The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc

Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc (1999)

  • 30% of critics liked it
    (73 reviews)

  • 57% of users liked it
    (46,503 ratings)

In the 15th century, France is mired in the 100 Years War when a humble voice appears, claiming to have been instructed by the Lord to lead the French army into battle and defend their land against the British. The voice belongs to Jeanne d'Aragon, a teenage girl from a tiny village, and, to the… More

Play Trailer

R,
Directed By
Written By
Luc Besson, Andrew Birkin
Genres
Drama, Classics
In Theaters
Nov 12, 1999 Wide
On DVD
Oct 30, 2001
Columbia Pictures

Critic Reviews

  • Todd McCarthy, Variety

    The lack of a plausible leading lady is enough to sink what is otherwise an eye-catching, although heavily '90s-style, telling of one of history's most frequently filmed stories.

  • Steve Murray, Atlanta Journal-Constitution

    Half-baked.

  • J. Hoberman, Village Voice

    Besson seems to have no sense that Joan herself was giving a performance.

  • Peter Canavese, Groucho Reviews

    Jovovich brings an intensity to the role well-matched to Besson's stylistic energy, though this comic-bookish take on Jeanne D'Arc won't be winning any historical-society awards. [Blu-ray]

  • Brian Webster, Apollo Guide

    Impressive to look at, but in the end, it just doesn't ring true.

Read all 15 critic reviews

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Featured Audience Ratings

  • Universal D


    When Joan walks into the royal court for the first time to plead her cause, to free France of English poachers, they are already whispering about the peasant girl some claim as a saint. Except for not seeing how she came to be whispered about I really enjoyed Besson's tale… More

  • Tim S


    Luc Besson's mad tale is more of a visual experience than a story.

  • Leigh R


    I think they did a pretty good job of telling the true story. Milla did a great job and the cast was phenominal.

  • Curtis L


    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… More

  • Anthony L


    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.

Read all 20 featured audience ratings

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