Joan of Arc (1999), directed by Luc Besson, is a historical drama that chronicles the extraordinary life of Jeanne d’Arc, the French heroine and martyr of the Hundred Years’ War. Starring Milla Jovovich in the title role, the film portrays Joan’s journey from a humble peasant girl to the commander of French forces, guided by her faith, visions, and an unyielding sense of purpose. The film emphasizes themes of faith, courage, destiny, and sacrifice, presenting a humanized and dramatic interpretation of a figure whose legend has endured for centuries.
Plot Summary
The film opens in Domrémy, France, where Joan (Milla Jovovich) lives a modest life with her family. From a young age, she experiences visions of saints and angels, guiding her toward a divine mission: to drive the English forces out of France and support the rightful heir, Charles VII, in his quest to claim the French throne. These spiritual experiences become the driving force of her life, shaping her actions and inspiring those around her.
Joan’s journey begins with her decision to leave home and approach Robert de Baudricourt, a local garrison commander, to gain support for her mission. Despite initial skepticism, she persuades him to accompany her to the Dauphin, Charles VII (Vincent Cassel). Her conviction and divine inspiration convince Charles to grant her command of an army, despite her youth and lack of formal military training.
The narrative follows Joan’s leadership during key battles, including the lifting of the siege of Orléans, where her presence boosts the morale of French troops and leads to strategic victories. Her unorthodox methods, bravery, and unwavering faith inspire soldiers and civilians alike, earning her a reputation as a divinely guided leader. The film emphasizes the miraculous and heroic aspects of her achievements, portraying Joan as a symbol of hope and national unity.
Joan’s success draws both admiration and hostility. French nobles, clergy, and soldiers are divided over her authority and gender, while the English perceive her as a threat to their dominion. Ultimately, she is captured by Burgundian forces allied with the English and handed over to ecclesiastical authorities. The film depicts her trial as a combination of political manipulation, misogyny, and religious scrutiny, with Joan steadfastly defending her visions, beliefs, and mission.
The climax of the film focuses on Joan’s execution by burning at the stake in Rouen. Despite facing death, she maintains her faith and courage, delivering a final, resolute testimony of her conviction. Her martyrdom cements her legacy as a national heroine and symbol of divine inspiration, highlighting the themes of sacrifice and unwavering commitment to principle.
Characters and Performances
Joan of Arc
Milla Jovovich delivers a compelling performance as Joan of Arc, embodying both spiritual intensity and human vulnerability. Jovovich captures Joan’s youthful determination, moral courage, and unshakeable faith, portraying a heroine whose convictions inspire both followers and viewers alike. Her performance conveys the emotional weight of Joan’s journey, balancing moments of tender humanity with the commanding presence required of a military leader and spiritual figure.
Charles VII
Vincent Cassel portrays Charles VII as a hesitant and politically cautious ruler. His relationship with Joan is complex, reflecting both admiration for her courage and uncertainty about her unorthodox methods. Cassel’s performance emphasizes the tension between political pragmatism and the inspiration Joan provides, highlighting the challenges of leadership in a time of crisis.
Robert de Baudricourt
Robert de Baudricourt, played by John Malkovich, is depicted as a skeptical and initially dismissive figure who eventually recognizes Joan’s conviction and supports her journey. Malkovich’s performance emphasizes the gradual transformation of doubt into respect, reflecting the persuasive power of faith and determination.
English and Clerical Figures
The English commanders and clerical authorities, portrayed by actors such as Faye Dunaway, serve as antagonists, embodying both political ambition and institutional rigidity. Their opposition underscores the societal and gender-based challenges Joan faces, heightening the tension between individual conviction and established authority.
Themes and Analysis
Faith and Divine Inspiration
A central theme of Joan of Arc is faith and divine inspiration. Joan’s visions and belief in divine guidance motivate her actions and distinguish her from other historical figures. The film emphasizes the transformative power of faith, portraying it as a source of courage, strategic insight, and moral authority. Her spiritual experiences also raise questions about the relationship between personal conviction and societal recognition of legitimacy.
Courage and Leadership
Courage and leadership are prominent throughout the film. Joan’s ability to inspire and lead an army despite her age, gender, and lack of military training reflects both personal bravery and visionary leadership. The film celebrates her tactical and moral courage, portraying her as an exemplar of heroism who challenges conventional expectations and societal norms.
Sacrifice and Martyrdom
Joan’s story is also a narrative of sacrifice and martyrdom. Her unwavering commitment to her mission ultimately leads to her death, highlighting the personal cost of pursuing principles in the face of overwhelming opposition. The film presents her martyrdom as both tragic and transcendent, reinforcing her status as a symbol of divine justice and national identity.
Gender and Authority
The film explores gender and authority, emphasizing the challenges Joan faces as a young woman in a patriarchal society. Her leadership is contested and scrutinized by both secular and religious authorities, reflecting the broader societal struggle to recognize women in positions of power. Joan’s success despite these obstacles reinforces the theme of individual integrity and moral authority transcending societal expectations.
Cinematic Style and Execution
Luc Besson’s direction emphasizes epic scale and visual storytelling. The film combines realistic depictions of medieval France with stylized cinematography, creating both a historical and mythic atmosphere. The battle sequences, particularly the siege of Orléans, are choreographed with intensity and precision, emphasizing Joan’s leadership and the chaos of war.
The cinematography, by Thierry Arbogast, uses sweeping landscapes, dynamic camera movements, and detailed period design to create an immersive experience. The use of light and shadow emphasizes the spiritual and emotional aspects of Joan’s journey, particularly in scenes depicting visions, trials, and her execution.
Eric Serra’s musical score complements the narrative, blending orchestral and choral elements to underscore both action and introspection. The music enhances the epic and spiritual dimensions of the story, reflecting the emotional intensity of Joan’s journey and the grandeur of her historical context.
Historical and Cultural Context
Joan of Arc is grounded in historical events, portraying key moments of the Hundred Years’ War, the French monarchy, and the political landscape of 15th-century France. Joan’s role in lifting the siege of Orléans and supporting Charles VII’s coronation is depicted with dramatic fidelity, though the film takes artistic liberties in dialogue, chronology, and personal interactions for narrative effect.
Historically, Joan of Arc became a symbol of French nationalism and Christian faith, canonized as a saint in 1920. The film emphasizes both her historical achievements and her symbolic significance, reflecting modern interest in heroism, gender, and the interplay between faith and politics. The narrative also highlights the tension between individual conviction and institutional power, a theme resonant across historical and contemporary contexts.
Reception and Legacy
Joan of Arc received mixed reviews upon release, with praise for Milla Jovovich’s performance and the visual depiction of battles, but criticism for narrative pacing and historical simplifications. Some critics felt the film struggled to balance intimate character development with epic storytelling, while others appreciated its focus on Joan’s human and spiritual dimensions.
Despite mixed critical reception, the film has contributed to popular understanding of Joan of Arc, inspiring interest in her life, faith, and historical significance. It has been recognized for its visual and thematic ambition, particularly in portraying a young woman navigating leadership, divine inspiration, and societal opposition. The film’s legacy includes influencing subsequent portrayals of historical heroines in cinema and reinforcing the cultural significance of Joan as a symbol of courage, integrity, and faith.
Conclusion
Joan of Arc (1999) is a compelling historical drama that portrays the extraordinary life of one of history’s most iconic heroines. Through Joan’s journey from peasant girl to military leader and martyr, the film explores themes of faith, courage, leadership, sacrifice, and gender. Milla Jovovich’s performance captures both the spiritual intensity and human vulnerability of Joan, while Luc Besson’s direction emphasizes epic scale, visual storytelling, and dramatic intensity.
The film highlights the tension between personal conviction and societal authority, illustrating the challenges of leadership, morality, and belief in the face of overwhelming opposition. Joan’s martyrdom, unwavering faith, and lasting legacy continue to resonate, making her a timeless figure whose story embodies heroism, moral courage, and spiritual inspiration.
By blending historical events with emotional and psychological depth, Joan of Arc presents both an accessible and inspiring account of a young woman whose vision, determination, and sacrifice changed the course of history. The film remains a notable contribution to historical cinema, offering audiences insight into the life of a heroine whose courage and faith have endured across centuries.
