Joan of Arc (1999 mini-series)

 

I know I haven't mentioned it a great deal here, but I've always loved Saint Joan of Arc. I mean what girl wouldn't admire her! For centuries Joan of Arc has been immortalized through every possible art medium, from 15th century drawings to feature length films. She is often portrayed as either an ethereal saint or as a noble warrior. This 1999 mini-series is one of the most beautiful and thought provoking movies that tells the full life story of the beloved Saint Joan of Arc.

During the Lancastrian era of the Hundred Years' War between France and England, the French are under heavy subjugation of the English as both royal families clash for control of the French throne. To save themselves from despair, the French people hold tight to a legend (foretold by Merlin) that France would be saved by a young maid, who would be known as The Maid of Lorraine. Who this girl was, where she was from and when she would appear is a constant mystery. However, hidden hope is better than no hope at all.

In Domrémy, a destitute war zone controlled village in Northern France, 11 year old Joan D'Arc has lived the simple life of a peasant girl with her family. Although she is close to her loving mother and affectionate older brothers, Joan has a distant relationship with her cold and insensitive father. At Mass Joan begins to hear a heavenly voice that no one else can hear. Joan keeps this phenomenon to herself, but her silent devotion wins the affection of Father Monet, the kindly village priest. Monet relays to Joan the history of France's suffering, the earlier defeat of the Battle of Agincort and finally the legend of the Maid of Lorraine. All of these Joan contemplates as she grows older and the voices remain a secret part of her life.

When Joan is 17, the voices demand that she leaves everything and travel to Chinon where the Dauphin, Charles, resides. Joan believes that God is telling her to command Charles to take his rightful place as King and fight for the people of France. However, getting to Chinon is only one step in this great heavenly mission that not even Joan herself can possibly comprehend. Nor the sacrifices that would be made to complete God's will for France, her people and for herself. 

The simplicity of how this story is told is one of the reasons why it's so enjoyable to watch. As well as the people that are put into Joan's life who guide and support her on her mission. Even those that betray and wish to destroy her, will eventually mold Joan into the hero she was to the legend she continues to be. Starting with her parents and Father Monet, to meeting lively Mother Babette in the city Vaucouleurs who becomes her mentor and companion. The arrogant Dauphin Charles and his doubting spiritual advisor, Bishop Pierre Cauchon. Captain La Hire, a veteran of Agincort who finds Joan to be more of an irritant than a savior.

And finally, Jean de Mentz, a handsome, fearless soldier who is tasked with accompanying Joan to Charles and remains steadfastly loyal to her until the end. Movie makers nowadays could take notes on how to write a quiet, subtle love story that was based on friendship and respect and didn't overtake the storyline either. Joan and Jean's developing friendship (that had potential to be more) is one of my favorite parts in the miniseries

 

Simple, straightforward and deeply spiritual, many people agree that this portrayal of Joan of Arc was exceptional because Joan isn't seen as lunatic or schizophrenic. The voices of Saint Catherine and eventually Saint Margaret are as natural to her as talking to the priest or the king. She speaks of them with reverence and love, not with madness or fear. Joan herself is a layered character that can range from undeniably sweet, to haughty and temperamental. She's not perfect, she makes mistakes and she picks herself up and continue to go on. 

As the mission nears its end and Joan is shown by God what her future holds, she doesn't argue or fight. She accepts God's will to with her life as he sees fit, even it means betrayal, imprisonment, slander and eventually burning at the stake. Joan of Arc was 19 when she died. She sacrificed a simple life as a wife and mother to obey God and bring her country together and allowed herself to be sacrificed in the end to complete her holy calling.