A biopic of Napoleon Bonaparte, tracing the Corsican's career from his schooldays (where a snowball fight is staged like a military campaign) to his flight from Corsica, through the French Revolution (where a real storm is intercut with a political storm) and the Terror, culminating in his triumphant invasion of Italy in 1797.

Monumental in scale and distinguished by innovative technique, Napoléon is an expressive epic that maintains a singular intimacy with its subject.

'Napoleon' stands as a monumental masterpiece of silent cinema, universally praised for its revolutionary visual innovation, groundbreaking camera work, and technical achievements decades ahead of their time. The epic scale and Gance's visionary direction create an overwhelming cinematic experience. However, opinions sharply divide on pacing, with some finding the five-plus hour runtime tedious and boring, while others remain captivated throughout. The film's ability to maintain engagement proves divisive despite its undeniable historical significance.