Johanka z Arku (2003) (TV)

Director:

Jozef Bednárik

Writers:

Jirí Hubac (book)
Jirí Hubac (libretto)

Release Date:

2003 (Czech Republic)

Genre:

Musical | Drama

Plot:

Plot Keywords:

Based On Play

Cast

Lucie Bílá	...	Joan of Arc
Petr Kolár	...	La Hire
Petr Muk	...	Raimond
Jan Apolenár	...	Dauphin, later King
Vladimir Marek	...	Narrator / Jester / Bishop Cauchon / Sir Talbot / Duke of Burgundy
Martin Posta	...	Beaudricourt / Promotor / Trémuille / Executioner
Petr Opava	...	Archbishop of Rheims
Jan Gajdos	...	Beaudricourt's Aide / Inquisitor
Lukás Kumpricht	...	Sir Talbot's Aide / Priest
Jan Révai	...	Angel / Courtier
Igor Kolva	...	Death
Dita Zemlicková	...	Dream Joan / Courtier
Renáta Podlipská	...	St. Catherine / Courtier
Karina Tomsová	...	St. Margaret / Courtier / Soldier
Marcel Jakubovie	...	Archangel Michael / Courtier

Also Known As:

Joan of Arc (International: English title)

Runtime:

132 min

Country:

Czech Republic

Language:

Czech

Color:

Color

Filming Locations:

Ta Fantastika Theatre, Prague, Czech Republic

Company:

Ceská Televize

Trivia:

Making a musical about Joan of Arc was Lucie Bílá's idea. Her regular composer Ondrej Soukup wrote the music and his wife Gabriela Osvaldová lyrics.

Goofs:

Continuity: When Beaudricourt's aide dies, St. Catherine is seen on the right side of stage, pointing at him with her right hand. In the next shor she stands on the left side, pointing with her left hand and then she is on the right side again as she leaves.

Pretty good work

Although this title may seem as another piece of "musical fever" in Czech republic started at 90's, but actually it is much better. Small company, small stage, but great work done.

First, touching libretto by Jiri Hubac. Then original music by Ondrej Soukup and lyrics by Gabriela Osvaldová, one of the best nowadays lyricist in Czech rep. Also director Jozef Bednárik was at his best.

But what makes this musical unforgettable are actors/singers. Especially Lucie Bílá in title role is fascinating, proving not only she is great singer but good actress as well. Also Vladimír Marek (Narrator), Martin Posta (multiple characters) and Jan Apolenár (King) did good acting and singing job. Petr Muk (Raimond) and Petr Kolár (La Hire) are a bit wooden actors, but their singing skills are really great.

What takes my breath away is supporting cast. They all could be stars! Marcel Jakubovie (a bit too sexy for an angel, but with really angelic voice!), Karina Tomsová, Jan Gajdos, Petr Opava and Lukas Kumpricht are all excellent. But my real heroine is Renáta Podlipská - strong voice and with only one expression she can tell whole story about her multiple characters. You go, girl!

If you want to hear some good music and see moving story about Joan of Arc, see this.