Jeannette: The Childhood of Joan of Arc

This unconventional musical epic explores the early life of Joan of Arc, beginning with her childhood in a French village during the Hundred Years' War. It depicts her fervent religious visions and the beginnings of her spiritual calling. The film follows her journey from an ordinary peasant girl to a divinely inspired figure destined for extraordinary deeds.

Jeannette received a mixed to positive reception, largely praised for its unique artistic vision and ambition, though some found its style challenging and its narrative slow. Critics were divided on its musical elements and Dumont's signature blend of the sacred and the profane.

• Praised for its bold and idiosyncratic directorial style.

• Lauded for its ambitious reimagining of a historical figure through a musical lens.

• Some critics found its repetitive musical numbers and deliberate pacing to be alienating.

Google audience: Audiences generally found the film to be a unique and artistically bold interpretation of Joan of Arc's early life, appreciating its visual style and unconventional approach. However, some viewers found its musical elements and pacing to be less engaging.

Screened in competition at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival.

Director Bruno Dumont intentionally cast young actresses who had no prior acting experience, believing their naturalism would lend authenticity to the portrayal of Joan's youth and formative visions.