This French silent film is one that I found in the book 1001 Movies You Must See Before You Die, I knew from the title what it would be about, I just hoped it would live up to my expectations, directed by Abel Gance (La Roue / The Wheel). Basically the film traces the early life and career of the French military and political leader Napoléon Bonaparte (Albert Dieudonné). It begins, seeing Young Napoléon (Vladimir Roudenko) in his schooldays, as a child he gained confidence, bravery and the ability to lead others, with a snowball fight staged like a military campaign. As a young man, in March of 1796, Napoleon is appointed as commander-in-chief of the French army, and subsequently he begins an invasion of Italy. Napoleon is deeply affected by the French Revolution and the chaos that results in everyday life, including a struggling relationship with his true love Joséphine de Beauharnais (Gina Manès). Napoleon takes leave from the French army allows him to travel home to Corsica, upon his return to France the story continues to see his military career and ride to power, culminating in a final battle sequence, after this is over it ends with Napoleon having visions of the future of his armies. Also starring Alexandre Koubitzky as Georges-Jacques Danton, Antonin Artaud as Jean-Paul Marat, Abel Gance as Louis Saint-Just and Edmond Van Daële as Maximilien Robespierre. Dieudonné gives a spirited performance in the title role, I agree though that the director deserves the accolades, because the techniques of camera-work and movement are audacious, and it is well edited from all the surviving footage, especially the battle using the triptych process (using three panels side by side). I only know a little of the real Napoleon, such as the battle of Waterloo, and the legendary rumour that he told Josephine not to wash for three days until he came home, these subjects are not covered, but there are interesting things to find out, you could argue it a challenge to watch all six hours, but it is easier being split into four parts, all in all it is a worthwhile and well executed silent epic historical drama. Very good!