Napoleon  ★★★½

VETERAN director Ridley Scott has a typically blunt answer to critics who have called out historical issues in his latest epic Napoleon.

“Were you there? No, so shut the fuck up.”

Similarly in answer to the complaints from many French critics in particular, the Brit has replied: “So what. The French even hate themselves.”

I tend to agree with Scott (On the first point – I like the French). If you want historical accuracy, read a non-fiction book or watch historians argue in a documentary.

Almost every film based on historical events has its critics; and almost every director of a historical film has said it isn’t meant to be definitive.

So approach Napoleon with that state of mind and you may not be disappointed.

The other thing you need to know beforehand is that Scott’s film is as much about the battles between Napoleon and his first wife Josephine as it is about those fought between armies and countries.

Napoleon features re-enactments of several major battles fought by the French leader punctuated by the ongoing emotional battle with the woman he always feared loved him less than he loved her.

Their difficult and complex relationship, as played by Joaquin Phoenix and Vanessa Kirby, is the heart of the film.

That isn’t to say the relationship also drove Napoleon’s career, which was more a case of the man’s DNA and desire to prove to his parents and himself that he was somebody special.

Unfortunately, as the film so graphically depicts, he achieved this through the deaths of more than three million other men.

It’s an entertaining story about a fascinating man featuring two very different but equally good performances and the extraordinary battle scenes that Scott has become known for.

If Scott’s film sends people off to learn more about Napoleon, then isn’t that a good thing?