)o remind us that God didn't really send her on the mission? Aside from that, great actors and acting. This was back when Milla Jovovich was hot, before she started to only do roles where she is an action star. I especially liked her completely freaking out and screaming like a mad woman in the first few battles. The army captains were clad in great costumes, and they were all very likable. However, they didn't do what all great war movies do, and that's kill off the likable captains in interesting ways. Oh well.
  • September 14, 2009
    With a great cast and a great script, Besson's adaptation of the classic story is faithfully brought to life in what is, an unfairly underrated film.
  • June 25, 2008
    Great epic with some great BLOODY Battles! I love it
  • June 19, 2008
    inspiring, girl power and all that
  • October 24, 2009
    Lackluster pageantry, Dick Tracy style English villainy and mish-mash of nationalities aside, Besson's narrative emphasis is so broad in its sweep, and his use of religious symbolism so literal, that Joan of Arc is nothing more than an unattainably pious figure in an empty, victi...( read more)mless, medieval landscape. If there was any significant meaning or depth to the persona of Joan it certainly isn't seen in this glorified Renaissance fair, played over-zealously by Milla Jovovich. When in the final eight minutes we do see something resembling her human side it only feels tacked on and obligatory. It's as if to remind us (or the screenwriters reminding themselves) that she was not France's virgin Mary, but indeed a person living a life and trying to fight a war while remaining true to her beliefs.

    Trivia: The French probably got their asses kicked for so long due in part to their bowl shaped haircuts, which I assume are historically accurate given their hideousness.
  • October 22, 2009
    Terrible, only relief is John Malkovich and a refreshing, but miscast Dustin Hoffman.
  • October 9, 2009
    a good history realistic
  • October 3, 2009
    Add a review (optional)...
  • September 30, 2009
    I found it brilliant! Though there has been some debate on whether Joan was really having "visions" or just had a case of schizophrenia. Seeing Hoffman discuss logic with her after she had been captured by the British, i sense more questions than answers. Is that really what she ...( read more)felt like? All her life she believed God called her to save the French and now, her faith is questioned. I think it took more or less 300 years before she was canonized...

    For me this movie meant more than a girl leading an army of men. It was more than girl-power. It's a movie of faith. It dares to ask within us: what would we have done? Do we really believe that our God is salvation? Joan partly used God's name in vain ("if any of you love me, follow me"), using her faith to justify doing battle. Even though she miraculously hasn't killed anyone, war does not justify anything. But then again, that's my opinion regarding this movie.

    The cast was brilliant (though Milla signified one who seemed to be plagued by too much caffeine) and there were some comic relief as well ("be careful with my baby!"). I wouldn't suggest it to those who don't like gory stuff though. I especially loved Cassel and Harrington - charming!

Comments


  • workdogdismal
    August 25, 2007
    The messeger . was a very iteresting movie. It was very similar to the 2007 Movie call 300,and the movie gladiator.

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The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc Trivia

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