Leelee Sobieski Movie:

Editorial Review:
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

Joan of Arc [Region 2] Reviews:
questionable
2009-11-30 - As you remember, I've complained about the product ordered as not good. I've returned it and that was the end of the story. Will I order again in the future? That remains to be determined.

Excellent Low Budget Film
2009-09-12 - Seems to be very close to the historical record. They obviously softened Cauchon's role for Peter O'Toole and consolidated the three military leaders into Peter Strauss' role. I preferred the fire in Mila Jovovich's portrayal (but hated everything else about "The Messenger.") Mark Twain's version (The Story of Joan of Arc) is great reading, classic Twain, and surprisingly even more accurate than any movie yet made on Joan. I highly recommend both this video and Mark Twain's book.

Great movie!
2009-05-22 - This movie is perfect for someone looking to watch a more modern rendition of the story of the martyr Joan of Arc. Though it has battles, it is not violent and well deserving of a PG rating, (it does not have a rating). Lee Lee Sokieski makes a striking Joan, while Neil Patrick Harris plays King Charles.

Best Joan of Arc film ever seen
2009-05-16 - This is the best Joan of Arc film I has ever seen.
The actress Leelee Sobieski has played the role absolutely persuasive.The action does not correspond completely to the true story Joan of Arc, but, nevertheless, the film was excellent.The sword was found not really by Joan of Arc even in the chapel, but you allowed to dig out it by order and bring to her.Also the beginning agrees as you to Vaucouleur goes, not with the true story. Nevertheless, this passage of the film was moved very well.The film earns anyway the full number of the stars!Absolutely without compromises recommendable.


Historically Questionable but truly inspirational.
2009-05-10 - I have a read a number of books on Jeanne D'Arc and the movie takes some liberties but it conveys the main message, her faith. It is inspirational to see an unwavering faith and Leelee Sobieski played an outstanding Jeane or Joan. In her true life she followed her God to the letter and was not to be deterred. A great movie and a great story.