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Rating:  - They will tie you like Prometheus to a rock where the memory of your own greatness will gnaw you!
Perhaps one of the greatest quotes ever uttered, the title speaks of Napoleon after his loss at Waterloo, "leaving this place of dead flesh". As General Ney looks on at his departing Emperor.
This movie is full of wonderful scenes and dialogue. Although no one has seen the complete movie in a long time; the pieces that we have are highly atmospheric and evoke the era very well.
Perhaps one of the most impressive is something that has not been mentioned in full by other reviewers and that is the Duchess of Richmond's Ball. This was a true event and it is masterfully handled in a very romantic and aristocratic manner. Beginning with a Sword dance by General Gordon's troops; there follows a wonderful courtly ballroom dance enhanced by candlelight.The scenes regarding Delancey and his wife as well as Lord Hay and Sarah make for a very believable re-enactment of love and the urgency of departure for soldiery that speaks wonders for the tragic loss of youth and love in war.
Another great aspect that has also been neglected by reviewers is the consistent "inner thoughts" of Napoleon and Wellington the night before the battle that are revealed to us. This more than any other acting brings to full light the doubts and uncertainty before the fight.
Also the breakfast scene of Napoleon and his Generals, played to perfection by the wide eyed Rod Steiger as Napoleon as he asks inquiringly about the sound of the Church bells and is informed that the local priest refuses to give up his Mass, will we ever forget his response "Well, he won't have much of a congregation."
Or the revengeful shout on the battlefield by Blucher "Raise high the Black flag my Children, No Pity, No Prisoners, I will shoot anyone I see with pity on them". Wow! So you see, there is no need to describe things like great battle scenes and aspect ratios, widescreen, etc. All you need to know is that it is a film you will NEVER forget and it is perhaps still the best film of Napoleon ever made with marvelous acting and it should have won an award for costume designs at the very least and Christopher Plummer as best supporting actor for his role as the Duke of Wellington.
Buy it! It's a winner!
Rating:  - Unbeatable
This re-creation of the battle of Waterloo will never be surpassed. The advent of special effects means that it will never again be possible for such a massive array of manpower to be assembled in order to make a motion picture, and therefore the portrayal of this mighty conflict will never be equalled for realism. The scenes are stupendous and awe-inspiring, and make one constantly marvel at the sheer magnitude of the achievement and control of this gigantic cast. It is probably necessary to have some prior knowledge of the course of the battle, but repeated viewings will eventually make everything clear. The performances of Plummer and Steiger are absolutely top-notch: both truly give superlative impersonations of the two major protagonists. Since they were so different in character and personality it is impossible to say which is the better. The unfolding of the events, and the contextualization of this epic encounter, are also extremely well-written and directed. Of course, all the classic incidents and quotes are retained, which may sometimes strike one as a touch over-familiar: but how could they be omitted? An excellent balance is maintained throughout, and the overall effect is nothing short of astonishing. It is extremely difficult to understand why this film has not been more widely recognized and appreciated.
Rating: - Movie is 5 Stars
I purchased the edition pictured here. It is not a bootleg, but a legitimate Russian release. The packaging is in Russian, but the movie is in English. When you first start, the movie asks if you want it in English or Russian. It is a decent 2 hour version that is in stereo. I do hope for a uncut, digitally remastered, dolby enhanced official U.S. release one day, but until then this will hold me over nicely.
Rating: - Still missing keypieces
This is a truly remarkable film. I can add little to the earlier reviews except to re=emphasize that the available versions are significantly different from the original.
Steiger and Plummer are to my mind spot on. Wellington was both dour and very charming - otherwise he would not have been so effective as a ladies' man!
I remember going to the original widescreen version at the Odeon in Leicester Square - a truly widescreen. My recollection of the movie is that it was significantly longer, with additional vignettes featuring the Battle of Ligny, QuatreBras and extended cameos of two of the "scum of the earth" plus a build up to the death of the young blond enlisted man. Moreover, I have a distinct feeling that the cavalry charge against the squares is far longer in the orginal version. My hope is that the next DVD version will fully restore this movie. Why not create a Director's Cut? Has anyone seen the original full length version since the 70s?
Rating: - Best battle sequences ever filmed
The Charge of the Scots Grays is boggling, even recreates the scene from the painting. (one myth asserts that the bits were removed from the horses' mouths so that they couldn't be stopped. No creditable horseman would do that)The Grays blew out their horses in that charge while the French Lancers just sat there waiting for them to come. Thus, fresh French horses and staggering Grays.
In the British favor - the French had slept on their horses the night before to stay off the wet ground and later on the strained animals couldn't make a proper charge. Shades of Argincort when the French Knights slept on their horses to stay off the wet ground.
Steiger is a bit OTT as Napoleon but so was Napoleon. Plummer is just about channelling Wellington.
Incredible aerials of the armies setting up, like a giants' chess set.
I find the off-field scenes tabloid and wooden. But stay for the battle. The Cavalry eating away at the British Squares is brilliantly filmed. Wellington was in trouble at that point. Old Boney had almost won that battle. Then Blucher shows up. In his 70's, barely having survived a horse falling on him several days earlier. He did everything but fly a black flag that day.
Astounding film of astounding history. One of my great favorites.
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