The film has been slammed for omitting that Napoleon reinstated slavery in the French West Indies after it had been abolished following the French Revolution. “That was Napoleon's biggest regret,” says Marsily, “because like any revolutionary, Napoleon was in favor of abolishing it.
The movie actually spent more time grandstanding for moviegoers, showing Napoleon's cannons blasting apart the tops of the famed Egyptian pyramids. That may have looked cool, but no such thing happened in history, and no cannon at the time could have sent a cannonball so high into the air.
“Napoleon” is a gorgeous movie, but you won't see it when you fall asleep between battles. The combination of pitch perfect visuals with comedic, outlandish dialogue does not ever gel, and Scott lacks the necessary pacing to let everyone enjoy the joke.
Although it seems like he was doing this for only the benefit of France, he also dominated as the emperor. Napoleon's declaration of emperor gave him supreme power with no governmental checks. He took away the peoples' voice in politics, something that the people strived for during the revolution.
Some historians have argued that Napoleon Bonaparte betrayed the ideals of the French Revolution. Those ideals were “Liberty, Equality, Fraternity”. He betrayed the people by denying them liberty. Napoleon crowned himself emperor thereby denying equality to his people.
Whether autocratic or a revolutionary genius, few French are indifferent to Napoleon: he is the man the French love to hate but also hate to love. Some harken back to a time when Napoleon ruled the world, but others today won't even celebrate his anniversaries.
Well, there were no revolts against Napoleon, none that were widespread and widely supported. However, there was the Malet Conspiracy of 1812. It was a coup for power while Napoleon was campaigning in Russia.
A good film, even considering some historical mistakes. Very good performance for Joaquin Phoenix in the role of Napoleon, and the story is well divided in the military and the romantic aspects. Beautiful production quality. Superb casting and soundtrack.
Napoleon's rule had positive effects on France such as stabilizing the economy and implementing educational reforms, but it also resulted in the loss of individual freedoms. His actions in Europe disrupted trade with Latin America and contributed to independence movements in the region.
Historians have called out many scenes that are factually untrue, like Napoleon's presence at Marie Antoinette's public execution (he wasn't), for example, or how he led an attack at the Egyptian pyramids. Historian Dan Snow called out the scene in Egypt on TikTok soon after the trailer was released in July.
Historians critique its inaccuracies, notably scenes of Napoleon firing at the pyramids and casting choices. Scott defends the film's artistic license, dismissing claims of historical inaccuracy. However, some experts appreciate its ability to simplify history for audiences.
Although roughly 150 horses are thought to have died at the actual Battle of Austerlitz, none were harmed on set. “I love animals, so I protect them like crazy,” says Scott. “Any horse you see flying through the air in this film is a dummy.”
His last words were 'France, the Army, the Head of the Army, Josephine'. Napoleon's body was returned to France and in 1840 was interred in Les Invalides along with the bodies of his brothers and son.
At the time of his death, the French might have recorded his height in French inches, which were a little longer than English inches. They put him at five-foot-two, but this was probably more like 5 feet and 6.5 inches, a perfectly normal height for a man of his time.
Napoleon said it over and over again that the only woman he ever really loved was Josephine. Her real name was Marie-Joseph-Rose de Tascher de La Pagerie, and she was six years his senior.
The physicians who conducted Napoleon's autopsy, on May 6, 1821, concluded that his death was from stomach cancer, exacerbated by bleeding gastric ulcers, after a huge dose of calomel – a compound containing mercury that was used as a medicine – was administered to him on the day before he died.
Parents need to know that Napoleon is an epic biopic with extreme and bloody violence throughout. The film charts the life of Napoleon Bonaparte (Joaquin Phoenix), the French military commander who went on to become emperor of France, and his tempestuous relationship with his wife, Josephine (Vanessa Kirby).
The Napoleon complex, also known as Napoleon syndrome and short-man syndrome, is a purported condition normally attributed to people of short stature, with overly aggressive or domineering social behavior. It implies that such behavior is to compensate for the subject's physical or social shortcomings.
No, Napoleon is not safe for kids as it features extreme and bloody violence throughout, with a bit of sexual content sprinkled across the film. Parents are advised not to take their kids along while attending a screening of Napoleon as it could have a negative impact on them.
This grand production is just a jaw-dropping experience, yes, experience, for 5+ hours that you spend watching Napoleon's story against the background of the events concurring his life renders you totally absorbed by it, like you've been taught a history lesson, very bright and memorable.
Marie-Louise of Austria (1791–1847) was the second wife of Napoleon Bonaparte and therefore the second Empress of France (between 1810 and 1814). She would later become ruler of Parma, Piacenza and Guastella until her death. She bore Napoleon his only son; Napoleon François Joseph Charles Bonaparte (1811–1832).
When Louis XVIII, King of France, returned to his country to ascend the throne after Napoleon's 1814 abdication, he sailed from England, his home for the preceding seven years. The king's younger brother, the Count of Artois (future King Charles X of France), had lived in England for even longer.
Louis Alphonse de Bourbon (Spanish: Luis Alfonso Gonzalo Víctor Manuel Marco de Borbón y Martínez-Bordiú; born 25 April 1974) is the head of the House of Bourbon. Members of the family formerly ruled France and other countries. According to the Legitimists, Louis Alphonse is heir to the defunct throne of France.
Alexander broke the Treaty of Tilsit with France by trading with England, openly challenging Napoleon's power. On April 12, 1814, Napoleon was forced to abdicate his throne after allied Austrian, Prussian and Russian forces vanquished his army and occupied Paris.
Ridley Scott's “Napoleon” is a movie that French people love to hate. But despite harsh criticism in France, the historical epic smashed the box office and grossed over $9.76 million from 1.15 million tickets sold in its first two weeks in theaters.
