NAPOLEON Movie Review **SPOILER ALERT**

[@pamschneider2568]

“Again this shit was a mess, let me go through my notes” - Joseph 😂

[@amialort]

Nick’s face when Joseph asks if the battle was related to WWI? 😂😂 Like girl…

[@bsaneil]

An understandable bit of sarcasm from Joseph. After all, the movie depicts trench warfare, which didn't happen in Napoleonic battles.

[@marklivingstone3710]

Not that far fetched. Before this movie I never realized Wellington invented trench warfare 😊

[@goodcitizen3027]

I had the same expression. Boy our education system is a mess.

[@simplyrowen]

“This shit was a mess” - Joseph Can we get this quote on the DVD cover?

[@RL_Williams]

😂😂😂

[@jucxox]

lol with “Again, this shit was a mess.” On the back

[@simplyrowen]

@@jucxox LMAO! they would never 🤣 Then Ridley Scott won’t blame Millennials but Gen X-ers for the failure of his movie lol.

[@hungtotheover3385]

Nick’s face in the thumbnail 😂

[@jujutaylor2186]

Josephine was six yrs older than Napolean so to have an actress 15yrs or so younger than Joaquin playing her is kind of ridiculous 😂but it makes sense historically why she couldn't have anymore kids

[@kp361]

Josephine couldn't have anymore kids because she had been in an accident where a spike went through her uterus. It wasn't her age - she was in her early 30s.

[@simplyrowen]

@@kp361 Ouch!!!

[@Chameleon-wq4ul]

@@kp361 Didn't know that.

[@kp361]

@@Chameleon-wq4ul Yeah, it was pretty bad, and remember, no modern medicine or fertility treatments. She had 2 children from her prior marriage, but the accident had rendered her infertile and that's why Napoleon's family really didn't like her - the inability to give them an heir, not their (actually pretty small) age gap. It's really the only reason Napoleon (eventually) divorced her, because he was trying to build a dynasty. He carried on writing to her and obsessing over her for the rest of their lives.

[@mqureshi79]

She also doesn’t age throughout the movie

[@shelleymharper]

A lizard sunning himself 😂💀 Laughed out loud at that

[@alexandreleitao5393]

I am not an expert on Napoleon in any way. but the main justification for that reaction of the French troops, when Napoleon arrived from Elba, would be that the new monarchy, instituted by the foreign powers that defeated Napoleon, basicaly decided, if I am not mistaken, to keep many of Napoleon's generals and lower ranking officers - people who had served and, most importantly, had gotten wealthy under Napoleon's command - in charge of the army. Napoleon was very popular among his troops, and among the French middle class - that he helped create - because he used the army as a means of economic ascention. So it seems kind of crazy that he was simply welcomed by the troops when he landed but it kind of makes sense. Perhaps the problem is that the movie does not take time explaining this context. I haven1t watched it yet but, based on what you guys said, it seems the movie was based on a shallow assembly of historical facts without context. For a better cinematic version of Napoleon's life I would recommend the French miniseries produced in the early 2000s, with Christian Clavier as Napoleon, John Malkovich as Talleyrand, Isabella Rosselini as Josephine, and Gerard Depardieu as the chief of police. It's great! PS: thanks for the great work you guys do!

[@lucaspottier6397]

As a French person who likes this miniseries a lot I'm glad you enjoyed it too 😁

[@enochroot9438]

Waterloo is probably the best Napoleonic era film ever made. Over two hours focused on a single decisive battle really shows the drama and grittiness compared to two and a half hours in this new film trying to cover Napoleons entire life. I can definitely see how the rumors that this was a four-hour film cut down to the current running time. The focus on the Napoleon/Josephine relationship as the key narrative device would have benefited from longer more sympathetic character development. It seemed hard to care for any character in the film. The score was also a little wanting, with some rousing battle music and other classical ambience, but also some weird almost mongolian moaning at some points. The historical events & politics should have been the driving force. a mid-tier rating film for me. If you want to enjoy a good Napoleonic era film go watch the Classic Waterloo again, far superior with two hours being devoted to just one battle rather than the entire period

[@gamerdrops]

Also LOL @ recent Ridley Scott quotes like "I have made 4 movies since Scorsese starting working on Killers of the Flower Moon"

[@jujutaylor2186]

Yeah. Doesn't mean they were good lol

[@williamskat1]

I actually received a book of the letters from Napoleon to Josephine for my 16th birthday. I don't remember any one letter specifically but do remember his love and longing for her. I want to watch this movie because of the book I received. Thank you for the review.

[@Amina19828]

As a FrancoAmerican who watched this film I can say it felt very disorganized and incomplete your review is very accurate

[@DrDetfink]

The military was always in Napoleon’s favour because previous to the French Emperor, the government was run by the aristocracy or soft hands. Keep in mind this is the age of Monarchies run by last names in Europe. Napoleon is the only “commoner” to become a ruler in Europe. Europe wants him out not just due to his power but also due to what he represents: Anyone with ambition can become a king or an emperor.

[@kumaridesilva3992]

The movie is cast wrong, Napoleon was young when they met, in his 20s and very provincial. Josephine was much older, widowed and yes already had two kids and in real life it was whirlwind romance, they got married after knowing each other 5 months because she thought she was pregnant...and yes, there is a book of their letters. I read it when I was in college!

[@TrevyTrev-andTheFunkyPets]

I rather listen to them critique it then to sit through 3hrs of it.

[@TripDownBritishTown]

It’s a good movie

[@ginabeena6757]

Ooh Joseph is merciless on this one! Rowr! 🙀😹

[@Paulmatthew22]

Good. Taking reckless directorial liberties with one of the greatest generals and figures in modern history is nothing short of despicable.

[@mavensbaseball]

I obviously haven't seen the movie, but the bit about Napolean landing in France from Elba and the army joining to him is accurate.

[@nicholaspruitt9032]

Thank you gentlemen. Made my day! Have a safe and blessed Thanksgiving.

[@nellgwenn]

Napoleon was from Corsica which at first wasn't French, then it was. So to be honest Napoleon would have spoken in a sort of hybrid accent. So it would be just as jarring. Napoleon was very picky and particular about food. He spent about 12 minutes eating dinner. I find the idea of Napoleon engaging in a food fight very weird and highly suspect. Especially when Napoleon was always with the army on the road. Just so you know, Napoleon was not present at Marie Antoinette's death.

[@Madrid1234apa]

Historically Josephine was 6 years napoleon’s senior. Napoleon was very much in love with her but she didn’t much care for him

[@doublep1980]

Like most people in the comments suggested, watch ''Waterloo'' (1970) instead. Way better movie in every aspect, acting, historical accuracy, battle scenes, hell they even manage to show the death toll of the Napoleonic Wars much better. Oh and Joseph: If you want to learn more about the history of Napoleon & his wars, check out the 2 ''Napoleon Oversimplified'' videos. They're very informative and fun and make you wanna learn even more about the subject.

[@mildredpierce7728]

Waiting Impatiently.

[@tweety11226]

😢 Same

[@bsaneil]

The battle sequences were a travesty. Musket era armies did not rush headlong into each other in a grunting mass like Vikings. They jostled for position so that their artillery and line infantry could deliver the most effective shots and volleys, using cavalry as a screen to neutralise or capture enemy artillery. This was what Napoleon was expert at, and the film showed nothing of this. Apart from Toulon, they were not fought at night or at dusk, and I suspect this was a device used by Scott to cloak the fact that he had not many extras, and that the tactics were wrong. Trench warfare was not used in the Napoleonic wars. And thats before I even get onto Napoleon's reforms - how a peasent could become an officer or a politician if he was up to the job. His introduction of universal education. Emancipation of the Jews. Promotion of Arts and Sciences. His mathematical genius, introduction of legal codes still widely used throughout the World. None of this was shown. At the end of the film Ridley Scott's ridiculous 'gotcha' saying how many people were killed in Napoleons wars, whilst neglecting throughout the film to show that most of the wars were declared against Napoleon, precisely because the established monarchies of Europe disagreed with the reforms mentioned above. It was pure BS. Watch Dino de Laurentis' excellent 'Waterloo', with Rod Steiger and Christopher Plummer depicting accurate characterisations if you want a real view of Napoleon and his contemporaries. And also superb depiction of Napoleonic era warfare.

[@scottheierman4481]

Hope you guys see Wish!

[@CinemaATTACKS]

I was waiting for Ludivine Sagnier to show up after she was featured in the opening credits and I don't remember seeing her either. If she was cut out, why keep her listed as one of the main stars in the opening credits?

[@LateCambrian]

Slide Napoleon, slide!

[@randyf5126]

what the hell happened to the kids?? they made such a big deal about an heir to the throne and then the baby just disappeared. also, the “test” 18 year old who he got pregnant, what happened to that baby?

[@williamerazo3921]

4hr cut

[@TripDownBritishTown]

The kid became Napoleon the 2nd lmao, you Americans don’t know any history. People in europe understand that whole movie perfectly because we know our history

[@randyf5126]

@@TripDownBritishTown babe, a quick google search told me that. my point is THE MOVIE DID NOT ADDRESS IT. so, before you go on an anti-american rant, THINK.

[@tweety11226]

​@@TripDownBritishTown be nice. We are a good group here and come for the commentary 😀 We Jellies are hella cool, so relax 😌 I am from the US, but I studied AP European History in HS, and always been fascinated with their history. Whew, the drama 😅 🤧

[@spencerfrankclayton4348]

The background picture! 😅

[@gamerdrops]

Will see this in theater but find it hard to tell which one to see if there is a 4 hour cut coming out on Apple

[@williamerazo3921]

See both.

[@TechnicJunglist]

Also i read that Ridley Scott took some elements of Kubrick's old script which K scrapped to do Barry Lyndon. He wanted Nicholson as Napoleon.

[@markmcauleymcauley9287]

When he comes back and the troops just throw the weapons and join is the most accurate moment in the film

[@aidanfeeney8128]

Not to discredit Joaquin phoinex but they should of had French production team and French actors in movie 😂

[@iadorenewyork1]

Totally agree!

[@aidanfeeney8128]

@@debbiesroommate really why not probably because the writer was English

[@tweety11226]

Hello Jellies Just came back from seeing the movie. I love historical movies and studied AP European History in HS. I had a teacher who studied at Oxford and when he told us stories about Louis 14th, Napoleon, all the monarchs, it felt like I meant them personally. My teacher qas really phenomenal, and Napoleon was someone I had interest in understanding because he became King without being paet of a monarchy and he was an amazing general with troops who were dedicated to him. I think this movie could have been done in two parts, one focus on the love of him and Josephine and two focus on his rise to power. He mentioned how the Russian Tzar try to be strategic like him but we got no explanations on how Napoleon thought about his movements and how he wa a great strategist. I love the scene against i think it was Austria with the cannons hitting the ice because they all sank. That was a clever method. I wanted to see why we use the term Napoleon complex? How was that term developed and where did he show those traits throughout the movie. There are so many wars that it is hard ro keep up unless you have and remember some of the dates. Then some of the countries were once united and changed their names throughout history. It was hard to follow through at times. I also wanted to see Napoleon hurt when he lost those wars. When Russian Tzar left Moscow and traveled to St. Petersburg, it qould be great for them to pan out to the Russians to see their thought stratrgies and how they swindled France. He started with 600K men and came back with 40K men. Napoleon was prideful and it would be great to see him breakdown from such a significant loss and losing to Russia. The movie was funny 😄. He really loved Josephine and I had no idea it was that deep. They could have shown Marie Antoinette more and their relationship with Austria. The coup was kind of confusing and then him becoming King years later aftwr they got rid of the monarchy. I love the fact that although he was King, he participated in the battles and lead their squad. He instil pride in to the French and you can tell he realy dedicated his life and soul to France. Exiled twice snd i bet he would have came back again if he didnt die at Helena. The scenes were great and the movie is very casual. You gotta stay focus with all the names and stuff. Oh and did Josephine sleep with the Russian King 👀. I assumed she did lol. I give it a 3 to 3.5 out of 5. I feel like the uncut version is going to answer a lot of questions.

[@LynneJordan11]

Have you read how cranky Sir Ridley is being in response to the mixed reviews and the French movie critic's almost ridicule of the film? He's more defensive than Scorcese! Josephine was most definitely a Ho but Napoleon was a total dawg. You know Emperors be horndogs...

[@MrPatrice637]

"This shit was a mess." - Joseph...and that's what I got from the trailer 😂Speaking of questionable casting, I remember Ridley's excuse for casting white actors as the leads in 'Exodus: Gods & Kings' was his film wouldn't be financed if the lead was "Mohammed so and so from such-and-such."🙃Sounds racist and cowardly but then again he's got actors in this movie playing French characters and speaking with British accents while fighting the British so 😂 Thank you for powering through this long, beautiful looking mess of a movie and sharing your thoughts!!

[@Prodigious1One]

LOL! The movie does have a lot of ideas. The biggest intrigue is the relationship between Napoleon and Josephine. You're right that the war scenes are secondary to their relationship. It's an interesting story, but maybe it wasn't trying to be too purposeful.

[@kairandbellinger1973]

Love your review approach. 3/10 is the best I can give this movie.

[@SAYWHATYOUSAID]

MAN THIS MOVIE IS NOT GREAT.. WHY DO WE KEEP LETTING THESE FILM MAKERS GET AWAY WITH SUB PAR CRAP? THE TRAILER IS BETTER THAN THE MOVIE............

[@FrancisFabricates]

Joesephine is 6 years older than him, she is too old to have kids that’s why

[@_BhagavadGita]

The movie was kinda like a "Drunk History" version of Napoleon. hahahahaha

[@christophercobb249]

I'm one of the seemingly small group that loves Prometheus! Speaking of Ridley Scott ... On the other hand, House of Gucci is one of the only movies so bad (and boring!) that I actually left the movie theater halfway through.

[@tweety11226]

Ugh, i thought it this review was released on Monday 😔 Waiting impatiently because I cant wait to hear the review and pull quotes lol I wonder if it is better than that movie Chevalier lol. I heard that Napoleon does not have a French accent 😳

[@TechnicJunglist]

It reminds me of Kevin Costner in Robin Hood. But it's Joaquin so I'll be seeing it tonight regardless. 😆

[@js7dragon]

"sex person" LOL

[@michaelwirick1849]

Thanks again for your review! Im supposed to see it on Wednsday.

[@rociomiranda5684]

Napoleon was in his 20s when he met Josephine. She was older, a widow with half grown kids, the mistress of some revolutionary big shot. Napoleon and Josephine were unfaithful to each other through their marriage, yet he wrote her some great love letters. He did have several illegitimate children, one famously with Countess Marie Waleska. Napoleon was not short. That was British propaganda. He was the average height for a man of his time. Of course, Englishmen could be ridiculously tall. The greatest epic about Napoleon is the silent film of that name. Other good ones, Waterloo, and the mini series with Christian Clavier and Isabella Rossellini.

[@AnnabelleLeeTx]

Love the review ☺️

[@user-friendly-b6q]

I love Sir Ridley Scott's movies, I can hardly wait to see Napoleon. It opens here in Spain next Friday 24 th and I bet I won't be disappointed. The director's cut would be great for physical media too. Greetings from Spain guys !

[@jgirlinluv55]

Hey !!! Made it on time

[@maryrobertson9349]

another awesome review guys i would love to see this movie joaquin is one of my very favorite actors i love his work he looks like he does a great job in this movie i always enjoy both your reviews they r always honest and very entertaining thank u both for ur reviews i always get excited when i see your reviews

[@allie2253]

this is NOT a good performance by Joaquin. a cardboard cutout of Joaquin would have shown more range and depth than his performance in this movie. I saw it mostly for him and I was incredibly disappointed

[@oct2811]

I would love to hear y’all’s thoughts on MANODROME - your reviews are stellar, fellas - Thank You

[@chrisk5651]

You don’t need to know how Napoleon was a military genius - that is just plain historical fact and this is not a documentary.

[@storyspinner3080]

I wish you guys had been my history teachers.

[@nastee10]

I usually think that Joseph is too knit-picky about the language thing, but not this time. I understand that the majority of an American movie audience will never sit through 2 hours of subtitles. But, at least give me correct accents. What wrong with French people speaking in a French accent, Russians in a Russian accent? Why must everyone have an English accent? And Phoenix was just doing his own thing all together.

[@Hajimaaaa613]

So sounds like this will be a skip. I'll just go rewatch The Last Duel.

[@millsykooksy4863]

I’m so excited for this

[@alexandrelarsac9115]

Napoléon being small is a very effective english propaganda still alive with english speakers more than 200 years years after his death. His height is known. He was not small.

[@Portsoffall]

I feel like if the movie was done in french it would of been better. Was good but the shortend version definitely took the kick out of it.

[@williamerazo3921]

French Revolution to his ascent to Emperor was a mess period in history

[@wanya_telborn]

Did not love Joaquin as Napoleon! Also Nick a lizard sunning! Yessss!!! 😂😂😂😂❤❤❤

[@richgranados11]

This movie kind of fails as a drama but succeeds as an epic. I looked up how he took power in the coup and apparently it’s pretty accurate-he berated the government and barely made it out alive after they ganged up on him. It had some cool scenes.

[@sagsag9630]

Poor stanley kubrick is rolling in his grave

[@Heathcoatman]

Yeah, it was pretty disappointing. The battle scenes are great, even though not very accurate. Great cinematography. However, there are huge editing flaws throughout. One minute he's making a deal with the Russians, the next scene he's going to war with Russia. This kind of thing happens throughout the film. To synopsize, lots of muscle, no connective tissue. It's very obvious that they were working hard to get women to see this film by making Josephine seem more important that she actually was. Women arent seeing this movie unless they are dragged to it by their husband/boyfriend no matter how many 'You are nothing without me" clips they add to the trailer. There is a pretty solid mini-series from the late 80s called Napoleon and Josephine. It's a little dated but it focuses almost entirely on his and her relationship. I watched it, I enjoyed it, it's still worth a watch. In other words, that story has already been told well. Cant we make a movie about one of the most powerful/terrible/influential people in history without devoting half the movie to a love story? Do the studios really think women will go out in droves to watch this movie? Can we, for once, just make a movie about a powerful man without having romance in it? Not a man out there going into this movie who is thinking "yeah, he fought some battles and stuff, but I'm really curious about the dynamic between him and his wife"? For once can we not? Perspective: If they made a movie about Oprah, I would go see it for sure. Very powerful and influential woman who built an empire from the ground up. The last thing I want in that movie is for half of it to be about Stedman. Also, stop perpetuating debunked myths, like the French soldiers were shooting cannons at sphinxes and pyramids. Never happened, been LONG debunked. A movie like this should help destroy false myths, not perpetuate them. Again, great cinematography, sweeping epic scenes. Poorly focused movie.

[@RichardHannay]

Oh I don’t mind when they speak in a different language in movies set in another country. There are a lot of great movies like that. “Doctor Zhivago”, “To Be Or Not To Be”, “Porco Rosso”, “The Shop Around The Corner”, “Ninotchka”… pretty much all of Lubitsch’s films really 😅

[@LuckyEagle640]

A hot mess and a half. This movie was so bad.

[@chrisk5651]

Joseph brings up the language issue but also the director is English and the English hated Napoleon and were responsible for his final defeat. Certainly this director here doesn’t depict Napoleon here in the best light.

[@matthewrichardson2533]

No he doesnt end up getting with a 15 year old russian princess, it's ypung adult princess from Austria.

[@slik1977]

I love historical drama but get frustrated when its blatantly historical inaccurate because usually the history is more interesting than whatever they made up however i heard Sam Crane is in this so im going to have to slog through it.... 4hrs though

[@drichards4426]

How confused you guys are with the story is exactly why this movie was so bad.

[@aimeeblessing8974]

Off topic, but Joaquin's little speech impediment is cute, though

[@82566]

I was wondering what your views of this movie might be@ 1:19 1:30 🤣🤣 👍Thank you bolth

[@puspavelai8353]

😄Well, 🤨a 'guided biopic' to a Historical figure...minus the French language! To enjoy this story on this icon's 'battles' I'd have to first get past my own distractions...like Joseph lament on that no French language for starters!

[@RS-on5zg]

Sounds like a mess in many ways but I'll see it anyway. I read that Napoleon was a gifted general who was loved by his troops. Not sure that Phoenix conveys either of those qualities from the previews I've seen. Using only a few French speakers does seem odd these days. Didn't DeMille get away with using actors with a Bronx accent in The Ten Commandments?

[@selena___]

Well this has eclipsed the criticisms of Johnny Depp’s portrayal of Louis XV. I haven’t seen either movie so mightn’t be qualified to comment. I should probably find out what the French critics are saying! I did read someone wondering why we’re so hung up on historical accuracy now when this wasn’t such a problem with Braveheart. I think as others have pointed out the issue is Naploeon the strategist, guy who changed the course of history isn’t depicted

[@harveyjane432]

Joaquin Phoenix ❤🎉

[@veganpeace7890]

Horses in battle scenes is a red flag for me! I loved this review though!!!!

[@chrisk5651]

You don’t have to have movies made only in the language of the original characters. If you don’t agree then don’t watch it. There are a lot of other things to complain about!

[@trinat347]

I'll stream it but it's sad it's not that great. Napoleon story deserves better, tbh I think his story should be show. They got Josephine right but she was in her 30s

[@LexisReadz]

So glad I watched this before checking this movie out because I had a feeling it was gonna be a weird snooze lol

[@tfernandez6806]

I felt the same way about it not being in French, but with muddled mess of British & American accents…only the cinema “bad guy” as always…the Russians & Germans speaking in their own tongue👎🏻. The location info on the battlefield given out in “miles” it slayed me. Blowing up the top of the Egyptian pyramids!? This movie =F

[@stucorbett]

At least it was more accurate than The Patriot or Argo...or anything else American

[@lkf8799]

The only Napoleon I've seen in a movie is from Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure 😂 I really like Joaquin Phoenix but I don't know if I would have picked him for this role. I am interested enough to watch it eventually. Thanks for the review.

[@rabrab3]

I agree with a lot your review. The reason that may like it better than you is my interest in history. If you are a student of French history the movie flows better and is more interesting. If you are not I can see how this a more daunting watch. I will watch the 4+ hour director cut to see what was left out. Definitely not a masterpiece, but still worth a watch. I will not have to see it again. Don't see this as an Oscar contender unless it is for costume or cinematography. Thank you!

[@IllusiveBunny]

I just think of the language thing as if I am watching a dub. 🤷🏾‍♀️

[@Noutchka]

"to WW1"!!!! Say what? Hahaha OK so WW1 : 1914-1918. Napoleonic wars : roughly 1800-1815.

[@cindy68780]

Anything Apple is over rated garbage.

[@AMultipolarWorldIsEmerging]

In your title you call yourselves gay homosexuals. Isn’t that redundant ? Are you saying you’re homosexual homosexuals or are you saying you’re happy homosexuals

[@fishjellyfilmreviews]

Yes

[@macebluemoon369]

I was wonderfing why this movie was not receiving Oscar buzz. This will be a film that I may watch eventually...but skip in the theatres.

[@Brucestevens]

I’ve never seen these guys give anything higher than 4/5

[@alobo9937]

Nick just gave The Cook, the Thief, His Wife & Her Lover 5/5 a couple of weeks ago. 💁🏽‍♀️

[@tweety11226]

​@@alobo9937 I gotta add these movies to my list because these 5/5 comes sparingly

[@bearmore]

This movie make Napoleon a simp like Will Smith.

[@witcher-86]

lol battle related to WW1?, what are you guys smoking haha

[@aleksandrazona416]

Oh well, just ignorant Americans 😂 They can't keep up with the movie, cause they don't know history at all.

[@COWBOYSFAN92]

YOU GUYS JUST SAID IN A NUTSHELL WHAT EVERYONE ON FILM TWITTER AGREES ON WHICH IS THIS FILM IS BORING AND MAKES NO SENSE AND BOUNCES AROUND ANY HISTORICAL ACCURACY OF THE EVENTS THAT UNFOLDED WITHN THE TIME PEROID AND THAT ITS WAY TOO FREAKING LONG FOR THE 3 HOUR THAT ITS ENDED UP BEING . GREAT REVIEW . @FishFilmReviews 🤠😲

[@sharpaycutie2]

Napoleon life def can’t be joked into ONE film and this film did nothing but fabricate an image of this guy and present “cool” imagery. Which is what most of Hollywood is made up of. Lies and pretty visuals (which weren’t all that pretty in that sad filter they used)