The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc (1999)
Director: Luc Besson
Starring: Milla Jovovich, John Malkovich, Faye Dunaway, Dustin Hoffman, Pascal Greggory, Vincent Cassel, Tcheky Karyo, Richard Ridings, Desmond Harrington, Timothy West
This is an especially interesting version of the story of Joan of Arc. She has a vision of her putting the Dauphin (heir to the monarchy) on the throne by fighting the English. She is so sure of her vision from God that she becomes a woman obsessed. She is absolutely frantic about getting at the English immediately. The French army leaders are at first extremely skeptical of her abilities and afraid of her impetuousness. But with time they realize what they have -- someone to inspire their troops to victory -- and learn to work with her to control her overwrought nature so that victory is obtained, and disaster averted.
1337 -- Edward III of England, claiming the French crown, assumes title King of France; beginning of the Hundred Year's War with England (1337-1453)
About half way through this 100 year period, Joan of Arc arises. Anglo-Burgundian alliance dissolves.
1428 -- Joan of Arc leads French armies against England
1429 -- she raises the siege of Orleans; Charles VII crowned in Rheims; Henry VI crowned at Westminster
1430 -- she is captured by Burgundians at Compiegne
1431 Joan of Arc burned at the stake at Rouen; Henry VI of England crowned King of France
1435 Peace of Arras between Charles VII and Philip of Burgundy
1436 English troops withdraw from Paris; the French king reenters Paris
1439 heirs to the French throne receive the title Conte du Dauphine
1449 English break truce with France, capture Fougeres
1453 -- the battle of Castillon, in Aquitaine, brought the long contest to an end; all English expelled, except from Calais
The economic result of the war was ruin and depopulation, but the political result was the strengthening of the French monarchy.
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