Napoleon Movie Review – A Grand Cinematic Spectacle


Every frame of Ridley Scott’s Napoleon is reminiscent of the great masters. The Napoleon Movie is a visual feast, with warmth and jewel tones that captivate the audience from the first frame to the last. The collaboration with Dariusz Wolski, known for his work in various Scott films, results in frames that are nothing short of bonafide works of art.

  • Cast: Phoenix Shines, Kirby Mesmerizes
  • Director: Ridley Scott
  • Writer : David Scarpa
  • Music: Martin Phipps
  • Language: English
  • Release dates: November 22, 2023
  • Run time: 157 minutes

Napoleon Movie Official Trailer

Napoleon Movie Story

The film opens with the chilling execution of Marie-Antoinette, setting the stage for the ambitious Corsican soldier, Napoleon Bonaparte, played by Joaquin Phoenix. The narrative swiftly moves through Napoleon’s military successes, personal relationships, and political ascension, providing a glimpse into the complex life of the iconic figure. The story follows Napoleon’s rise to power, his marriage to Joséphine, and the eventual downfall leading to exile and death.

Napoleon Movie

Napoleon Movie Direction

Ridley Scott’s direction is visually stunning, capturing the grandeur of historical events with finesse. The film seamlessly transitions between intimate scenes, grand battle sequences, and chaotic moments of the Reign of Terror. However, there’s a subtle frustration at the missed opportunities to delve into the administrative reforms and nuanced aspects of Napoleon’s life, leaving viewers wanting more depth.

Napoleon Movie Star Performance

Joaquin Phoenix breathes life into Napoleon, crafting a somewhat rounded image of the enigmatic figure. Despite limitations in the script, Phoenix’s performance stands out, showcasing his dedication to the craft. Vanessa Kirby, portraying Joséphine, brings a compelling mix of fire and ice to her character, adding depth to the emotional landscape of the film

Napoleon Movie Supporting Cast

Tahar Rahim as Paul Barras, Ben Miles as Caulaincourt, Matthew Needham as Lucien, Édouard Philipponnat as the Tsar of Russia, and Rupert Everett as the Duke of Wellington contribute to the film’s visual richness but fall short in offering substantial depth to their respective characters.

Napoleon Movie Missed Opportunities:

The film, while visually captivating, lacks a nuanced exploration of Napoleon’s darker policies, including draconian measures and the reintroduction of slavery. The absence of a more comprehensive examination of his military strategies adds a layer of frustration to an otherwise visually stunning narrative

Napoleon Movie Director’s Cut

Ridley Scott hints at a director’s cut running to four hours and 10 minutes, suggesting additional layers to the narrative. While brevity may be the soul of wit, the prospect of delving deeper into Napoleon’s extraordinary life leaves audiences eager for a more extensive exploration.

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