This is the spectacle-filled action epic that details the checkered rise and fall of the iconic French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte (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 (Vanessa Kirby), showcasing his visionary military and political tactics against some of the most dynamic practical battle sequences ever filmed . This film covers the start of the French Revolution in 1789, up through the war of 1812, and culminating with the war with England in 1815, with Napoleon's ultimate exile in October of 1815 on the isle of St. Helena.
Others to round out the cast are Rupert Everett as Duke of Wellington, Tahar Rahim as Paul Barras, Ben Miles as Cailaincourt, Paul Rhys as Talleyrand, Youssef Kerkour as Marshal Davout, Scott Handy as Marshal Berthier, Edouard Phillipponnat as Tsar Alexander and Aoubakar Salim as General Dumas.
This was directed with sheer spectacle and vision by legendary Ridley Scott ("The Duelists" '77, "Alien" '79, "Blade Runner" '82, "Legend" '85, "Black Rain" '89, "Thelma & Louise" '91, "Gladiator" 2000, "Black Hawk Down" '01, "Matchstick Men" '03, "American Gangster" '07, "Robin Hood" '10, "Prometheus" '12, "The Martian" '15, "Alien: Covenant" '17, "All the Money in the World" '17, "House of Gucci" '21) plus others, TV, videos, shorts and a TV movie. What can I say about Scott except that he has proven himself repeatedly for decades as a consummate director. Each and every actor simply looks like they are playing their respective characters effortlessly, and this is fine direction. It was crafted well by writer David Scarpa ("The Last Castle" '01, "The Day the Earth Stood Still" '08, "All the Money in the World" '17), plus TV. Certainly Scarpa doesn't have a plethora of experience, however, what experience he does have is written well, which makes him a talented writer. The only issues I had with this script that it was a bit too long-in-the-tooth, and could've been edited about 5-10 mins off its running time--so much was covered in this, and that the fact that Napoleon and others didn't even have a French dialect, and spoke in an American dialect was a bit disappointing.They had a dialect coach on the set, but if they hired a Tim Monich or Elizabeth Himelstein to help with an effective dialect coaching, this would've carried more impact. Otherwise, this was a story that keeps you riveted to your seat. There will undoubtedly be Oscar nods including for Scott and Phoenix and definitely the director of photography by Dariusz Wolski asc. The photography was incredible and carried an almost antiquated, grainy look to the film which simply added to the story. The visual effects predominately designed by ILM (Industrial, Light & Magic) and MPC (Moving Picture Company) were seamless and actually enhanced the story that much more. '
If you're a historical aficionado, this film will be the one to sink your teeth into. Even if you're not, the acting by Phoenix and Kirby and direction by Scott will certainly be enough to keep anyone captivated. This is an epic that with thrill and looks great on the large screen. And if you really want that up, close and personal feeling, this is presented in an IMAX format as well.
Out of 4 Stars: 3.5 Rated: R 158mins.
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