Watch Jeannette: The Childhood of Joan of Arc

Directed by Bruno Dumont, Jeannette: The Childhood of Joan of Arc is a 2017 French musical film that explores the early years of the legendary French heroine, Joan of Arc. The film is an adaptation of the 1886 play "Le mystère de la charité de Jeanne d'Arc" by Charles Péguy and stars Lise Leplat Prudhomme in the titular role.

The film takes place during the early 15th century in France, a period of turmoil and religious unrest that was marked by the Hundred Years' War between England and France. Jeanne is a young shepherd girl who lives in a small village in Lorraine with her family. Despite her young age, she is deeply religious and devoted to God, spending much of her time praying and singing hymns.

Jeannette explores the struggles that Jeanne goes through as she tries to come to terms with her faith and the world around her. She questions the suffering and injustices that she sees around her, and struggles to understand why God allows such things to happen. Her spiritual struggles are mirrored by the political events of the time, as France is torn apart by war and her people suffer under the yoke of foreign occupation.

The film is structured as a musical, with haunting and ethereal songs that are sung by Jeanne and the other characters. The songs are a mix of medieval and modern styles, often featuring electronic and industrial beats that give the film a distinctly modern feel. The lyrics of the songs are taken directly from the play, and are full of religious symbolism and metaphors that explore Jeanne's spiritual journey.

The film is also visually striking, with Dumont's signature stark and desolate landscapes providing a haunting backdrop to Jeanne's story. The film's use of natural light and shadow create an almost dreamlike quality to the images, giving the film a surreal and mystical feel.

The performances in Jeannette are all excellent, with Lise Leplat Prudhomme giving a standout performance as the young Jeanne. Prudhomme brings a naturalistic and understated approach to the role, capturing the vulnerability and innocence of the character while also conveying the depth of her spiritual struggles. The supporting cast is also strong, with Jeanne Voisin and Lucile Gauthier both shining in their roles as Jeanne's mentors.

Overall, Jeannette: The Childhood of Joan of Arc is a unique and haunting film that offers a fresh and modern take on the story of one of history's most famous heroines. Through its musical style and surreal imagery, the film explores the spiritual and emotional struggles that Jeanne must face as she comes of age in a time of war and suffering. With its excellent performances and striking visuals, Jeannette is a film that is sure to linger in the memory long after the credits have rolled.

In conclusion, Jeannette: The Childhood of Joan of Arc is a must-see film for fans of historical dramas and art-house cinema. Its unique blend of medieval and modern styles, haunting musical numbers, and powerful performances make it a standout film that is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who sees it.

Jeannette: The Childhood of Joan of Arc is a 2017 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 55 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9 and a MetaScore of 60.