The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc (1999)
"Joan of Arc" (original title)

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

Director:

Luc Besson

Writers:

Andrew Birkin, Luc Besson

Stars:

Rab Affleck, Stéphane Algoud, Milla Jovovich

5 wins & 10 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Rab Affleck	...	Comrade
Stéphane Algoud	...	Look Out (as Stephane Algoud)
Edwin Apps	...	Bishop
David Bailie	...	English Judge
David Barber	...	English Judge
Christian Barbier	...	Captain
Timothy Bateson	...	English Judge
David Begg	...	Nobleman - Rouen's Castle
Christian Bergner	...	Captain
Andrew Birkin	...	Talbot
Dominic Borrelli	...	English Judge
John Boswall	...	Old Priest
Matthew Bowyer	...	The Bludgeoned French Soldier
Paul Brooke	...	Domremy's Priest
Bruce Byron	...	Joan's Father

Storyline

In 1412, a young girl called Jeanne is born in Domrémy, France. The times are hard: The Hunderd Years war with England has been going on since 1337, English knights and soldiers roam the country. Jeanne develops into a very religious young woman, she confesses several times a day. At the age of 13, she has her first vision and finds a sword. When coming home with it, she finds the English leveling her home town. Years after that, in 1428, she knows her mission is to be ridding France of the English and so sets out to meet Charles, the Dauphin. In his desperate military situation, he welcomes all help and gives the maiden a chance to prove her divine mission. After the successful liberation of Orléans and Reims, the Dauphin can be crowned traditionally in the cathedral of Reims - and does not need her anymore, since his wishes are satisfied. Jeanne d'Arc gets set up in his trap and is imprisoned by the Burgundians. In a trial against her under English law, she can't be forced to tell ...

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Plot Keywords:

france | dauphin | cathedral | knight | heretic | 

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Genres:

Adventure | Biography | Drama | History | War

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated R for strong graphic battles, a rape and some language

Details

Country:

France

Language:

English Latin

Release Date:

12 November 1999 (USA)

Also Known As:

The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc

Filming Locations:

Bruntal, Czech Republic

Box Office

Budget:

FRF 390,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend:

£94,012 (UK) (10 March 2000)

Gross:

£94,012 (UK) (10 March 2000)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Gaumont

Technical Specs

Runtime:

158 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital EX SDDS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Kathryn Bigelow refused to direct when Luc Besson insisted that Milla Jovovich, his wife at the time, played the lead.

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Goofs

When the siege tower falls on the gate to the castle, everybody behind the gate door runs away. But on the next clip, there are a lot of people stuffed in under the falling gate.

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Quotes

Joan of Arc: May God forgive your blasphemy, because I never will!

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Connections

Referenced in Eddie Izzard: Circle (2002)

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Soundtracks

"My Heart Calling"
Lyrics and Music by Eric Serra and Noa
Produced by Eric Serra
Performed by Noa
With the Special Authorization of Interscope/Geffen

User Reviews

Milla was simply breathtaking as Joan

Some movies would probably try to make a more divine spirit out of Joan but at least Besson examines all possibilities as regards to what inspired her. I think it was as honest a film you could make about Joan. Her quest for revenge combined with tremendous belief in the forces above that ignited her fire. Through Dustin Hoffman the viewer can question her motives and get her response. And what a performance! Milla was simply breathtaking as Joan.