Viewers of Joaquin Phoenix’s Napoleon, based on the life of the iconic French leader, are curious about what happened at the film’s conclusion. Here is the ending explained with spoilers.
What happens in Napoleon’s ending?
In Napoleon’s ending, Napoleon is exiled to Elba but returns after hearing of Josephine’s death and reclaims his power. However, 100 days later, he was defeated in the Battle of Waterloo by the British and Prussian armies. He then abdicates his throne and is exiled to St Helena, where he lives out the rest of his days.
At the end of the film, taking place in the year 1814, Napoleon Bonaparte is forced by the Coalition to abdicate his throne and he is exiled to Elba. However, he flees from the island upon hearing of Josephine’s illness. Unfortunately, he is too late, as Josephine, who was exiled to Château de Malmaison, has succumbed to her illness. King Louis XVIII then dispatches the French Regiment to stop Napoleon, but he charms them into siding with him.
Napoleon then reclaims his power, but 100 days later, he is defeated in the Battle of Waterloo by the British army, who hold their might against him, and the Prussian army, who flank him and his soldiers from the right side.
Napoleon is then exiled to St. Helena, where he presents to his listeners a version of history where he is always right. He then passes away in 1821 from stomach cancer.
What do Napoleon’s last words mean?
Napoleon’s last words “France, the army, head of the army, Joséphine,” are a summation of his life’s devotion.
The aforementioned last words of Napoleon essentially refer to the things he devoted his entire life to, that being France, the soldiers under his purview, and also his first wife, Josephine.
What did Ridley Scott leave out of Napoleon?
Ridley Scott left out the fact that Napoleon and Arthur Wellesley never actually met, even though they fought each other at Waterloo. He also left out the fact that Napoleon had many affairs and illegitimate children, while married to Josephine, although he does show Napoleon having a child with another woman.
For more Napoleon content, find out why it is rated “R.” Also, here is ComingSoon’s review of the film.
