About the film (courtesy of Sony Pictures Releasing):
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.
Ridley Scott’s 2023 historical epic Napoleon is a visually stunning and ambitious film that chronicles the rise and fall of French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte. Joaquin Phoenix delivers a captivating performance as the ambitious and complex Napoleon, bringing to life his charisma, ruthlessness, and insatiable thirst for power. Vanessa Kirby is also excellent as Josephine de Beauharnais, Napoleon’s tempestuous and influential wife.
The film’s visuals are truly impressive, with grand battle scenes and sweeping landscapes that bring to life the grandeur of Napoleon’s era. The costumes and sets are also meticulously crafted, adding to the film’s immersive atmosphere.
However, despite its visual splendor and strong performances, Napoleon struggles to maintain a consistent narrative flow. The film’s pacing is uneven, and some scenes feel disjointed and rushed. Additionally, the film’s exploration of Napoleon’s complex personality is somewhat superficial, leaving viewers with a sense that there is more to the story that could have been told.
Overall, Napoleon is a visually captivating historical epic with strong performances, particularly from Joaquin Phoenix. However, its pacing issues, narrative structure, and underdeveloped characters prevent it from reaching its full potential. It is an average film that may appeal to fans of history and historical dramas, but it may not satisfy those seeking a more deeply engaging and character-driven narrative.
Even with its scattered story and historical inaccuracies that may disappoint some viewers, Napoleon is passable despite its lengthy 158 minute runtime. And trust me, this film will make you feel ever single moment of that, especially in the second half of this one.
Napoleon is only in theaters starting Wednesday, November 22nd. From there, it’ll be making its way to Apple TV+ in late December of this year. Check it out if you have the patience and the time. It’s also worth noting that once it does make its way to the streaming service, there’s rumored to be a four and a half hour cut that’ll be debuted at that time. Thank goodness for pause buttons and easily accessible restrooms in our homes.
