Product Details

• Actors: Alfred Molina
• Format: Closed-captioned, Color, DVD, NTSC
• Language: English
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Vision Video
• DVD Release Date: April 15, 2005
• Run Time: 56 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B0009FV18Q
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #91,884 in Movies & TV (See Bestsellers in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

An icon of medieval history, Joan of Arc is both a legendary heroine and a martyred saint. Inspired by "voices" she believed came from God, the illiterate peasant girl emerged at 17 from a war-torn corner of France to rally a demoralized army and change the course of history. Joan's story -- based on her actual testimony -- comes to television in "JOAN OF ARC: Child of War, Soldier of God" an original special which premieres on Hallmark Channel, Monday, March 21 at 10p.m.ET (9p.m.CT). Tony Award® Nominee, Alfred Molina narrates and Anna Paquin -- Academy Award®-winning actor for "The Piano" -- is the voice of Joan.

As the English raided the countryside villages of France in 1425, 13-year-old Joan began hearing voices that demanded she bring peace to war-ravaged France. By 17, she had convinced the leaders of France to grant her an army. She fearlessly mobilized her troops on a quest that stunned the English invaders and brought about the coronation of the French heir to the throne. At 19, Joan was convicted of heresy and sentenced to death.

The new special was filmed on location in France and the Czech Republic. For the first time, viewers can see Joan's life unfold through her own eyes and based on her own words, and experience the powerful grip of faith that inspired her to lead.

Faith & Values Media's original docudrama was directed and produced by Emmy Award-winning filmmaker Pamela Mason Wagner, who earlier brought the lives of Saint Francis of Assisi and Saint Patrick to television for Faith & Values Media.

The executive producers of "JOAN OF ARC: Child of War, Soldier of God" are Edward J. Murray and William Spencer Reilly of Faith & Values Media and Jeffrey C. Weber of Lightworks Producing Group.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Joan of Arc: Peasant Girl, Child of War, Soldier of God, June 27, 2006

By	B.Wray "Green Hornet" (USA) - See all my reviews

I'm a major fan of Joan of Arc or as she was once called Jeanne d' Arc. Jeanne was a mere peasant girl who lived in War torn France; but at age 17, she rallied a demoralized nation and changed the course of history forever. There have been many excellent movies and plays about the life of Jeanne; but, in my opinion, this one is the best. It is based upon Jeanne's writing and also upon the historical records of the time. It doesn't take the liberties that many other presentations have in the past.

This presentation stars Lucie Vondrackova as Jeanne and she does a masterful job at capturing this historical heroine's quest to stop the English invaders, coronate the Dauphin, and save France from invaders; while helping the viewer to discover a fascinating, idealistic and innocent young woman. One of my favorite actors, Alfred Molina, provides the historical narration for this 56 minute presentation; while Anna Paquin gives provides Jeanne's voice.

Inspired by "her voices", young Jeanne struggles to achieve her own vision in a brutal and dangerous world. Many scholars offer their insights about this young woman's quest. I highly recommend this movie.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good overview of the life of Saint Joan of Arc, July 17, 2007

By	Ben D. Kennedy "Author of Maid of Heaven" - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is a well-done documentary that gives a good overview of the life of Saint Joan of Arc. If you do not know much about the life of Saint Joan this is a good place to start and will teach you the highlights of her life. Even if you already know her story, you will still probably enjoy it as I did. I especially liked the French accents and the way they refer to her as she was called in her native tongue: Jehanne. They also did a good job in choosing an actress that fits the historical descriptions of Saint Joan. Most importantly, unlike so many modern books and films, this one does not try to explain her life apart from God and her supernatural Voices. There are some minor historical mistakes like what caused her capture (it was a drawbridge raised not gates closed), but overall a good docudrama that most will enjoy.

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Joan's story soldiers on, February 27, 2006

By	Robert Osser - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Joan of Arc : Child of war, soldier of God. Molina, Alfred [narrator]. Faith & Values Media, 2005. DVD, 56 min.

This great historical perspective of Joan of Arc starts in 1425 as Joan states "It is Gods will to deliver the people of France from the calamity that is upon them". The DVD is based on the testimony of Joan of Arc. Joan recounts the amazing joy of hearing voices talk to her to keep the faith through the time of English occupation of France.

The story of Joan of Arc starts when she is 13 years old when God was guiding her towards defending her country and continues on when she, at 17, convinced the King of France to grant her an army. Joan just seemed to have an aura around her that made people believe in her.

During the story, some historical experts and psychologists talk about Joan's mystical [divine?] powers. Joan is a pillar of strength for those of us who doubt God's purpose for us in this lifetime. It is funny to think that Joan was tried for being a witch and it wasn't until after her execution that people rose up and made her the most significant female figure in her time.