The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc is a French/American historical drama film directed by Luc Besson. The screenplay was written by Besson and Andrew Birkin, and the original music score was composed by Éric Serra. The Messenger portrays the story of St. Joan of Arc, the famous French war heroine of the 15th century and religious martyr, played by Milla Jovovich. The story begins with young Joan witnessing the atrocities of the English against her family, following her through her visions, to her leadership in battle, through doubt , and finally to her trial and execution.... Coincidentally, a miniseries, Joan of Arc, was made for television at the same time as Besson's film. Joan is shown being burned at the stake; however, it happens fast, as the flames quickly engulf her and she disappears. The plotline then tells the story of how she deserved this. Ten years earlier, Joan, as a little girl, confesses her sins in church two or three times a day. The priest asks after her family; concluding all is well at home, he decides she is only unusually religious.
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| Release date: | October 18, 1999 |
| Directed by: | Luc Besson |
| Rated: |  |
| Runtime: | 160 Minutes |
| Producer: | Patrice Ledoux, Luc Besson |
| Editor: | Sylvie Landra |
| Music by: | Eric Serra |
| Cinematography: | Thierry Arbogast |
| Screenplay by: | Luc Besson, Andrew Birkin |
| Estimated budget: | $85,000,000 |
| Genre: | Biography |