
The Passion of Joan of Arc
1928, History/Drama, 1h 17m
59 Reviews 10,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
The Passion of Joan of Arc is must-see cinema for Renée Maria Falconetti's incredible performance alone -- and an all-time classic for innumerable other reasons. Read critic reviews
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Where to watch
The Passion of Joan of Arc Photos
Movie Info
A classic of the silent age, this film tells the story of the doomed but ultimately canonized 15th-century teenage warrior. On trial for claiming she'd spoken to God, Jeanne d'Arc (Renee Falconetti) is subjected to inhumane treatment and scare tactics at the hands of church court officials (Eugene Silvain, Jean d'Yd). Initially bullied into changing her story, Jeanne eventually opts for what she sees as the truth. Her punishment, a famously brutal execution, earns her perpetual martyrdom.
Cast & Crew
Maria Falconetti
Jeanne d'Arc
Jeanne d'Arc
Eugene Silvain
Évêque Pierre Cauchon (as Eugène Silvain)
Évêque Pierre Cauchon (as Eugène Silvain)
André Berley
Jean d'Estivet
Jean d'Estivet
Maurice Schultz
Nicolas Loyseleur
Nicolas Loyseleur
Antonin Artaud
Jean Massieu
Jean Massieu
Michel Simon
Jean Lemaître
Jean Lemaître
Critic Reviews for The Passion of Joan of Arc
Audience Reviews for The Passion of Joan of Arc
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Jun 08, 2018Director Carl Theodor Dreyer created a unique experience with this film, employing low camera angles, unique editing, and a ton of tight shots on his actors to get an intensity of emotion from them, Maria Falconetti (as Jeanne d'Arc) in particular. The story focuses on just her trial and execution, which has the advantage that it makes the film taut and Kafkaesque, but the disadvantage that additional context would have told a richer story. Do we really see Jeanne d'Arc here? I'm not so sure, historical transcript notwithstanding, though I did find it fascinating that she refused to change out of her men's clothing. While performances are strong and the film is ahead of its time, the content is dark, and not particularly uplifting, especially if you're a non-believer. There is of course a universal theme in a righteous person standing up to persecution - being mocked, threatened, and tortured - but at the end of the day, it's simple Jeanne, believing she was sent by God, standing up against the established clergy, who, threatened by her assertions, believe she was sent by the Devil. The film never ponders whether both may be deluded, and concludes with her soul being protected by the flames as it rises to heaven. Watch this one for Dreyer's craft and Falconetti's performance.Antonius B Super Reviewer
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Aug 05, 2017Baffling us with spectacular visuals and one of the most magnificent performances in the history of Cinema, it is nearly unbelievable how Dreyer made such a stunning masterpiece solely from rejected material after his original master print had been accidentally destroyed.Carlos M Super Reviewer
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Sep 04, 2016Easily one of the best films made in the history of cinema, The Passion of Joan of Arc marks the milestone for cinematic use of lighting and unapologetic acting. I loved the close ups and the zoom in of characters to make them look grotesque. It's such a simple yet powerful film, needs to be watched!Sylvester K Super Reviewer
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Oct 08, 2015The Passion of Joan of Arc is a fascinating film. The film has great composition and the black and white gives it this intense, graphic quality (reminiscent of Fellini's 8 1/2). The performances are simple and intense as well (and I wonder if something might be lost if sound were added). This is definitely one to watch for lovers of film.Robert B Super Reviewer
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