Corporal vs. Napoleon (2012) Plot Summary Explained

General Kutuzov devised this strategy in 'Corporal vs. Napoleon' because Napoleon Bonaparte was notoriously susceptible to female charms. By exploiting this well-known weakness, Kutuzov hoped to stall Napoleon's military advance on Moscow long enough for the Russian army to regroup. The cunning ruse was considered a more effective tactic than direct military confrontation at that stage of the campaign.

Foreshadowing: Kutuzov's earlier remarks about Napoleon's infamously short attention span around women foreshadowed his willingness to gamble the entire defense on a seductive scheme.

• kutuzov strategy
• napoleon weakness
• russian ruse
• moscow defense
• military delay

Rzhevsky was the perfect candidate for this covert operation because of his well-known reputation as a charismatic womanizer and his experience charming members of the opposite sex. He was already facing punishment for his scandalous behavior, making a deal for freedom through this mission highly motivating. His natural charm, confidence, and theatrical flair made him the ideal choice to convincingly fool Napoleon at the ball.

Foreshadowing: Rzhevsky's prior disciplinary troubles foreshadowed that he had nothing to lose by accepting such a risky and absurd mission.

• rzhevsky disguise
• countess rzhevskaya
• covert mission
• charmer
• cross-dressing

At the lavish ball held in Napoleon's honor, Rzhevsky used his natural charisma, wit, and poise to perform convincingly as the elegant Countess Rzhevskaya. His beauty and charm captivated the French leader, drawing Napoleon's full attention away from military planning and toward romance. The performance was so convincing that Napoleon became completely infatuated, buying the Russian side valuable time during a critical moment in the campaign.

Foreshadowing: Rzhevsky's earlier brawls and rebellious antics foreshadowed the boldness he would need to pull off such a daring public performance.

• grand ball
• seduction plan
• napoleon infatuation
• charming napoleon

Rzhevsky fell for Natasha Rostova because she was described as the resplendent Miss Moscow, radiating beauty, grace, and spirit that captivated him at the ball. Their encounter created a genuine romantic spark that went far beyond his strategic objective of merely distracting Napoleon. This unexpected attraction complicated his mission, as he now had to balance his growing feelings with the need to maintain his disguise and fulfill his orders.

Foreshadowing: Rzhevsky's established reputation as a notorious charmer foreshadowed his vulnerability to actually falling in love rather than simply performing his role.

• rzhevsky natasha
• romantic conflict
• miss moscow
• love story

Natasha chastised Rzhevsky because she was unaware of his true identity as a Russian lieutenant, believing him to be part of the French or enemy camp due to his presence at the gathering. Coming from a patriotic Russian background, she despised anyone fraternizing with Napoleon's forces during the invasion. Her criticism reflected genuine patriotic sentiment and heartbreak rather than any personal hostility toward Rzhevsky himself.

• natasha rostova
• enemy criticism
• patriotism
• russian loyalty

Natasha uncovered Rzhevsky's identity as the plot thickened and the layers of deception began to unravel during the mission. The truth about Countess Rzhevskaya being a male Russian officer in disguise eventually came to light through mounting suspicions and circumstantial clues. This discovery shocked her deeply and added a strong sense of betrayal to their budding romance, forcing Rzhevsky to confront where his true loyalties lay.

Foreshadowing: Natasha's earlier sharp criticism of anyone associating with the enemy foreshadowed the keen instincts she would later use to see through the disguise.

• rzhevsky identity
• disguise discovery
• natasha revelation
• truth revealed

When Napoleon finally learned of the trickery in 'Corporal vs. Napoleon', he was furious at being deceived by what he had believed was a beautiful noblewoman. His rage intensified the stakes for both the Russian mission and his stalled military campaign. Despite his anger, Napoleon could not undo the critical time already lost to his distraction, which left his invasion plans in disarray.

Foreshadowing: Napoleon's growing infatuation earlier in the film foreshadowed how devastating the eventual reveal would be once the truth surfaced.

• napoleon anger
• ruse discovered
• french fury
• betrayal

Rzhevsky's success at enchanting Napoleon bought crucial time because the French leader became so preoccupied with the supposed Countess that his military planning and troop movements effectively stalled. This delay allowed the Russian army to regroup, reinforce its defenses, and prepare a far more effective counter-strategy against the incoming invasion. By the time Napoleon realized the deception and could resume his campaign in earnest, the Russians had gained a significant tactical advantage.

Foreshadowing: Kutuzov's initial gamble on seduction as a weapon foreshadowed that even small distractions, when timed well, could shift the course of an entire war.

• delay invasion
• regroup russian army
• military strategy
• campaign stall

With Napoleon's plans foiled and his campaign delayed, Rzhevsky and Natasha seized the opportunity to escape the dangerous political situation brewing between Russia and France. Their departure to Paris signified both a personal triumph over their obstacles and the success of their unconventional romance despite the wartime circumstances. Fleeing together also kept them safe from Napoleon's retribution and allowed them to start a new life away from suspicion.

Foreshadowing: Rzhevsky's growing affection for Natasha earlier in the film foreshadowed that he would ultimately choose love over military duty when the moment came.

• escape paris
• lovers flee
• romantic resolution
• new beginning

The croissant gesture at the end of 'Corporal vs. Napoleon' serves as a humorous olive branch extended by Rzhevsky to a defeated and disgruntled Napoleon. It symbolizes the triumph of Russian wit, charm, and cunning over French military ambition and brute force. The lighthearted moment reinforces the film's comedic tone and provides a satisfying, warm resolution that mocks the once-mighty emperor.

Foreshadowing: Rzhevsky's playful attitude throughout the mission foreshadowed that even his final interaction with Napoleon would be more comedic than vengeful.

• croissant scene
• symbol meaning
• french humiliation
• comedic ending