Review of The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc (1999) by Cristina A — 29 Sep 2009

I found it brilliant! Though there has been some debate on whether Joan was really having "visions" or just had a case of schizophrenia. Seeing Hoffman discuss logic with her after she had been captured by the British, I sense more questions than answers. Is that really what she felt like? All her life she believed God called her to save the French and now, her faith is questioned. I think it took more or less 300 years before she was canonized...

For me this movie meant more than a girl leading an army of men. It was more than girl-power. It's a movie of faith. It dares to ask within us: what would we have done? Do we really believe that our God is salvation? Joan partly used God's name in vain ("if any of you love me, follow me"), using her faith to justify doing battle. Even though she miraculously hasn't killed anyone, war does not justify anything. But then again, that's my opinion regarding this movie.

The cast was brilliant (though Milla signified one who seemed to be plagued by too much caffeine) and there were some comic relief as well ("be careful with my baby!"). I wouldn't suggest it to those who don't like gory stuff though. I especially loved Cassel and Harrington - charming!