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NAPOLEON is a splendid A&E mini-series about one of the most famous generals/conquerors/rulers/reformers in history. This is an international production based upon the book by Max Gallo and is sympathetic towards BONAPARTE. Even at six hours, it can’t cover all the details covered in hundreds of pages in hundreds of books. There are plenty of times you wish they had given a bit more background. Yet, it does an admirable job in giving you the essence and understanding of the period while being highly entertaining.

Some of the international supporting cast seem a little wooden, but the stars do well in enlightening the characters and events. Christian Clavier gives a convincing, sympathetic, and understanding portrayal of Napoleon, although with little of his darker side. Isabella Rossellini enables you to see why Napoleon loved Josephine despite her philandering while he was away in his early years. (Yes, there is more to Josephine than appearances). John Malkovic plays a really smooth Talleyrand who as Foreign Minister survived and served multiple masters in the revolution, empire, and monarchy.

The film begins in 1795 when Napoleon is a promising young officer. One of the most fascinating aspects of celebrities is seeing how they got to the top. The film adequately shows how Napoleon defended the revolutionary government against the rabble, was rewarded with a command in Italy where his brilliant leadership ability begin to shine, and overthru the murderous government ostensibly to forestall a return of the monarchy. Although his reign was relatively brief, less than twenty years, these were some of the most momentous events in European history and the film covers a variety of his personal, military, and political highlights. You see little of his lasting political reforms, but see why he was so momentous. His return from Elba with a handful of supporters, winning back the army to his side, and retaking the government illustrates his appeal and popularity.

The film shines with lavish settings, palaces, and military maneuvers. Of course there are plenty of battles including Arcola, Austerlitz, Jena, Eylau, Aspern-Essling, and Waterloo. None of the battles get the full treatment like the Soviet version of many years ago, but while short, they are well done. You’ll have to read books to find out why he was a military genius and pore over his tactics, but the film’s battles make it clear that conquering, holding, and losing most of Europe wasn’t easy.

In sum, the film fulfills its promise to entertain and enlighten viewers with a brief overview about one of the most fascinating individuals in history and to show why our interest endures today. Then go on to learn the details by reading a book or reliving the era by playing a game. Napoleonic era boardgames is one of the largest and most detailed areas of gaming.

Best Scene:

Early morning mist covers the battlefield. The gloom adds to the usual pre-battle anxiety. But Napoleon uses the mist as a cloak as he moves his forces into position. The sun finally peaks thru and the soldiers cheer the good omen. Napoleon is ready and stands on a hill, spyglass in hand watching, planning, and sending off orders. The sun clears the mist to reveal units marching into position like chess pieces in the plain below. Artillery breaks the silence with a roar. Units advance toward each other across the plain below and crash into each other. The neat lines, uniforms, rifles, and bayonets are soon bloodied and muddied. Smoke covers the battlefield now, like the mist did in the morning.