Product: The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc (Region 2) (1999)
Rating: 5.0
The Legend Becomes Human
I believe that behind every legend lies a real human being, and a real story. The Messenger takes a stab at looking at Jeanne'd Arc from a realistic perspective. It does not look at Jeanne as either insane or a true divine messenger; the movie permits the viewer to make their own decisions. Are Jeanne's visions really sent by God? Or is she just insane? You make the choice. In this movie, Jeanne d'Arc is refreshingly real. She has doubts, motives - good and bad - and irrationality, just like any other being - along with her bravery and boldness. This Jeanne's France is not a fairytale land, but a real place with equal portions of dirt and finery. Overall, I would totally recommend this movie to most people - just not the people who want legend of Jeanne d'Arc to remain just that in their minds - a mythical legend.