Why Napoleon is not as bad as film critics suggest

Joaquin Phoenix, who plays the protagonist role, is seen striding up to the palace as well as dining and taking part in a masquerade ball inside during this two-and-a-half-hours epic. 

While some critics may point out the film is inaccurate in parts, it does not detract from the enjoyment of the plot which portrays both the convoluted and sometimes insecure personality of the emperor, as well as the revolutionary fervour and volatility in late eighteenth and early nineteenth century France. 

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The opening scene shows a bloodthirsty, baying mob enjoying the downfall of Marie Antoinette whose execution is also watched by Napoleon himself. 

It is a dramatic opening scene for a film lavished with theatrical moments from the battlefield to the emperor's court and everything in between. 

The film closely follows Napoleon's complicated relationship with his wife Josephine who he clearly adores but has to break up with after she was unable to provide an heir. 

Striking parallels with the historic fascination for Henry VIII and his wives' battles to provide a male son, the sight of Napoleon fighting back the tears and drying his damp eyes with a handkerchief as he carries out the formal separation from Josephine, makes for great drama.

Blenheim Palace features in the film (Image: Blenheim Palace)Phoenix plays the role spectacularly well from the hardened military trooper charging into battle to the emotional lover and proud father when his son is born.

Napoleon's rage when he hears of Josephine's affair while on military duty also showcases Phoenix's skills as an Oscar-winning performer at the top of his craft.

Napoleon's attack on the British at Toulon in 1793 is brought to life, as well as dramatic earlier scenes where the French scale the walls of a castle to spring a surprise on the unsuspecting British who are merrily drinking and dancing around a fire above.

While the critics will point out Napoleon was never in attendance for Marie Antoinette's execution among other historical inaccuracies, it does not prevent it being an enthralling watch from start to finish.

A scene from Blenheim Palace in the film (Image: Blenheim Palace)Heck, Napoleon never visited Blenheim Palace but that did not make me want to launch popcorn at the screen and stomp out whenever the birthplace of Winston Churchill featured. Cinema is all about dramatization after all. 

Ridley Scott certainly manages to pack a lot into this biopic and it almost feels slightly rushed cramming in Napoleon's exile to St. Helena at the end despite the length of the film.

All in all, it was great fun regardless of what the history boffins might point out.

Napoleon is in UK cinemas now having been released on November 22.