Product: The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc (Region 2) (1999)
Rating: 3.0
A visual stunner with impressive battle scenes.
Milla Jovovich is the titular heroine who believes she's a messenger from God who's come to free the French from English tyranny. Luc Besson's interpretation of the legendary historical figure is visually impressive and the battle sequences are bloody and exciting. Unfortunately, the story is muddled, the film is pretentious, and scenes meant to come across as deep sometimes come across as goofy and campy. Good performances across the map, with Jovovich faring quite well in a rather maniacal portrayal. Mostly middling material, with occasional excellence. If you're looking for a Medieval period, battle-filled epic, you could do a lot worse, but Braveheart is still THE clashing-sword masterpiece.** 1/2 out of *****