Napoleon

Napoleon

Year: 2023

Runtime: 2 h 38 m

Language: English

Director: Ridley Scott

Echo Score: 73
ActionAdventureBiographyDramaHistoryWar

Joaquin Phoenix portrays Napoleon Bonaparte’s dramatic rise and fall in this sweeping biographical drama. Ridley Scott directs this historical epic, showcasing Bonaparte’s relentless ambition and military campaigns against the backdrop of 18th-century France. The film explores his complex relationship with Empress Josephine and the impact of his actions on France and Europe.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Napoleon (2023)

Trace every key event in Napoleon (2023) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Witnessing Marie Antoinette's Execution

In 1793, against the backdrop of the French Revolution, young army officer Napoleon Bonaparte witnesses the tragic beheading of Marie Antoinette by guillotine. This event serves as a stark introduction to the brutal realities of revolutionary turmoil and shapes his views on power and leadership.

1793
2

Appointed to Siege of Toulon

Later in 1793, Revolutionary leader Paul Barras appoints Napoleon to manage the Siege of Toulon. Demonstrating exceptional military prowess, he successfully takes the city, effectively utilizing artillery to drive back British forces and establishing his reputation.

1793 Toulon
3

Quelling the Royalist Uprising

In 1795, as the Revolution's tide shifts, Napoleon quashes a royalist uprising on 13 Vendémiaire. His decisive use of artillery plays a pivotal role in restoring order, solidifying his position as a key military leader in France.

13 Vendémiaire, 1795
4

Romancing Joséphine de Beauharnais

Amid the political chaos, Napoleon pursues the aristocratic widow Joséphine de Beauharnais. Their passionate relationship eventually leads to marriage, although they face challenges with unfulfilled dreams of having children.

5

Victory at the Battle of the Pyramids

In 1798, during a military campaign in Egypt, Napoleon achieves a stirring victory at the Battle of the Pyramids. This success is overshadowed by personal turmoil as he returns home hastily upon discovering Joséphine's infidelity.

1798 Egypt
6

Coup and Rise to Power

Facing criticism from the Directory for abandoning his troops, Napoleon orchestrates a coup alongside key collaborators like Talleyrand and Fouché. His actions lead to his appointment as First Consul, marking the start of his political ascent.

7

Crowned Emperor of the French

In 1804, Napoleon is crowned Emperor of the French in a grand ceremony, defiantly placing the crown on his own head. This moment symbolizes his consolidation of power and ambition to reshape France's destiny.

1804
8

Defeating Austria at Austerlitz

In 1805, Napoleon showcases his military genius at the Battle of Austerlitz, where he decisively defeats both Austrian and Russian forces. This victory cements his reputation as a formidable leader and alters the balance of power in Europe.

1805 Austerlitz
9

Divorce from Joséphine

In 1810, Napoleon's marriage to Joséphine ends in divorce, leading to a public confrontation when he slaps her for initially refusing to accept the decree. Despite the dissolution of their marriage, they maintain a warm correspondence.

1810
10

Invasion of Russia

In 1812, Napoleon invades Russia after Alexander goes back on a peace agreement. The campaign leads to the disastrous Battle of Borodino and the eventual abandonment of Moscow, marking a significant downturn in Napoleon's fortunes.

1812 Russia
11

Exile to Elba

By 1814, a coalition of forces leads to Napoleon's forced abdication and subsequent exile to the island of Elba. This marked the beginning of a steep decline in his power and a significant moment in European history.

1814 Elba
12

Return and Power Grab

In 1815, Napoleon escapes from Elba, fueled by news of Joséphine's declining health. He returns to France, reclaiming power through his persuasive charisma, despite the threat of arrest from King Louis XVIII.

1815 France
13

Battle of Waterloo

During the Battle of Waterloo in June 1815, Napoleon confronts British forces but faces fierce resistance. The arrival of Prussian forces leads to devastating losses for Napoleon, marking the end of his final campaign.

June 1815 Waterloo
14

Exile to Saint Helena

Ultimately, Napoleon is exiled again, this time to the remote island of Saint Helena. There, he reflects on his life and writes memoirs, creating a narrative that would shape his historical legacy for generations.

Saint Helena
15

Death in 1821

In 1821, Napoleon passes away on Saint Helena, claiming to have heard Joséphine’s voice calling him to reunite. His death concludes a tumultuous life marked by ambition, conflict, and profound historical impact.

1821 Saint Helena

Last Updated: October 24, 2024 at 09:09

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Napoleon Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Napoleon, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Napoleon Summary

Characters, Settings & Themes in Napoleon

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Napoleon

Napoleon Ending Explained

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Napoleon Ending Explained

More About Napoleon

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More About Napoleon

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