'Napoleon' Has Hit Theaters And Moviegoers Are Divided On Ridley Scott's Newest Film

The seasoned director behind classics like Alien and Blade Runner hits the big screens once more with Napoleon. A historical epic, the film follows the life of the eponymous French emperor (Joaquin Phoenix) and his rise to power, alongside his relationship with Empress Joséphine (Vanessa Kirby).

Napoleon certainly isn’t Scott’s first tango with historical epics (see: Gladiator and 1492: Conquest of Paradise). But it’s a genre that’s been arguably uncelebrated in recent years; as one Twitter user puts it: “Historical epics are rare these days.” But what else did the fans have to say? Well, while we certainly found rave reviews about Scott’s 29th directorial project, we also found our fair share of stinging criticisms. See below what fans had to say about Ridley Scott’s Napoleon.

A Technical Triumph

#Napoleon is a technical triumph. However the story itself leaves alot to be desired. It felt like a check list of events put together with no real narrative direction with the backbone of the events being his obsession with his wife Josephine to try & tie a narrative together. pic.twitter.com/G9mOdHXULt
— ΩStuntman MikeΩ (@Stuntman_Mik3) November 25, 2023

It’ll Be Much Longer

If there’s one thing that does hold it back, there is clearly more to this film left on the editing floor. The 2.5 hour cut does enough to tell the story, but there is more meat on the bone characteristically. Hope Ridley Scott gets his directors cut. #Napoleon pic.twitter.com/sLFGgCEA6S
— Aaron 🇦🇺 🎥 (@AaronofTomorrow) November 23, 2023

They Wanted ‘Gladiator 2’ Instead

#Napoleon is mid Ridley Scott, which is better than most director’s best… part comedy/part war drama… Vanessa Kirby is terrific, Joaquin is literally Joaquin… canon battles on ice are cool… when’s Gladiator2 ? pic.twitter.com/FFNjesXqOG
— Jayson (@rangerjayfilm) November 28, 2023

Dear Josephine

I really think #Napoleon needed to be re-named to Dear Josephine, because a majority of the story was Napoleon’s love life. Some of the best action scenes of the year are in this movie, but it’s overlooked by a clunky story. If you’re not a history buff, you’ll get lost fast. pic.twitter.com/Ph7Fmt2g0I
— paul (@PaulSilanoJr) November 29, 2023

Eye To Eye

#Napoleon is visually stunning and brutal but also much more hilarious than it has any right to be thanks to Joaquin Phoenix & Vanessa Kirby. Not everyone will see eye to eye with Ridley Scott's vision but I sure as hell did.

Read my full review… https://t.co/bzHFLbiEjO
— Andrew J. Salazar (@AndrewJ626) November 23, 2023

Aesthetically Pleasing

Had 24 hrs to think about #Napoleon after yesterday's screening.

Despite its many flaws, it *looked* amazing.

Historical epics are rare these days, so I hope it's a commercial success. I know we'd all like to see many more made. pic.twitter.com/3O9TMh6KOi
— Military History Now (@MilHistNow) November 26, 2023

Some Pretty Cinematography

Joaquin Phoenix nailed the character of #Napoleon. Performance, set designs, location, cinematography—everything is perfect, but I know what the issue is and what people are not going to like. History presents Napoleon as "Napoleon The Great," but this movie did not use that… pic.twitter.com/5n2JlgGwh9
— DesiNerd (@iamDesiNerd) November 24, 2023