The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A teenage girl starts hearing voices, so she decides to cosplay as a knight and annoy the English until they set her on fire.

🍿 The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Hundred Years’ War and Joan’s Childhood

Set against the backdrop of the protracted Hundred Years’ War between France and England, the film introduces Joan as a deeply religious young girl. Her early life is marked by visions and a fervent belief in divine intervention. The trauma of witnessing the ravaging of her village and the death of her sister fuels her conviction to liberate France. This section establishes the historical context and Joan’s personal motivations.

Seeking the Dauphin and Gaining Support

Driven by her visions, Joan seeks out Charles, the Dauphin of France, claiming to be sent by God to lead the French army. Despite skepticism from the court, she manages to convince Charles of her divine mission. This is accomplished through correctly identifying him despite his disguise and a virginity test to ensure of her motives. This segment highlights Joan’s unwavering conviction and her ability to inspire belief in others.

Military Victories and Charles’s Coronation

Joan leads the French army to significant victories, most notably at the siege of Orléans. Her unconventional tactics and fearless leadership revitalize the French forces and turn the tide of the war. Following these successes, Charles is crowned King of France, fulfilling Joan’s prophecy. This part showcases Joan’s military prowess and the impact of her leadership on the French monarchy.

Betrayal and Capture

As the war progresses, Charles grows wary of Joan’s influence and ambition. Feeling threatened by her popularity, he withdraws his support and allows her to be captured by enemy forces. This betrayal sets the stage for Joan’s trial and execution. This demonstrates the complex political dynamics at play and Charles’s ultimate self-preservation.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Joan of Arc (Milla Jovovich): A deeply religious young woman who believes she is chosen by God to lead the French army against the English.
• Charles VII (John Malkovich): The Dauphin of France, initially hesitant but later crowned King, who relies on Joan to secure his throne.
• Yolande d’Aragon (Faye Dunaway): Charles VII’s manipulative mother-in-law who strategically supports Joan to advance her own influence.
• Gilles de Rais (Vincent Cassel): The Marshall of France who is a loyal and fierce supporter of Joan’s military campaigns.
• The Conscience (Dustin Hoffman): An enigmatic figure who appears to Joan in prison, challenging her faith and the validity of her visions.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Joan of Arc: “I fear nothing, for God is with me.” – This line encapsulates Joan’s unwavering faith and courage in the face of overwhelming odds.
• Joan of Arc: “If I am not, may God put me there; and if I am, may God so keep me.” – Joan says this during her trial when asked if she is in God’s grace, demonstrating her cleverness and devotion.
• Joan of Arc: “I have come in the name of the Lord.” – Joan declares this when entering battle, asserting her divine mission.
• The Conscience: “Did God tell you to do something?” – The Conscience questions Joan’s divine guidance, challenging the foundation of her beliefs.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $85,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $14,276,317
• Worldwide Gross: $66,976,317

💥 The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc Reviews

Personal Review

I went into this movie expecting a straightforward historical drama, but I got something much weirder. Milla Jovovich is completely committed to the role, which is admirable, but her intensity sometimes feels over the top. The battle scenes are brutal and chaotic, which I appreciated, but the ending left me feeling confused about what I was supposed to take away from the story. Seeing Dustin Hoffman pop up as Joan’s conscience felt really out of place. Despite its flaws, I can’t deny that it’s a memorable movie that sparks interesting debates about faith and fanaticism. I was not bored.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of historical dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in stories of female empowerment”
  • “Those fascinated by the life of Joan of Arc”
  • “People who enjoy epic war movies”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “War themes”
  • “Mature themes”
  • “Sexual assault (briefly depicted)”

Professional Reviews

• Roger Ebert: “Besson brings visual energy, but struggles with the story’s core. Jovovich is intense, but the film never decides if Joan is a saint, a madwoman, or a pawn. The battle scenes are chaotic, but the emotional resonance feels manufactured. A spectacle, but lacking soul.
• The New York Times: “Visually striking, yet emotionally distant. Jovovich’s performance is divisive, capturing Joan’s fervor but lacking nuance. Besson’s direction is ambitious, but the narrative feels disjointed. The film’s grandeur doesn’t compensate for its historical liberties and uneven pacing.
• Empire Magazine: “A bold, if flawed, take on Joan of Arc. Besson’s vision is undeniably powerful, but the film’s erratic tone and questionable casting choices undermine its impact. The battle sequences are visceral, but the character development is superficial. Ultimately, a visually impressive but narratively unsatisfying experience.

Audience Reactions

The battle scenes were incredibly visceral and realistic, making you feel like you were right there in the middle of the chaos.: Viewers appreciated the film’s commitment to portraying the brutality of medieval warfare.

Milla Jovovich’s performance was either loved or hated, with many finding her intensity captivating, while others found it overbearing.: Jovovich’s portrayal sparked significant debate and divided opinions among viewers.

Overall Consensus: A visually striking but divisive take on the Joan of Arc story, with Milla Jovovich’s performance and the film’s historical liberties sparking debate among critics and audiences.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Director Luc Besson and Milla Jovovich were married at the time of filming; they divorced shortly after the film’s release.”
• “The film’s battle scenes were shot with a high degree of realism, aiming to portray the brutal nature of medieval warfare, including graphic depictions of violence.”
• “Dustin Hoffman’s role as ‘The Conscience’ was a late addition to the script, intended to explore Joan’s internal conflicts and the potential for self-doubt.”
• “Filming took place in the Czech Republic and France, utilizing authentic medieval locations to enhance the film’s historical atmosphere.”

🖥️ How to Watch The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc?

As of [Current Date], “Joan of Arc” is available for digital purchase or rental on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check local listings for broadcast schedules. While not currently included with any major streaming subscriptions, individual episodes are available for purchase.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc, you might like these similar films:

• Braveheart (1995): Shares themes of national identity, rebellion against foreign oppressors, and a charismatic leader inspiring a nation to fight for freedom.
• The Passion of Joan of Arc (1928): A silent film classic focused on Joan’s trial and inner turmoil, offering a different, more intimate perspective on her story.
• Elizabeth (1998): A historical drama centered around a powerful female figure fighting for her country and facing political and religious opposition.
• Kingdom of Heaven (2005): Features large-scale battles and explores themes of religious faith and conflict during the Crusades, similar to the historical context of ‘Joan of Arc’.

🛒 The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc Related Products

• Joan of Arc: In Her Own Words: A compilation of original trial documents, offering a direct insight into Joan of Arc’s life and beliefs. Explore the complexities of her story with primary source material.
• Historical Medieval Knight Armor Suit Full Body Armor Wearable Costume: A meticulously crafted wearable armor suit, evoking the medieval era of Joan of Arc. Perfect for collectors, cosplayers, and history enthusiasts seeking an authentic experience.
• Joan of Arc Graphic T-Shirt: A stylish and comfortable t-shirt featuring iconic imagery from the movie Joan of Arc. Show your appreciation for this historical figure with this unique design.
• Medieval Strategy Board Game: Experience the Hundred Years’ War through a strategic board game. Command armies, forge alliances, and navigate historical events inspired by the movie Joan of Arc.

🎧 Soundtrack

The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “My Heart Calling” – performed by Éric Serra and Achinoam Nini
• “Main Titles” – performed by Éric Serra
• “Why?” – performed by Éric Serra

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Joan of Arc Explained in 15 Minutes

Ever wondered about the real Joan of Arc beyond the movie? This 15-minute video breaks down her incredible life story – from visions to battles. It’s a great way to understand the historical figure behind the film!

Medieval Weapons Expert Rates 7 More Weapons Scenes In Movies And TV | How Real Is It? | Insider

How realistic were the weapons and armor in ‘The Messenger’? This video has a medieval weapons expert breaking down the accuracy of movie scenes. I found it fascinating to see what they got right (and wrong)!

✨ Rate