Napoléon Bonaparte
Napoléon Bonaparte

Movie spotlight

Napoléon Bonaparte

1935
Movie
140 min
French

A second version of Gance's Napoléon, with sound.

Insights

IMDb7.0/10
Rotten Tomatoes90%
Director: Abel GanceGenres: Biography, Drama, History, War

Plot Summary

This epic silent film chronicles the rise of Napoleon Bonaparte from his humble beginnings to his ascension as Emperor of the French. It vividly portrays his military campaigns, his complex relationships, and the turbulent political landscape of post-revolutionary France. The film captures his strategic genius, his ambition, and the dramatic events that shaped his destiny and the course of European history.

Critical Reception

Abel Gance's 'Napoléon' is widely regarded as a monumental achievement in filmmaking, celebrated for its breathtaking scope, innovative techniques, and passionate performances. While its length and silent nature presented challenges for audiences at the time of its release, its artistic merit and historical significance have been consistently recognized and lauded by critics and film historians over the decades.

What Reviewers Say

  • A visually stunning and epic silent film that masterfully captures the ambition and rise of Napoleon.

  • Praised for its groundbreaking cinematic techniques and grand scale, though its length can be demanding.

  • Considered a landmark achievement in historical biography and a testament to Abel Gance's directorial vision.

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Fun Fact

Abel Gance's original cut of 'Napoléon' was over 5 hours long and featured an innovative triptych screen presentation for certain battle sequences, a precursor to modern widescreen formats.

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