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Napoleon Bonaparte, renowned as an exceptional ruler and military strategist, expanded his influence across over half of Europe, reminiscent of the Roman Empire’s aggressive expansion. Despite his remarkable achievements, Napoleon faced opposition from various alliances, leading to the protracted Napoleonic Wars lasting from 1800 to 1815.
The epic tales of the Napoleonic Wars have been retold through numerous mediums, including books, documentaries, scripted shows, and films. Ridley Scott’s “Napoleon” stands out as a recent and notable cinematic portrayal. However, there are several other films that delve into this historical period, some using the conflict as a backdrop, while others spotlight lesser-known individuals caught up in the events.
Discovering these lesser-known perspectives, here are 10 movies centered around the Napoleonic Wars that you shouldn’t miss.
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10 Movies About the Napoleonic Wars You Shouldn’t Skip
Goya’s Ghosts (2006)
In “Goya’s Ghosts,” Inés, a muse for the painter Francisco Goya, is accused of violating Church laws. Her father seeks help from priest Lorenzo, who, claiming powerlessness, advises reliance on the Church’s judgment. In retaliation, Inés’ father smears Lorenzo, leading to his exile. Upon Lorenzo’s return with Napoleon’s forces, it’s revealed he has become a key prosecutor.
The film effectively portrays the Napoleonic Wars by depicting Napoleon’s opposition to the Inquisition, abolished upon his conquest of Spain in 1808. Lorenzo’s transformation highlights the era’s shifting political allegiances over personal beliefs. The movie underscores the church’s significant influence, illustrating how opposition to the Inquisition fueled resistance against Napoleon. Ultimately, various Spanish factions unite against the emperor, achieving victory. Stream on Prime Video.
The Duellists (1977)
The film “The Duellists,” featured in John Conrad’s anthology book “A Set of Six,” delves into the lives of two French officers, Gabriel Feraud and Armand d’Hubert, during the Napoleonic Wars. The narrative revolves around their persistent conflicts, culminating in duels to establish superiority. This portrayal effectively captures the essence of the Napoleonic era, and watching it prior to “Napoleon” is recommended for a comprehensive understanding.
The movie provides insights into the regulations governing the French military during that period. Notably, officers of different ranks were forbidden from engaging in personal conflicts to foster unity. The duels between Feraud and d’Hubert only occur after Feraud’s promotion to captain, adhering to these regulations. The impending promotion of d’Hubert to major prompts him to avoid further conflicts temporarily. In this way, the film sheds light on the intricacies of the laws established within the French empire to ensure competence and cohesion among its military officers.
Vanity Fair (2004)
Mira Nair’s 2004 adaptation of William Makepeace Thackeray’s novel “Vanity Fair” stands out among the various adaptations, particularly in its portrayal of the impact of the Napoleonic Wars. The narrative revolves around Becky Sharp (played by Reese Witherspoon), a struggling artist who finds an opportunity as a governess in a wealthy estate. Her romantic involvement with the estate owner’s son, Captain Crawley, takes a tragic turn when he is called to participate in the Battle of Waterloo.
The film effectively captures the disruptive nature of the Napoleonic Wars on love and family life. The narrative of Becky and Crawley illustrates how the ongoing war interferes with new relationships, highlighting the challenges and uncertainties faced by couples during this tumultuous period. Additionally, the film showcases Napoleon’s military prowess and strategic brilliance. Even in the concluding stages of the war, where he ultimately faces defeat, Napoleon’s exceptional skills result in significant casualties for his enemies. This is exemplified through the character of George, who is engaged to Amelia, a friend of Becky. The film skillfully portrays the harsh realities of war and its profound impact on personal relationships. Viewers can experience this compelling narrative by streaming it on Starz.
Persuasion (1995)
One of the reasons why Jane Austen’s novels are beloved is her skill in seamlessly blending romance with various elements. “Persuasion,” a film based on Austen’s work, tells the story of Anne, who must confront the consequences of a past decision to reject her engagement to Frederick Wentworth due to his lack of wealth. Upon his return from the Napoleonic Wars, Wentworth, now prosperous from prize ships, challenges Anne’s expectations.
The film effectively captures the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars, a time of anxiety and financial struggle for many. Director Roger Mitchell distinguishes this adaptation by avoiding the polished appearance typical of other 19th-century period pieces. Actors were instructed to refrain from wearing makeup and maintain a less pristine look, as reported by Harper’s Bazaar.
Moreover, the film sheds light on a lesser-known historical fact: the financial windfall experienced by Napoleon’s enemies following his defeat. With Napoleon heavily investing in his military, his adversaries grew wealthy by selling off captured ships and weapons. This historical context explains Wentworth’s transformation from a low-income soldier to a wealthy man returning from the war.
Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World (2003)
“Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World” immerses viewers in the tumultuous events of 1805, during the intense conflict between Napoleon’s French forces and the British navy. Captain “Lucky Jack” Aubrey, played by Russell Crowe, receives orders to pursue and capture a French vessel along the South American coast. Despite facing apparent disadvantages, Lucky Jack is determined to fulfill his mission.
The film skillfully portrays the dynamics of the Napoleonic Wars by highlighting Britain’s historical naval prowess. Even before Napoleon’s rise, the British navy had established itself as a formidable force, a crucial factor in the kingdom’s triumphs. While Napoleon excelled on land, the British consistently outmatched him at sea, showcasing their ability to improvise during naval engagements.
One notable aspect of the film is Lucky Jack’s strategic prowess. When his ship sustains damage, he and his crew adeptly conduct repairs while continuing the fight, avoiding the need to return to land—a tactic ingrained in their training. The film’s depiction of naval battles is praised for its brilliance, showcasing some of the finest war movie scenes. “Master and Commander” is available for streaming on Prime Video.
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Waterloo (1970)
Napoleon displayed resilience in the face of defeat during the War of the Sixth Coalition in 1814, retreating to the island of Elba in Italy. However, a year later, he regrouped, gathered troops, and launched another attack. The decisive Battle of Waterloo marked his last stand against formidable adversaries. The 1970 film “Waterloo” intricately recounts this captivating chapter in history.
The movie adeptly navigates the complexities of the Napoleonic Wars, presenting a balanced portrayal of the conflicting parties. Rather than casting clear heroes or villains, it acknowledges the justifiable reasons driving both Napoleon and his enemies to seek each other’s destruction. Notably, the film achieves remarkable accuracy in depicting the battles, surpassing other cinematic portrayals. The epic scale of the conflict is vividly captured by the participation of over 15,000 real soldiers as extras, setting a record that still stands as the highest number of extras in any motion picture. For those interested, the film is available for streaming on Prime Video.
Sabotage! (2000)
Sabotage! takes a humorous approach to the Battle of Waterloo, starting with the bumbling Corp. Armani unintentionally preventing an assassination attempt on Napoleon. The plot thickens as the Emperor becomes enamored with a woman posing as a French spy, who claims to have valuable information about the Duke of Wellington. In reality, she is a British spy. While Napoleon is distracted with romance, Corp. Armani is reluctantly thrust into a leadership role for the troops in battle.
The film cleverly captures aspects of the Napoleonic Wars, highlighting Napoleon’s well-known womanizing tendencies, which some historians believe played a role in his eventual downfall. The fictional character of the British spy in Sabotage! serves as a comedic reminder that even in the midst of strategic military affairs, Napoleon couldn’t resist the allure of a beautiful woman. You can watch the movie on Prime Video.
Carry on Jack (1964)
“Carry on Jack,” a British comedy film, humorously portrays the challenges faced by the crew of the HMS Venus Royal Navy ship during the Napoleonic Wars. A key plotline involves a woman disguising herself as a soldier to locate her missing boyfriend believed to be on the ship. Together with the crew, they aim to overthrow the seemingly incompetent captain.
The movie aptly captures the essence of the Napoleonic Wars by illustrating the captain’s fear, leading him to avoid confrontations with Spanish fleets. This fear is a reflection of historical events, where after Napoleon’s conquest of Spain, he utilized the country’s military resources for his own gain. The film’s depiction of the captain’s reluctance to engage with the Spanish underscores the prevalent fear of Napoleon’s forces during that time, as some opted for survival over direct confrontation. The narrative thus serves as a humorous yet insightful commentary on the historical context of the Napoleonic Wars. You can watch it on Flix Fling.
Quillis (2000)
Certainly, one of the most exceptional films centered on authors, “Quillis” narrates the tale of the French libertine Marquis de Sade, celebrated for his controversial erotic literature. The movie primarily delves into his final years, a period concurrent with the Napoleonic Wars, during which he faced persecution and confinement at the Charenton asylum in Saint-Maurice, France.
The film adeptly illustrates how Napoleon’s influence extended beyond the battlefield, shedding light on his strategic approach during the Napoleonic Wars. It underscores the significance of the French people’s unwavering loyalty to their Emperor, a factor that ensured a steady stream of troops for Napoleon throughout the conflict. The narrative emphasizes how the public was conditioned to prioritize morality and obedience over free thinking. In this context, individuals like Marquis de Sade posed a threat to the established conditioning, prompting the Emperor to have him institutionalized and his books burned, although numerous copies managed to survive. Available for rent on AppleTV.
The Miracle (1959)
In “The Miracle,” Teresa, an orphan raised by nuns in Salamanca, Spain, adheres to religious rules but yearns for a secular life. At 17, during the British invasion to defeat Napoleon’s forces, she falls for a man named Michael. The film captures the nuanced relationships between citizens and soldiers on opposing sides during the Napoleonic Wars, highlighting that they may not inherently hate each other but are following government orders. Michael and Teresa’s love faces challenges mainly rooted in religious differences. The movie also depicts the difficulty of obtaining accurate information during the conflict. When Michael is captured by Napoleon’s forces and presumed dead, Teresa briefly moves on due to misinformation.
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