Year: 1999
Runtime: 148 min
Language: English
Director: Luc Besson
A teenage peasant girl claims divine guidance to lead the French army against the English occupation, sparking a remarkable series of events. This biography explores the rise of Joan of Arc, detailing her miraculous experiences, prophetic visions, and pivotal battles. Defying societal norms, she inspires unwavering devotion and leaves a lasting impact on France before her tragic death at the young age of nineteen.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
Read the complete plot breakdown of The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc (1999), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
As the flames devoured her childhood village, young Joan of Arc was left with deep emotional scars from the relentless visions that plagued her since childhood. In the midst of chaos, the comforting presence of her older sister Catherine briefly eased Joan’s pain, but fate cruelly intervened, and she witnessed her sister’s brutal murder by the rampaging English soldiers. This personal tragedy shattered Joan’s innocence, forcing her to seek refuge with distant relatives while her heart bore the weight of loss.
Years later, in the formidable stronghold of Chinon, Charles VII, the future King of France and Dauphin, received an urgent message from the now-teenage Joan. She implored him to gather an army to combat the English forces occupying their lands. Welcoming her, Charles, alongside his mother-in-law Yolande of Aragon, was enthralled by Joan’s passionate recounting of her divine visions, believing wholeheartedly that she was destined to lead them to victory.
With unwavering resolve, Joan donned her armor and took charge of the French armies as they advanced towards the besieged city of Orléans. Despite her offers of surrender being met with contempt from the English, her strategic prowess shone through during key battles, culminating in the successful capture of the stockade at St. Loup. Joan faced initial skepticism from commanders who doubted her authority; nevertheless, she inspired the troops with her unyielding spirit, ultimately spearheading a daring charge that would turn the tide against their oppressors.
As the battle raged on, Joan again offered the English a chance to surrender, only to be met with obstinacy. Undaunted, she led a fierce second assault on the Tourelles stronghold, enduring severe injuries from enemy fire. Her relentless determination proved fruitful the following day when the French forces successfully seized the fortress.
With the English regrouping, Joan’s leadership ignited a desperate attempt at negotiation, which ended with the English retreating in disarray. Upon her triumphant return to Reims, she witnessed the coronation of Charles VII, and her military campaigns continued as she aimed to breach the walls of Paris. Despite facing repeated rejections for reinforcements, Joan’s faith in her mission remained steadfast.
Yet, as time passed, Charles’s perception of Joan’s significance began to decline, coupled with concerns regarding the financial strain of her campaigns. This shift in sentiment led to a treacherous scheme whereby she was betrayed and captured at Compiègne by the pro-English Burgundians, who sold her into the hands of her enemies. Shackled and imprisoned in Rouen, Joan awaited a grim fate under the cold gaze of her captors.
As her trial for heresy began, a palpable urgency filled the air, stemming from the English’s fears of her influence over their soldiers. Eager to rid themselves of the perceived threat, they hastily moved to condemn and execute her. Though initially hesitant, Bishop Cauchon succumbed to the mounting pressure, leading to Joan’s trial by fire.
Facing conviction and despair, Joan found herself confronting the harsh reality of execution without a chance for redemption. In a desperate bid to save her life, Bishop Cauchon insisted that she renounce her claims of divine guidance. Heavy-hearted, Joan complied, signing the recantation, but unbeknownst to her, this act would soon be twisted to seal her fate.
Confined in her cell, Joan grappled with self-doubt and fear as the English devised another scheme to destroy her reputation. In a shocking attempt to tarnish her image, they stripped her of her clothing, forcing her into men’s attire while accusing her of sorcery. Although she suspected foul play, Bishop Cauchon abandoned hope, allowing darkness to encroach upon her.
Ultimately, in a harrowing public spectacle, Joan of Arc was burned alive in the square of Rouen. Her anguished cries echoed through the crowd as she faced a tragic end. In a poignant epilogue, it is revealed that this remarkable figure would later be canonized as a saint in the 20th century, symbolizing the enduring strength of faith and tenacity against insurmountable odds.
Last Updated: November 21, 2024 at 11:12
Don't stop at just watching — explore The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.
Discover movies like The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc (1999) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc (1999) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Movies Like The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
Joan of Arc (2020) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Jeannette: The Childhood of Joan of Arc (2018) Ending Explained & Film Insights
The Princess of Montpensier (2011) Full Movie Breakdown
Thérèse: The Story of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux (2004) Ending Explained & Film Insights
The Warrior Queen of Jhansi (2019) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Kingdom of Heaven (2005) Film Overview & Timeline
Marie's Story (2015) Full Summary & Key Details
The Messenger (2009) Ending Explained & Film Insights
Marie Antoinette (2006) Complete Plot Breakdown
Fatima (2020) Film Overview & Timeline
Mary, Queen of Scots (1971) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
The Ordeal (2006) Plot Summary & Ending Explained
Marie Curie: The Courage of Knowledge (2017) Movie Recap & Themes
The Princess (2022) Story Summary & Characters
Farewell, My Queen (2012) Film Overview & Timeline