A strong cast, impressive production values, and astute direction distinguish this generally successful dramatization of the tumultuous life of the 15th-century French heroine whose military victories were eclipsed by her martyrdom. At the heart of the story is the conflict between the teenager's simple but fierce faith and the more complex political and theological issues that influence her downfall, a theme fleshed out through the portrayals of the young warrior's liege, the Dauphin (later King) Charles, and the Bishop Cauchon.
The 140-minute feature follows Joan D'Arc's odyssey from peasant obscurity to notoriety as the "Maid of Orleans," spiritual fulcrum for the beleaguered French forces struggling to halt English invaders. As played by Leelee Sobieski (Eyes Wide Shut), her evolution from naive farm girl to seasoned soldier is convincing, as is her gradual awakening to the underlying agendas of church and state. Most critically, Sobieski radiates the young girl's fervent spiritual devotion.
Framing Sobieski's focal performance are two equally fine turns from Neil Patrick Harris, who erases his legacy as TV's Doogie Howser, M.D. with a neatly shaded, steely Charles, and Peter O'Toole, who balances his signature reserve and present physical frailty to make Cauchon a moral compass for the story. Having opposed Joan as a threat to orthodoxy, the Bishop recognizes her purity too late; O'Toole turns this moment into a dreadful epiphany that resonates through the story's inevitable, fiery denouement. Fine supporting performances from Peter Strauss, Shirley MacLaine, and Maximillian Schell, plus evocative medieval locations in the Czech Republic, further buttress the story. French-Canadian director Christian Duguay handles the large-scale battle sequences with fluid blocking and smart camera work. --Sam Sutherland
(10 votes)
2.
Star-studded four hour made-for-television mini-series about Joan of Arc, the young woman who tried to unify France and instead was convicted of heresy and burned at the cross at the tender age of nineteen. Leelee Sobieski (EYES WIDE SHUT, NEVER BEEN KISSED) makes for a strong Saint Joan.
(10 votes)
3.
She Died At 19. 500 Years Later. Her Legend Still Lives.
Leelee Sobieski (Deep Impact) shines as the legendary warrior Joan Of ‘Arc, who, at seventeen, let one of the greatest campaigns for freedom the world has ever witnessed. Supported by an all-star cast including Jacqueline Bisset, Neil Patrick Harris, Robert Loggia, Peter Strauss, Peter O’Toole, Academy Award winners Maximilian Schell and Olympia Dukakis, and a special cameo appearance by Shirley MacLaine, Joan Of Arc is a riveting epic of inspiration, triumph and tears.
born to a peasant French family, young Joan hears the voices of saints calling out to her to unite her besieged nation. Gaining an audience with the young king, Joan convinces him to allow her to command an army into battle – an adventure that leads to thrilling victories and heartbreaking betrayals – as Joan Of Arc defies All Odds and marches into history.
(10 votes)
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