"The Messenger: The Story Of Joan Of Arc" is exquisite, exciting and incredibly well-acted. Milla Jovovich gives her greatest performances as one of history's greatest martyrs. We forget about the beautiful model  that she is and are totally convinced and astounded that this is Joan Of  Arc. Luc Besson, probably France's best director, brings to the screen an  astounding story told with style, elegance, a gritty feeling, hard-broiled  action and beautiful cinematography. Not to mention the moving and rich  musical score by Eric Serra. "The Messenger" got some heavy flack  by critics who claimed it tried to be "Braveheart" and resorted  to being an action flick. Not so! In fact, I enjoyed "The  Messenger" more than "Braveheart" and the screenplay doesn't  just concentrate on the action. We get to know the characters and Besson  brilliantly shows Joan's troubled psyche and her battles between her heart  and and her conscience. "The Messenger" is exhilarating and  stylish, moving and Besson's masterpiece. This is his best film since  "La Femme Nikita," and the most moving. This movie is grand and  inspiring. Look at the attention Besson pays to the sets and costumes,  music and style. "The Messenger" is rich in the detail seen in  the greatest of period epics. A 90s update of a timeless story. A  masterpiece.