Huzzah, Napolean!

I like war movies and I like historical epics and I like Ridley Scott. So I knew I’d be watching “Napoleon” as soon as I could stream it for free.

That was last night. Thanks, Apple TV+!  Having seen it, I can say that this is one of those films where I would not regret the price of a theater ticket and a large bucket of popcorn. 

Here’s what it is: sweeping battle scenes, deft direction, terse writing and often brilliant acting by Joaquin Phoenix, Vanessa Kirby and the strong supporting cast. 

Here’s what it isn’t: Historically accurate. The most memorable scenes are the ones that didn’t really happen: Napoleon leading a cavalry charge, bombarding the Great Pyramids, rushing to Josephine from his exile in Elba, chatting with Wellington after Waterloo.  

I don’t mind. I’m no great expert on the Napoleonic Wars, but the film seems to capture a sense of the time, if not a hyper-realistic picture of it. A movie can be completely accurate or it can be entertaining, but rarely both. 

There’s still time to watch it before the Oscars next Sunday. It’s been nominated for production design, costume design and visual effects.