Product: The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc (Region 2) (1999)
Rating: 5.0
A true testament of faith in God
Despite the lackluster reactions from critics, I believe this to be one of the best portrayals of religious faith. This movie was picked apart for the acting (or lack thereof in some people's beliefs) and the subtle comedy. However, I don't believe that those who criticize this movie truly saw the REAL meaning. Joan of Arc was about faith....period. Those who said Milla Jovovich wasn't old enough or yelled too much or the scenes weren't realistic enough, are all missing the point. "Messenger" is about a young girl chosen by God to be His voice on earth, and Joan of Arc rose to the challenge. Perhaps it wasn't made as magnificently as "Titanic," for example. But was the acting in "Titanic" any better? Were any of us there during either period in history to really know if the directors recreated it accurately?I believe Milla Jovovich did an outstanding portrayal of what Joan of Arc must have dealt with. Imagine the fear--the shock--the responsibility--and the mystery of being chosen by God at such a young age. She never faltered in her beliefs. Even when people laughed at her, called her names, accused her of being evil, she stood her ground. She never let them chisel away at her belief in God. Isn't THAT the real message we should pay attention to, and not pick apart every line or costume?See this movie and judge for yourself. It's a true masterpiece.