Joan of Arc: Child of War, Soldier of God

Joan of Arc's well-documented life (1412-1431) has been the source of many dramatic productions that emphasize Joan's victimization in her famous martyrdom at the stake. Emmy award-winning filmmaker Pamela Mason Wagner's thoughtful docudrama Joan of Arc: Child of War, Soldier of God, produced for the Hallmark Channel, presents a more well-rounded portrait of the illiterate shepherd girl from Domrémy who changed the course of history. Narrator Alfred Molina sets the context: during the tail end of the 100 Years War between England and France, the French monarchy was in a state of anarchy, with England occupying much of the country. Responding to the voice of God (which she'd heard since she was 13), the 17-year-old Joan, in the guise of a peasant boy and with the blessing of the French government in exile, lead French troops through a series of victories to restore the rightful king to the throne. Subsequently betrayed, Joan was imprisoned, tried for heresy, and burned at the stake, although later her conviction was overturned, and in 1920 she was made a saint of the Roman Catholic Church. Filmed on location in France and the Czech Republic, this is a nicely-balanced production, with textured portrayals of the characters (Joan is voiced by Oscar-winner Anna Paquin), and an especially moving and sensitive depiction of Joan's imprisonment and trial. DVD extras include interviews with Wagner and Barbara Hall, creator and executive producer of the popular but cancelled TV series Joan of Arcadia; a discussion guide containing a historical timeline; and a list of resources (website, books, and plays). Highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (J. Reed)