Waterloo
Waterloo

Waterloo

1970Movie134 minEnglish

After defeating France and imprisoning Napoleon on Elba, ending two decades of war, Europe is shocked to find Napoleon has escaped and has caused the French Army to defect from the King back to him. The best of the British generals, the Duke of Wellington, beat Napolean's best generals in Spain and Portugal, but now must beat Napoleon himself with an Anglo Allied army.

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Insights

IMDb6.2/10
Rotten Tomatoes43%
Metacritic59/100
Google Users70%
Director: Sergei BondarchukGenres: Drama, War, History, Action, Adventure, Romance

Plot Summary

This epic historical drama chronicles the final days of Napoleon Bonaparte's reign, culminating in his decisive defeat at the Battle of Waterloo. The film meticulously recreates the political intrigue leading up to the battle and the immense scale of the conflict itself, focusing on Napoleon's strategic brilliance and his ultimate downfall. It also portrays the perspectives of key figures on both the French and Allied sides.

Critical Reception

Waterloo was met with mixed reviews from critics. While many praised its massive scale, historical accuracy in recreating the battle, and impressive set pieces, some found the narrative lacking in emotional depth and character development. The performances, particularly Rod Steiger as Napoleon, received notable attention. Audiences were divided, with some appreciating the spectacle and historical reenactment, while others found it long and somewhat dry.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its spectacular battle sequences and historical detail.
  • Criticized for a somewhat detached and uneven narrative.
  • Rod Steiger's portrayal of Napoleon was a highlight for many.

Google audience: Audiences generally appreciated the film's grand scale and the detailed depiction of the Battle of Waterloo, finding it an impressive historical spectacle. However, some viewers felt the pacing was slow and the characterizations could have been more engaging.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for one BAFTA Award for Best Costume Design.

Fun Fact

The film features one of the largest crowd scenes ever filmed, with over 15,000 soldiers from the Soviet Army participating as extras.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
CinemaSerf

CinemaSerf

Sergei Bondarchuk ought to be commended for his really rather sterling effort at re-creating some of the one hundred days of Napoleon's campaign following his escape from exile on Elba in 1815. Rod Steiger is superbly cast and imperious as ...
SWITCH.

SWITCH.

'Waterloo' is a film that, while technically impressive, feels emotionally distant. Bondarchuk and cinematographer Armando Nannuzzi never hide the influence of Napoleonic paintings on the visual language of the film, but that's essentially ...