Product: The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc (Region 2) (1999)
Rating: 4.0
The Maiden Rides Again!
Jeanne d'Arc (Joan of Arc) has stirred the imagination of a score of film makers. There are many version of her story, starting with Melies' "Jeanne d'Arc" (1899) imagine, almost from the cradle of cinema; going thru Drayer's expressionist "La Passion de Jean d'Arc" featuring the unforgettable Maria Falconetti (1928) and Victor Fleming's "Joan of Arc" with a very solid Ingrid Bergman's interpretation of The Maiden (1948).Each version focuses in different aspects of this historical drama. Some are more mystic, some as in the present movie, more inclined to a psychological explanation.Director Luc Besson has a short but very interesting filmography. We may note "Nikita" (1990) and "The Fifth Element" (1997) as his high points.He also co-authored the screenplay and co-produced this movie giving it his very personal view point. He tries to depict a Joan of Arc as a girl shocked and haunted by the dreadful scene of the rape and murder of her sister, which evolves into a young woman driven by her visions. If this "visions" are God sent or produced by her own mind, is left to the viewer to decide.The movie is divided in three parts: Joan's child experiences, Joan fulfilling her Mission and Joan subject to judgment by her enemies.Battles against the English invaders are very well enacted. Realistic and accurate stand at the same height as "Braveheart"'s (1995), but distinctly different.The cast includes many first rate actress and actors such as Dustin Hoffman as The Conscience, John Malcovich as Charles VII, Faye Dunaway as Yolande d'Aragon, and Richard Ridings as La Hire. Notwithstanding the best performances are given by Milla Jovovich fleshing a believable and sensitive Joan and Vincent Cassel as the tragic Gilles de Rais.A very good historical based film, even if opinionated on the subject.Reviewed by Max Yofre.