Napoleon (2023)

Napoleon

• This movie is getting way too much hate. The Rotten Tomatoes critic score isn’t horrible, but based on Letterboxd reviews, a lot of people dislike it. Personally, I can’t see why. Well, I kind of can, but I refuse to understand their reasoning. I love how it’s a simply laid out movie of a man who wanted to serve his country by conquering nations. That’s one reason people didn’t like it: it was too simple and plain. But I think that’s the charm of it. It doesn’t go too in depth in his life, and mainly focuses on his relationship with his wife, as well as his battles. It was such a blast to watch, even if it felt a little long. All the battle scenes were terrifically filmed, and I loved every single second of it. Especially France’s attack on Russia and Austria (the one with the ice). It was CINEMA. The props, the clothes, the death. BEAUTIFUL. Again, this movie is getting way too much hate. I loved it so much. Joaquin Phoenix is literally Napoleon, and I think a very small number of actors could’ve pulled it off as well as he did. Nothing Oscar worthy, but still good. Vanessa Kirby also did a fantastic job as well. I do have two small complaints, however. One is the length of the movie. I think a couple scenes could’ve been cut out. Nothing wrong with them, some just felt a little unnecessary. My other complaint was the dialogue. Most of it was really interesting, but there were a few lines that were just odd. They felt out of place. But besides that, I absolutely loved the entire thing. Screw the critics and fans that don’t like this. They are wrong, and this is a really good movie. Is it the best ever made? No. But I watched this as a fan, and as a fan, it was entertaining. Who cares if it’s not always historically accurate. I loved it. I’d definitely recommend it to all war/drama fans. This film is officially Berry Approved, so go see it now!