Is Being Napoleon Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (2018)

The Narrative Arc & Core Premise

Being Napoleon, a standout production of 2018, meticulously weaves its narrative threads through the Documentary, History landscape, offering a cinematic experience that is as challenging as it is rewarding. The primary thematic concern of the film is an investigation into On June 18, 1815, several European armies, commanded by the British Duke of Wellington, faced for the last time the deposed French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte in the fields of Belgium. As the story unfolds, we are introduced to a world where the traditional boundaries of Documentary, History are tested.

The screenplay takes its time to establish the stakes, ensuring that every character motivation is grounded in a psychological reality. The synopsis only hints at the depth: "On June 18, 1815, several European armies, commanded by the British Duke of Wellington, faced for the last time the deposed French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte in the fields of Belgium. Two hundred years later, thousands of people recreate the epic clash between two titans that history knows as the Battle of Waterloo."

Artistic Execution & Performance Study

A film's resonance is often dictated by the strength of its execution, both in front of and behind the camera. In Being Napoleon, we see Aldo Bazatte utilizing their established screen presence to carry the story forward. It is a solid, workmanlike performance that serves the director's vision without overshadowing the larger narrative goals.

The direction by Jesse Handsher is marked by a steady and professional hand. From a production standpoint, the film meets the high standards of modern industrial filmmaking. The sets are well-crafted, and the visual effects are integrated with a level of polish that ensures the viewer matches the director's intended level of immersion. While perhaps not groundbreaking, the execution is flawless. The pacing, over its 89 minute runtime, allows the audience to fully inhabit the space the director has created, making the eventual resolution feel deeply earned.

Critical Assessment: Why You Should Watch

Is Being Napoleon truly worth your investment of time and attention? In an era of disposable content, this film makes a strong case for its existence. If you are a connoisseur of Documentary, History, then this is a worthwhile watch if you have a specific interest in the themes or the performers involved.

The film's ability to perfectly execute its genre requirements is why it has earned its 5.4/10 score. It speaks to a global audience while maintaining a distinct and unique voice, a balance that is notoriously difficult to achieve in the modern marketplace.

Philosophical Subtext & Directorial Vision

At a deeper level, Being Napoleon explores the dichotomy of truth and perception. The 2018 audience is increasingly sophisticated, and Jesse Handsher respects this by refusing to provide easy answers to the story's complex questions.

The philosophical underpinnings of the second and third acts suggest a narrative that is interested in more than just entertainment. It is an exploration of what it means to be human in an increasingly complex world.

Final Editorial Recommendation

Ultimately, Being Napoleon is an interesting experiment that, while flawed, offers enough moments of creative spark to be worth a casual glance for the curious. Whether you are drawn to it by the star power of Aldo Bazatte or the critical acclaim surrounding its release, Being Napoleon is a film that demands to be seen on the largest screen possible.