The 1999 film The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc (French: Le Messager: The Story of Joan of Arc) is a dramatized account of the life of Joan of Arc, from her childhood visions to her trial and execution. The film stars Milla Jovovich as Joan, and was directed by Luc Besson.
The film begins with Joan as a young girl living in Domrémy, France. She begins to have visions of saints and angels, who tell her that she is destined to save France from the English during the Hundred Years' War. Joan convinces her parents to allow her to travel to the court of the Dauphin, the uncrowned heir to the French throne.
At the court, Joan is initially dismissed as a madwoman. However, she is eventually able to convince the Dauphin of her divine mission. She is given command of a French army, and leads them to a series of victories against the English.
Joan's victories inspire the French people, and she is hailed as a hero. However, she also makes powerful enemies, including the Duke of Burgundy, who is allied with the English.
In 1430, Joan is captured by the Burgundians and handed over to the English. She is put on trial for heresy, and is eventually found guilty and sentenced to death.
Joan is burned at the stake in Rouen, France, on May 30, 1431. She was 19 years old.
The film is a visually stunning and emotionally charged portrait of a young woman who was both a devout Christian and a fierce warrior. Jovovich's performance is particularly impressive, and she captures the many contradictions of Joan's personality.
The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc is a powerful and moving film that tells the story of one of the most iconic figures in French history.
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Director:c Besson
Writers: Andrew Birkin Luc Besson
Box Office Gross: $66,976,317
Distributor: Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE)
Genre: Adventure Biography Drama History War
Release Date: November 12, 1999
