Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Vanessa Kirby, Edouard Philipponnat, Anna Mawn
Directed By: Ridley Scott
Runtime: 2 hours 38 minutes
Released on: 22nd November 2023(India)
Age Rating: R
Distributed By: Apple TV+, Columbia Pictures
When we hear the name Napoleon, an image of a warrior, an emperor, who is worshipped by the masses, has won several battles, and is the most successful leader of all time comes before our eyes after Alexander and Julius Caesar. Napoleon is Ridley Scott’s attempt to bring the emperor back to life and lay his life out in front of the audience. Napoleon was no less than an inspirational figure, a great general who knew how to lead the army and had won the most arduous battles. This is Ridley’s 29th feature film which promises a great show. Let’s see how well the movie does. Does Napoleon live up to the expectations, let’s see further when we discuss each aspect of the movie.
The movie opens up with a scene in 1793 where we see the method of the guillotine being implemented by Louis XVI to execute the people during the infamous “Reign Of Terror”. Amongst the crowd who were there to witness the guillotine of none other than Marie Antoinette queen of Louis XVI, we get to see the first glimpse of Joaquin Phoenix as Napoleon. Then enters Josephine who he marries but is unable to bear an heir to the throne. Disappointed by this he is made to impregnate a mistress to prove his fertility which declares Josephine as infertile. Napoleon’s crowing in 1804 as Emperor Of The French and ascending the throne. He later marries Marie Louise of Austria who bears him a son. The Battle Of Austerlitz where he tactfully defeats Austrians and Russians in a well-executed plan. His failed plan to take on Russia; The trap set at Moscow; loss of lives of half a million soldiers. Napoleon’s exile to Elba and return to take back the throne and return to power in France. And the Battle Of Waterloo where he is defeated and he is sent to exile on the island of Saint Helena. All these moments comprise the plot of the movie. The rise and fall of the emperor from power is shown. All crucial chapters of Napoleon’s life are highlighted.
The plot is engaging but it would prove useful if viewers read about the life of Napoleon so that they can better connect with the movie. The character of Napoleon should have been shown more seriously. In this movie, Napoleon looks like anything but a ruler. Even though Joaquin has aced his part with his expressions and method of acting. But some scenes that are written make him look like a person who is not in control of himself. This part could have been improved especially the love-making scenes between Napoleon and Josephine. They do nothing but make Napoleon look like a wolf hungry for sex. These scenes could have been completely avoided as they didn’t do much. The visuals are stunning and it wouldn’t be an overstatement to say that a huge chunk of the budget has gone into designing sets, costumes, makeup, etc. Those make the central theme of the movie. The guillotine scenes and the scene where Napoleon’s horse loses his neck in a cannonball attack are shot with the utmost perfection. The movie might leave the section of the audience who is not interested in history bored and unimpressed. The plot seems long and slow but it succeeds in visual portrayal of characters due to impeccable casting.
The movie in some way fails to make a mark with the character of Napoleon. Despite being a good watch, we still feel like something is amiss and this movie could have been made even in a better sense. But if you are a history fanatic and want to know about history then this is a must-watch film. Rest assured, this is a perfect informative entertainer to add to your list if you like to watch film based on war and history.
Moviesamrat Rating: 2.5/5