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REVIEW
Dec. 29, 2023
Napoleon
In this historic film, Scott had tactfully striked the balance for war with unexpected moments for levity, all while creating a unique cinematic journey for audiences that traverse through the French Revolution from Europe to Africa. By: Wee Yan Ling
Genres: Biography, History, Drama, War, Action
Distributor: Apple Original Films, Columbia Pictures, Sony Pictures
Length: 158 minutes
Producers: Mark Huffam, Ridley Scott, Kevin J. Walsh
Production company: Scott Free Productions
Description
In this historic film, Scott had tactfully striked the balance for war with unexpected moments for levity, all while creating a unique cinematic journey for audiences that traverse through the French Revolution from Europe to Africa.
Napoleon brings audiences on a sweeping journey as it dictates the rise of the titular figure from amidst the chaos of the French Revolution to the cathartic campaigns across continents. What makes the film so distinct is the ability to incorporate a blend of humour into the heavy theme of the film. The unforeseen moments of levity intertwined with the epic narrative helps to break even the reflections of history where tragedy and farce collides.
The initial part of the movie dictates Napoleon’s rise to power, where the film utilised to their advantage the vivid imagery and brisk narrative strokes. The film has managed to encapsulate the performative political correctness of the same, as everyone refers to one another as “Citizen.” Barrace and Napoleon formed a union which led to the departure of Robespierre, crafting the way for the duo’s consolidation of power.
The titular movie dives into the exploitation in the military and the turbulent relationship with Josephine. The director had utilised a dual plot structure which retains the segregation between the storylines. The war scenes unveil the vitality and capture the essence of brutality present in the battle too. Paired with the intricate and sound staging, the set helps beings the audiences into the turbulent war, as if they were there too.
The film is testament to the directorial forte of Ridley Scott as it renders a cinematic journey, which breaks conventional boundaries of historical epics. The levity of the film paired with the intrepid visuals of the way weaves a tapestry that mirrors the contradictions intrinsic in the pages of history.
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