

The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc
In 1429, a French teenager stood before her King with a message she claimed came from God; that she would defeat the world's greatest army and liberate her country from its political and religious turmoil. As she reclaims God's diminished kingdom, this courageous young woman has various amazing victories until her violent and untimely death.
Insights
Plot Summary
This epic film chronicles the life of Joan of Arc, a young peasant girl who, driven by divine visions, led the French army to victory against the English during the Hundred Years' War. Despite her military triumphs and the coronation of Charles VII, her unconventional path and unwavering faith ultimately led to her capture, trial, and execution as a heretic.
Critical Reception
The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc received largely negative reviews from critics, who criticized its operatic style, excessive violence, and inconsistent tone. While Milla Jovovich's performance was sometimes noted, the film was generally seen as an overly dramatic and bloated historical epic that failed to capture the nuanced complexities of its subject matter.
What Reviewers Say
- Praised for Milla Jovovich's committed performance as Joan.
- Criticized for its excessive violence and uneven, melodramatic tone.
- Often seen as a visually grand but narratively flawed historical epic.
Google audience: Google users generally found the film to be a compelling if somewhat over-the-top depiction of Joan of Arc's life, with many appreciating the visual spectacle and Jovovich's central performance, though some felt the film was too brutal or lacked historical depth.
Fun Fact
Director Luc Besson reportedly wrote the script with Milla Jovovich in mind for the role of Joan of Arc, having been impressed by her in 'The Fifth Element'.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources