Napoleon (2023)

DVD CASE/SIDE

*DVD not yet released

Length of film:  158 Minutes

Rated: 15 

Genre: Action, Adventure, Biography

Director: Ridley Scott

Starring: Joaquin Phoenix, Vanessa Kirby, Tahar Rahim, Rupert Everett, Mark Bonnar, Paul Rhys, Ben Miles, Riana Duce

IMDB Rank: 6.5/10

Part 1 Time:  93 Minutes 

Part 2 Time:  65 Minutes

Where does the first part end? Josephine Bonaparte (Vanessa Kirby) is welcomed to her new estate following her divorce from Napoleon (Joaquin Phoenix). She enters into the estates’ open foyer.

Final line of dialogue on the first part: “Thank you. What’s your name? Josephine asks her new maid. The maid responds “Fleur.” Josephine then greets Fleur “Fleur. Pleasure.”

First line of dialogue on the second part: Several weeks or months later Naploean visits Josephine on her estate. He states to Josephine “I miss you.”

How jarring is it when the first part ends? Minimal as for many years, Napoleon and his wife Josephine have tried to produce an heir. They have been unsuccessful, which has caused Napoleon to seek someone who can produce his offspring. How will his divorce from the love of his life Josephine affect Napoleon as he continues his conquest over Continental Europe and beyond?

Which part is better? Part one highlights Napoleon’s rise to power from his first successful military victory during the Siege of Toulon to his victory over the Russia and Austria alliance at Battle of Austerlitz, solidifying his power in Continental Europe. Part two, shows Napoleon’s downfall from his defeat in Russia and the Battle of Waterloo to his eventual exile to Saint Helena. The Battle of Waterloo is the highlight of part two as it depicts the brutality of warfare during the 19th century. However, part one is slightly better as we not only get to see Napoleon’s strategic battle sense, but also his personal life.

Academy Awards:  2024- Best Visual Effects (Nominated), Best Production Design (Nominated), Best Costume Design (Nominated)