Synopsis

In 1429, teenage peasant Joan of Arc claims to receive divine visions commanding her to save France from English occupation. After convincing the Dauphin to give her an army, she inspires French victories and helps turn the tide of the Hundred Years' War. Captured and tried for heresy, Joan faces political betrayal, religious persecution, and execution while struggling to understand the source of her visions.

Factoids & Trivia

• The film was released in France under the title "Jeanne d'Arc" and internationally as "The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc."

• The project grew out of an earlier Joan of Arc film being developed by Kathryn Bigelow, titled "Company of Angels." Luc Besson had initially been involved as an executive producer before leaving that production and developing this version.

• Milla Jovovich and Luc Besson had previously collaborated on "The Fifth Element." Their personal relationship ended during the post-production period of "The Messenger," and they divorced in 1999.

• Filming began in the Czech Republic in June 1998, including work near Bruntal, and later moved to several regions of France. The Czech Film Commission lists the production among major international films made in the country.

• The production was mounted as a large-scale historical epic, with an estimated budget reported at roughly $60 million to $85 million, depending on the source.

• The film's unusually graphic battle scenes and harsh depiction of Joan's trial set it apart from more reverent portrayals of the saint. Its approach emphasizes violence, political power, and uncertainty surrounding Joan's visions.

• The movie runs approximately 148 minutes and uses English as its primary language, with some Latin.