Product: The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc (Region 2) (1999)
Rating: 5.0
Stunning And Moving Epic. Grand And Exquisite.
"The Messenger: The Story Of Joan Of Arc" is exquisite, exciting and incredibly well-acted. Milla Jovovich gives her greatest performances as one of history's greatest martyrs. We forget about the beautiful model that she is and are totally convinced and astounded that this is Joan Of Arc. Luc Besson, probably France's best director, brings to the screen an astounding story told with style, elegance, a gritty feeling, hard-broiled action and beautiful cinematography. Not to mention the moving and rich musical score by Eric Serra. "The Messenger" got some heavy flack by critics who claimed it tried to be "Braveheart" and resorted to being an action flick. Not so! In fact, I enjoyed "The Messenger" more than "Braveheart" and the screenplay doesn't just concentrate on the action. We get to know the characters and Besson brilliantly shows Joan's troubled psyche and her battles between her heart and and her conscience. "The Messenger" is exhilarating and stylish, moving and Besson's masterpiece. This is his best film since "La Femme Nikita," and the most moving. This movie is grand and inspiring. Look at the attention Besson pays to the sets and costumes, music and style. "The Messenger" is rich in the detail seen in the greatest of period epics. A 90s update of a timeless story. A masterpiece.