The Passion of Joan of Arc
A silent historical drama's raw emotional intensity, conveyed through a relentless storm of close-ups, captures the harrowing spiritual trial of a solitary soul against a monolithic institution.
The Passion of Joan of Arc
The Passion of Joan of Arc

La Passion de Jeanne d'Arc

"An Immortal Screen Classic that will live Forever!"

21 April 1928 France 82 min ⭐ 8.0 (1,028)
Director: Carl Theodor Dreyer
Cast: Maria Falconetti, Eugène Silvain, André Berley, Maurice Schutz, Antonin Artaud
Drama History
Individual Faith vs. Institutional Religion Suffering and Martyrdom The Power of the Human Face Misogyny and Persecution of Women
Box Office: $18,121

The Passion of Joan of Arc - Movie Quotes

Memorable Quotes

Will I be with You tonight in Paradise?

— Jeanne d'Arc

Context:

This line appears on an intertitle as Joan is being led to the stake. She has recanted her confession and accepted her fate, and this is her final, prayerful thought before being burned.

Meaning:

This question, asked as she faces her execution, encapsulates the core of Joan's faith. It demonstrates that despite the horrific ordeal, her belief in God's promise and the afterlife remains unshaken. It is her final, human appeal for assurance, blending her profound faith with her fear of death.

Your victory and your deliverance... will be through your martyrdom.

— Jean Massieu (relaying the court's twisted message)

Context:

Spoken to Joan in her cell as she grapples with her fate. The idea is presented to her that her ultimate purpose is to die for her cause, reframing her impending execution as a spiritual victory.

Meaning:

This quote highlights the central theme of spiritual triumph through suffering. Joan initially believes her deliverance will be a physical rescue. She comes to understand, however, that her true victory lies not in escaping death, but in embracing it as the ultimate affirmation of her faith. Her martyrdom becomes her final, greatest triumph.