burkewhb This is easily the best Joan of Arc I have ever seen. Leelee Sobieski, at a very young age (17, which is how old the real Joan of Arc was) does a very mature job of portraying the strength of character, immense leadership qualities, high intelligence, natural military ability, and great faith of the real Joan of Arc.I think the medieval castles and the great battle scenes were very realistic. I know the movie takes liberties with the actual history of some of the events (for instance, Sir William Glasdale drowned in the moat trying to escape, he wasn't actually ordered to be killed by Joan), although I liked the way the movie did it, it was much more dramatic than what actually happened.Other actors in the movie also did a marvelous job, especially Peter O'Toole, Chad Willett, and Neil Patrick Harris, who I thought was very good as the cunning King Charles. The coronation scene was very well done with the glorious music and magnificent cathedral.What I didn't like about the movie was that in most of the second half too many liberties were taken with the real history of Joan's capture and mock trial. Joan didn't just give herself up to the Burgundians, she was trapped outside the town of Compiegne, which had raised its drawbridge before Joan could escape from the Burgundians she was fighting. Joan was not raped in prison as they strongly imply in this movie, although her guards tried many times to do so. Joan's final moments were too sad to watch. What happened was that she was convicted of heresy for wearing men's clothing (she only did so to keep from being raped). The whole trial was a mockery engineered by the English who wanted her dead no matter what. They feared and hated Joan for defeating them in battle. The English had complete control over the pro-English clergy who tried and judged Joan.This was a great movie. It's a shame that it was made for TV and not the big screen. I think more people would have seen it. For anyone with little or no knowledge of Joan of Arc, this movie is a must.

crazeymaisy I saw this movie in my history class, and it was great! It makes her an extreme role model that says that girls can do anything guys can, and sometimes in this case, much better. I still think it was sooooo unfair that this wonderful hero had to die in the end but it really makes you believe that she is the Maid of Larine! It really shows the pain that Joan had to go through, whether the information was real or not, this was still a wonderful historical movie. It is a great movie for kids to watch that are learning about her in class, and her story takes you to her time. The actress who played Joan was full of talent and you almost see her as Joan. If you are ready to witness the story of one of the best historical figures in history, this is the movie. I believe in the Maid.And she is Joan of Arc.

Marcin Kukuczka A lot of films have been made about this person, but none of them seems to be as powerful as this one. The reason is not only the fact that few films of such topics include such a great cast (most of the characters are played by great stars of cinema). It is, I think, the way that Mr Duguay portrayed Joan of Arc, really as she most probably was like: a young, sweet maiden who dared say the British: "I will lead my nation to victory through God's help!" She turns out to be a saint rather than, like in some other movies, a religious fanatic.The portrayal of Joan is created perfectly by a young, beautiful actress, with Polish ancestry, Leelee Sobieski. Throughout the movie, she beautifully stresses her innocence and gentleness going in pairs with the capability of leadership. In my opinion, no matter if Leelee will appear in other 50 films in her life career, this role will always be UNFORGETTABLE!Others who shine in their roles are, of course, Peter O'Toole as bishop Cauchon. On the one hand, he judges Joan and accuses her of pride and vanity; but on the other hand, fights for her "eternal soul". Maximilian Schell also gives a fine performance as a cruel and double faced representative of inquisition. But I particularly like Peter Strauss as La Hire, a commander of the French army. This role is typical for him: someone hesitating and doubting, but in the long run, opening his eyes and totally setting his heart on the values. "I stopped to believe in others and started to believe myself only. At Orleans, I stopped to believe myself, I started to believe in you," as he says once to Joan - REALLY POWERFUL!The mini series about Joan of Arc is a must in my film gallery. Without hesitation, I give it 9/10. GREAT STORY, WONDERFUL CAST, EXCELLENT MUSIC, MEMORABLE QUOTES, GREAT LOCATIONS (old castles in the Czech Republic)! This movie is really visually stunning. Do see it! Having seen once, you will feel a need to see this at least for the second time.

Movie Nuttball This is a very good movie and I think that this film is very realistic how it was back then. The actress who looks almost exactly like Helen Hunt Leelee Sobieski stars as the title name and she has a powerful performance. Powers Boothe, Jonathan Hyde, Peter O'Toole, Robert Loggia, Shirley MacLaine, Maximilian Schell, Neil Patrick Harris, and Peter Strauss all put on great performances. The music in the film is very good. I think everything looks very realistic and there maybe few battles but all are good. Back to her performance, Sobieski acts very convincingly as Joan. This is a very good film that is emotional, interesting, and exciting and really shouldn't be missed by any big movie fan or fans of Gladiator and The Lord of the Rings trilogy. I strongly recommend this title!