
The Passion of Joan of Arc
dir. Carl Theodor Dreyer
91
8 sourcesSynopsis
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.
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.
What resonated with audiences
'The Passion of Joan of Arc' stands as a timeless masterpiece featuring Falconetti's legendary performance and stunning cinematography that conveys profound emotional authenticity. The film's exploration of faith and spiritual suffering creates an overwhelmingly moving experience. However, some found the relentless close-ups monotonous and tiring, while others considered the pacing slow and repetitive despite its short runtime. The stylized approach proves divisive—captivating most viewers but leaving others underwhelmed by what they perceive as excessive artistic choices.

Directed byCarl Theodor Dreyer
StarringMaria Falconetti, Eugène Silvain, André Berley, Maurice Schutz, Antonin Artaud, Michel Simon
Written byCarl Theodor Dreyer, Joseph Delteil
CinematographyRudolph Maté
EditingCarl Theodor Dreyer
MusicJesper Kyd
The Passion of Joan of Arc
1928 · NR · 1h 21m
Drama, History
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.
