Joan of Arc (1999) (TV)

Director:

Christian Duguay

Writers (WGA):

Michael Alexander Miller (written by) and
Ronald Parker (written by)

Release Date:

16 May 1999 (USA)

Genre:

Adventure | Biography | Drama

Plot:

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...

Plot Keywords:

Inquisition | Heretic | Burgundy | France | Orléans

Awards:

Nominated for 4 Golden Globes. Another 6 wins & 19 nominations

Cast

Leelee Sobieski	...	Joan D'Arc
Chad Willett	...	Jean de Metz
Jacqueline Bisset	...	Isabelle D'Arc
Powers Boothe	...	Jacques D'Arc
Neil Patrick Harris	...	The Dauphin, later King Charles VII of France
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 Jean le Maistre
Peter Strauss	...	La Hire
Ron White	...	Dunois
Jaimz Woolvett	...	Duke of Burgundy

Also Known As:

Jeanne d'Arc (Canada: French title)

Runtime:

140 min | UK:180 min | 60 min (3 episodes)

Country:

Canada

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Sound Mix:

Stereo

Certification:

Argentina:13 | Australia:PG | Germany:12 | UK:12 | USA:Unrated

Filming Locations:

Krivoklát, Czech Republic

Company:

Alliance Atlantis Communications

Goofs:

Continuity: At the end scene when Jean brings Joans banner to her parents, the banner is in several shots slack and alternating shots fluttering in the wind, the 'wind' behavior is very erratic.

Quotes:

Joan D'Arc: When did truth become heresy?

Movie Connections:

Version of The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc (1999)

Soundtrack:

Panis Angelicus

Great depiction of the story of Maid of Orleans!

A lot of films have been made about this person, but none of them seems to be as powerful as this one. The reason is not only the fact that few films of such topics include such a great cast (most of the characters are played by great stars of cinema). It is, I think, the way that Mr Duguay portrayed Joan of Arc, really as she most probably was like: a young, sweet maiden who dared say the British: "I will lead my nation to victory through God's help!" She turns out to be a saint rather than, like in some other movies, a religious fanatic.

The portrayal of Joan is created perfectly by a young, beautiful actress, with Polish ancestry, Leelee Sobieski. Throughout the movie, she beautifully stresses her innocence and gentleness going in pairs with the capability of leadership. In my opinion, no matter if Leelee will appear in other 50 films in her life career, this role will always be UNFORGETTABLE!

Others who shine in their roles are, of course, Peter O'Toole as bishop Cauchon. On the one hand, he judges Joan and accuses her of pride and vanity; but on the other hand, fights for her "eternal soul". Maximilian Schell also gives a fine performance as a cruel and double faced representative of inquisition. But I particularly like Peter Strauss as La Hire, a commander of the French army. This role is typical for him: someone hesitating and doubting, but in the long run, opening his eyes and totally setting his heart on the values.

"I stopped to believe in others and started to believe myself only. At Orleans, I stopped to believe myself, I started to believe in you," as he says once to Joan - REALLY POWERFUL!

The mini series about Joan of Arc is a must in my film gallery. Without hesitation, I give it 9/10. GREAT STORY, WONDERFUL CAST, EXCELLENT MUSIC, MEMORABLE QUOTES, GREAT LOCATIONS (old castles in the Czech Republic)! This movie is really visually stunning. Do see it! Having seen once, you will feel a need to see this at least for the second time.