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Napoleon (2023 film)

Napoleon is a 2023 epic historical war film directed and co-produced by Ridley Scott and written by David Scarpa.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Napoleon is a 2023 epic historical war film directed and co-produced by Ridley Scott and written by David Scarpa. The film stars Joaquin Phoenix as Napoleon Bonaparte and Vanessa Kirby as Joséphine, focusing on Napoleon's rise to power and his relationship with Joséphine. It was released theatrically in North America, including Canada, in November 2023 and later streamed on Apple TV+.

Plot and subject

The film presents a dramatized account of Napoleon Bonaparte's rise, military campaigns, and political ascent, with a major focus on his relationship with Joséphine. It is a historical interpretation rather than a documentary.

Cast

Joaquin Phoenix portrays Napoleon Bonaparte and Vanessa Kirby portrays Joséphine. The film also features supporting performances from other historical figures and military figures from the Napoleonic era.

Release

Napoleon premiered in Paris in November 2023 before its theatrical release in the United States and United Kingdom later that month. It became available for streaming on Apple TV+ in March 2024.

Versions

The theatrical version runs 158 minutes, while a longer 204-minute director's cut was released in 2024. The longer cut adds material to Scott's original theatrical presentation.

Key facts

  • The film is based on the life of Napoleon Bonaparte and emphasizes his rise to power and marriage to Joséphine.
  • It premiered in Paris at Salle Pleyel on November 14, 2023.
  • It was released in cinemas in the United States and United Kingdom on November 22, 2023.
  • The film later streamed on Apple TV+ beginning March 1, 2024.
  • A 204-minute director's cut was released in 2024.
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Canadian context

The film was an internationally released English-language historical drama and was distributed in North American markets, making it relevant to Canadian audiences through theatrical availability and later streaming access.

Frequently asked questions

Who directed Napoleon (2023 film)?
Ridley Scott directed and co-produced the film.
Who plays Napoleon in the film?
Joaquin Phoenix portrays Napoleon Bonaparte.
Who plays Joséphine?
Vanessa Kirby plays Joséphine.
When was the film released?
It premiered on November 14, 2023, and was released theatrically on November 22, 2023.
Is there a director's cut?
Yes. A 204-minute director's cut was released in 2024.
Where could it be streamed?
It began streaming on Apple TV+ on March 1, 2024.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Napoleon_(2023_film)
    Supports: Director, writers, cast, premise, premiere date, theatrical release, streaming release
  2. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13287846/
    Supports: Release date, runtime, premise, cast, film identification
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13287846/plotsummary/
    Supports: Plot summary focusing on Napoleon and Joséphine
  4. Common Sense Media — https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/napoleon-0
    Supports: Runtime, MPAA rating, release information, cast, director
  5. RogerEbert.com — https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/napoleon-movie-review-2023
    Supports: Theatrical release timing and general description of the film