Film Review: Napoleon

 Genre: biographical / adventure/action  

Cert: 15 cert

Director:  Ridley Scott

Screenwriter: David Scarpa

Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Vanessa Kirby, Tahar Rahim, Rupert Everett, Mark Bonnar, Paul Rhys, Ben Miles, Riana Duce, Ludivine Sagnier, Edouard Philipponnat, Miles Jupp, Scott Handy, Youssef Kerkour, John Hollingworth, Abubakar Salim, Thom Ashley, Jannis Niewöhner, Julian Rhind-Tutt. 

Running time: 2h 38m

Parents are advised to read before viewing the film as some scenes may contain scenes unsuitable for younger viewers.

Sex & Nudity: There are a couple of sex scenes between Napoleon and Josephine, with no nudity

Violence & Gore: Men are blown up by cannons, slashed in the throat, shot and stabbed, resulting in large spurts of blood and bloody aftermath detail.

A horse is fatally injured by a cannon, leading to its internal organs being exposed. This is shown in full gory detail.

After a decapitation, a woman's severed head is held up by the hair.

A man aggressively slaps his wife across the face.

A man attempts suicide by shooting himself resulting in a bloody wound in his face. Another person inserts his finger into the gunshot wound causing pain to the injured man.

Decaying corpses are seen hanging from trees.

Profanity: One clear use of 'fuck', with at least two others mumbled.

Name-calling ('slut', 'bastard', 'selfish little pig')

One use of 'shitbag' is heard quite clearly.

Alcohol/drugs: People drink alcohol.

Frightening/Intense Scenes: Some scenes of brutal war violence.

Story: Napoleon is a spectacle-filled action epic that details the checkered rise and fall of the iconic French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, played by Oscar®-winner Joaquin Phoenix. Against a stunning backdrop of large-scale filmmaking orchestrated by legendary director Ridley Scott, the film captures Bonaparte's relentless journey to power through the prism of his addictive, volatile relationship with his one true love, Josephine, showcasing his visionary military and political tactics against some of the most dynamic practical battle sequences ever filmed.

Review: "Napoleon" is an epic historical film that delves into the life and legacy of one of history's most iconic figures. Spanning three hours, this cinematic endeavour presents a comprehensive portrayal of Napoleon Bonaparte's rise and fall.

The film's most notable strength lies in its meticulous attention to historical accuracy. The set design and costumes transport viewers to the grandeur of Napoleonic France, capturing the essence of the era. The cinematography, with sweeping landscapes and detailed battle scenes, adds a visual grandiosity that befits the subject matter.

A standout element is the lead performance by Joaquin Phoenix. The actor portraying Napoleon delivers a compelling and nuanced portrayal, navigating the complexities of the character's ambition, genius, and eventual downfall. The supporting cast also contributes commendably, with performances that breathe life into historical figures surrounding Napoleon.

The film adeptly navigates the intricate political landscape of the time, providing viewers with a nuanced understanding of Napoleon's motivations and the challenges he faced. The script balances personal moments with the broader historical context, offering a well-rounded narrative that appeals to both history enthusiasts and general audiences.

However, the film is not without its shortcomings. The extensive runtime may be daunting for some viewers, and certain scenes could benefit from tighter editing to maintain a more consistent pacing. Additionally, while the film excels in portraying historical events, it occasionally sacrifices emotional depth in favour of factual accuracy, also the sex scene might take you out of the film a bit because the best way to describe it was a Dog on heat going at with a Stuffed toy, which had me laughing so hard.

Another potential drawback is the film's complexity, which may pose challenges for those unfamiliar with Napoleonic history. The intricate web of political alliances and military campaigns might overwhelm viewers without prior knowledge of the era.

The musical score complements the film's grandeur, adding an emotional dimension to key moments. However, there are instances where the music feels overpowering, overshadowing the dialogue and diluting the impact of crucial scenes.

Overall: In conclusion, "Napoleon" stands as a commendable historical epic that meticulously recreates the life of its titular character. The film's commitment to historical accuracy, strong performances, and grand visuals make it a must-watch for history enthusiasts. While the extensive runtime and occasional pacing issues may deter some viewers, the film's overall impact succeeds in delivering a comprehensive and captivating cinematic journey into the tumultuous life of Napoleon Bonaparte.

Rating:  5 out of 5 for entertainment / 9 out of 10 for brutal epic battles