JOAN OF ARC - RATED 12
This is one of the best versions of the legendary Joan of Arc I've seen. The acting is excellent, no cardboard characters. Many well known stars, excellent story line, plus some backing vocals by Charlotte Church, make this a must see movie.

DIRECTOR, CAST, WRITERS:
Directed by Christian Duguay.
Starring: Leelee Sobieski, Chad Willett, Jacqueline Bisset, Powers Boothe, Olympia Dukakis, Neil Patrick Harris, Robert Loggia, Maximilian Schell, Peter Strauss, Jonathan Hyde, Maury Chaykin.
Guest appearances by Shirley MacLaine also starring Peter O'Toole as Bishop Cauchon.
Written by: Michael Alexander Miller, Ronald Parker

DVD FEATURES:
· Picture Format: PAL 4:3 Academy · Colour Mode: Colour · Region Code: 2 · Feature Duration: 180 minutes approximately · Audio Content: Dolby Digital Stereo · · Special Features: Trailer · Interactive Menus · Scene Selections · Double Sided For Part 1 + Part 2 ·

MY OPINION:
I remember watching a really old black & white version when I was a boy. That was very moving to me then, so I was really looking forward to the version starring Milla Jovovich by Luc Besson. More about that one later!

Before that version was due on video, (about a month before) I spied the Leelee Sobieski as Joan version. Just the one copy there on video, in my local video shop. I thought it wouldn't amount to much, as it said it was a film originally made for a mini TV series, plus it was THE one copy of it there. How wrong I was..................... Despite this, I decided to give it a try.

To watch this one, you need to allow yourself at least three hours where you won't be interrupted. It's long but the time goes by very quickly, because the story never becomes boring, it's very captivating actually.

The film is presented in full screen on a two sided DVD, which you have to obviously turn over, about half way through. This gives you time for a cuppa or whatever :-) It didn't distract me, as the break is at a moment which doesn't affect the flow too much.

Most people reading this, will already know the story of Joan Of Arc (Leelee Sobieski). The young peasant girl who hears the voices of saints. Which in turn takes her on a journey to her fateful burning at the stake. I'm not saying that the story here is true to the history books exactly, but it looks to me, after reading from other sources, to be nearer the truth as I see it. The story line is very well written, dramatically filmed with some good battle scenes.

This one starts with an insight into her childhood. Being born in the village of Domremy, the year 1412, she isn't what her father (Powers Boothe) wanted. He is disappointed she wasn't a boy. Her mother (Jacqueline Bisset), does her best to give Joan the affection she needs.

Witnessing the raids by fellow countrymen, on the village, seeing her friends killed, the poverty plus stories of France being pulled apart by the English in league with the "Burgundians". Tear at her feelings. She is deep into her religious beliefs, attending the church to pray.

Whilst all this is happening, she hears the voices along with visions, from saints. She feels this is her calling to help bring together her fellow countrymen. She attempts to meet with the King (Neil Patrick Harris). Her only way to do this was by portraying her as the prophet Merlin's saviour of France. Although against her wishes, this was achieved. Things begin to move quickly, she is drawn along by people, events. Plus a letter to her king, stating she was indeed the one prophesied to be the "miracle" which would unite France.

She falls foul to the Bishop Cauchon (Peter O'Toole), who does his best to discredit her. He fails to do this at first, then seemingly here, to regret "opposing" her later in her trial.

She wins over the King, eventually leading her to "be with" the French army. Gradually she becomes trusted by them, as they believe in her calling. She becomes their feared "flag bearer". Leading them into battle, resulting in victories across France. She is the legend they all need, to drive them forward to victory.

As her own sanity comes into question, her believing she really is the chosen one, her downfall begins......................The king betrays her to the English for his own ends, for a vast amount of money. She surrenders herself, knowing she has been betrayed, but also knowing it is "meant to be", for the good of France.

She is accused of heresy by the church. Taken to be tried by the English. Her visions, voices are never truly admitted by her, but she receives no support from anyone. Weary from her trials, she signs a retraction, which to her judges, accusers, enemies use to find her guilty. Her end in 1431 by burning at the stake, is emotionally displayed here, by excellent filming, deep story line with some very good acting.

I haven't given away too much of the actual story, because there are some parts (whether true or not), which add to the "need" to watch factor. All I can say is, that in my view, it is an exceptionally good made for TV movie, which is "gripping", "involving".

In comparison to the other Joan Of Arc made for cinema release, "The Messenger" by Luc Besson, starring Milla Jovovich:
Leelee Sobieski plays the part of Joan so much better, an outstanding performance. The story has more substance, belief, historical fact. Choosing between the two as to which one is best was easy. The only thing that makes the Messenger "okay" are the battle scenes. If the battle scenes from the Messenger were put with this "made for TV movie" Or if some of the actors, all of the script from the TV version were put into the Messenger. It would have been a BIG box office hit.

I recommend that you watch The Messenger by video or DVD rental, before buying it, as it could cost you from £9.99p upward. But as this reviewed DVD can be bought for as little as £4.33p, it's well worth buying. (The video version is shorter than the DVD version by about 20 minutes). DVD version is three hours long approximately.

Thanks for reading this opinion, I hope you find it helpful :-)

If you want to see for yourself how the historical facts are perceived to be, by another source, try this link:
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08409c.htm