The Passion of Joan of Arc
Seen it?1928 | 81 min | Drama, History
Friday Night FlickWhy it’s a Friday Night Flick
Critics loved it (98% on Rotten Tomatoes), audiences rate it highly (8.0 out of 10) and it's still drawing plenty of interest. Make plans for this one.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for history buffs. If you loved Silence or Amadeus, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Thoughtful and character-driven.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 21 min.
- What might put you off
- It's in French, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
- Made in 1928: an older pace and style.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
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 is subjected to inhumane treatment and scare tactics at the hands of church court officials. 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.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
98% on Rotten Tomatoes, 98 on Metacritic
- AudiencesStrong
8.0 out of 10
- AwardsNot counted
No major awards or nominations
- Box office & staying powerBelow par
$18K worldwide; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 123K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
Silence
Saturday SpecialAnother historical drama, and a Saturday Special.
Dead Man Walking Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed drama.
The Magdalene Sisters
Sunday Safe BetAnother historical drama, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
Titus
Weeknight WatchAnother historical drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Amadeus Friday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed historical drama.
Want more like this, picked just for you? Get my picks
Cast & crew
Directed by Carl Theodor Dreyer
- Maria FalconettiJeanne d'Arc
- Eugène SilvainBishop Pierre Cauchon
- André BerleyJean d'Estivet
- Maurice SchutzNicolas Loyseleur
- Antonin ArtaudJean Massieu
- Michel SimonJean Lemaître
- Jean d'YdGuillaume Evrard
- Louis RavetJean Beaupère
- Armand LurvilleJudge
- Jacques ArnnaJudge