Being Napoleon (2018) User Reviews

Vive Lémpereur!!!

[m-oosterheerd · 7/10 · 17 August 2018]

As a kid i was really into books about Napoleon, the era and the battles. Later i came to understand the historical complexities and the impact this man had on Europe, in the past and now.

This great documentary shows the passion that is felt worldwide for this great man who is often falsely depicted as a man of small posture.

The actors in full accurate uniforms in our modern day life is sometimes hilarious. But their passion is real.

It becomes a battle for the title of Napoleon and my sympathies were very clear from the start.

Engaging, moving, funny and beatiful. a must see for history geeks like me.

Being Napoleon

[zacharyprater · 7/10 · 19 August 2018]

A very interesting look into the competition, and culture behind the celebration of historic events. Beautifully filmed, and never uninteresting. The two prospective emperors are amazingly intriguing characters, and the film builds up their rivalry very well. Definitely worth a watch.

Learned a lot about re-enactors.

[mpmemrm · 7/10 · 21 February 2021]

I learned from this rather overly long film that many re-enactors actively attempt to experience history, rather than merely to know history from books. Some of the re-enactors even wept as they remembered the trials and tribulations of those people from the past whose experiences they are re-enacting, especially the common foot soldiers who are largely overlooked or get just a passing mention in traditional history books. Very interesting.

One of the most fascinating documentary

[gaurav-kukreja666 · 9/10 · 26 July 2022]

As an Indian, I had only heard or read about the epic wars and conquests of Napoleon. I knew French feel strongly about the controversial historical figure but I was not expecting the passion he still evokes among the Frenchmen.

The camera work and the interviews were amazing. I got to view the perspective and devotion to history of the people who take part in reenactment.

The 'rivalry' between the two prospective Napoleon for reenactment made the documentary even more engaging. I rooted for Mark. He seemed so commanding and 'Napoleonic'.

This is a must watch documentary for history lovers who want to see the effect Napoleon has still has on Frenchmen. Helps you to also understand the mindset of current traditional Frenchmen.

Quirky Documentary Making At Its Best

[paulbooth-75677 · 10/10 · 30 August 2023]

I loved this film. Always the mark of a good documentary is taking a subject you have little interest in and then hooking you in. I have recommended this to a lot of people since I watched this. Really fascinating characters and it's so funny and plays out like a soap opera. The supporting people the follow add a rich theme through out and it's a fascinating insight in to the world of reenactment societies. I loved the story of the 2 competing Napoleons and the delve into their private lives away from the limelight. It's the behind the scenes footage and the normal life creeping in that I enjoyed very much.