Nominated for Best Costume Design, Best Production Design.
I won’t be writing a long review for this because I fear that if I do, it would sound like I’m just a hater. This nearly three-hour odyssey offers glimpses of Napoleon’s brilliance amidst a sea of sluggish storytelling.
I’ve read a few accounts about Napoleon, and naturally, I’d expected some epic battles and grand conquests, only to find myself tangled in a web of sexual repression, marital infidelity, and the mundane daily life of our characters.
While the movie’s visuals and production design dazzle, the narrative just falls short for me. Joaquin Phoenix delivers a commendable portrayal of Napoleon, despite the distraction of his noticeably older appearance and weird accent.
My main issue, as I’ve mentioned earlier, is its pacing. The film just drags on. Period drama enthusiasts may find themselves disappointed by the sluggish pacing and the lackluster performances overall.
Though the movie captures some elements of Napoleon‘s complexity, it falls short in historical accuracy and fails to prioritize the most significant aspects of his life and career. While it may entertain those looking for a fictionalized take on history, history buffs may find themselves frustrated by its deviation from the truth.
In the end, “Napoleon” offers glimpses of greatness but ultimately fails to deliver a truly captivating cinematic experience. Two stars for effort, but I truly believe that this character deserves better treatment.
Rating: 2 out of 5 stars
Directed by: Ridley Scott
Produced by: Ridley Scott, Kevin J. Walsh, Mark Huffam, Joaquin Phoenix
Cast: Joaquin Phoenix, Vanessa Kirby, Tahar Rahim, Rupert Everett, Ben Miles, Ludivine Sagnier, Matthew Needham, John Hollingworth, Youssef Kerkour, Sinead Cusack, Julian Rhind-Tutt, Phil Cornwell, Édouard Philipponnat, Jannis Niewohner, Miles Jupp, Edward Bennett etc…