All language subtitles for Napoleon.1955.BDRip.1080p.FR.HDLight.x264.AC3.2.0-BzH29

Uf! He's died.

The Emperor?

Well, maybe now
we can finally talk about him.

It's a considerable event.
- No, it is not.

It's not an event,
it's news.

But you just declared: "uf!".

Yes, the whole world declares
"uf!" at this moment.

Mr. De Talleyrand will not let slip
this opportunity

to give us his opinion on the Emperor?

I do not need to have
an opinion about him, no.

Well, I must confess
that I never liked Napoleon.

That does not have the importance
you believe.

Besides, it is not the question.
- Not the question?

No, Madame!
It is not the question.

On the day of Napoleon's death,
it doesn't matter if we liked him.

I have the right to...
- No, Madame, you have no right!

If you want to say something witty,
or even cruel,

concerning the Emperor, go ahead!
It could even lead to blasphemy.

Wit is something sacred.

But to give us your opinion about one
of the Greatest Men

in the World, no, Madame!

I even dispute the right to speak well
of him, for it would be a waste of time.

The Emperor Napoleon does not need
anybody, and nothing can reach him.

20 years of getting on my nerves...

"Your opinion on the Emperor?"
Please!

If we had carried on,
she would have ended up saying:

"I, instead, would have not
done such a thing".

People are like that, they like
to judge the great characters.

But individuals are only facts,

especially when we dare
to speak of a man like him.

But the facts are not in dispute.

They are found, examined,
recounted ...

If they are to be recounted, Prince,
tell us the life of the Emperor.

It's too soon.
And at the same time, it is already far away.

So, imagine as if
a hundred years had passed.

As if it were an old story,
or even a legend.

There was, a long time ago, a fabulous
being who yet looked like a man,

who was born on an island, dreamed all
his life of conquering an island,

retired to an island and, contrary to
his will, died on an island.

He was born in Ajaccio,
on the 15th of August, 1769.

A few months earlier,
the king Louis XV ...

Choiseul!
- Highness?

We must buy Corsica.

You have been saying this
for a long time.

I would not like
to delay it for another second.

Do you not think it might be more
relevant to solve other urgent problems?

No.

What a reason he had! 45 days later,
Napoleon would have been Italian.

Of his childhood, we know little.

He entered the military school
of Brienne at ten years old,

the 23rd of April 1779.

Only one of those children dared
to reach out to him and hold out his hand.

Who was it?
- It was...

Mr. de Bourrienne!
- It was Mr. De Bourrienne.

Come in, Bourrienne!

We were talking about you.

About me?
- Yes, you've arrived at the right moment.

I introduce you to Mr. De Bourrienne,
who was companion,

then friend, and finally,
Secretary to the Emperor.

You already know my friends,
the lords of Blanc-Mesnil.

Sit down and tell us: how was
Napoleon when he arrived at Brienne?

Same as when he left:
taciturn, lonely and often rebellious.

Excuse me. From his school days,
we must retain a fact,

a miraculous fact.

It concerns his class notebook,
the last one he held in his hands,

and to which he did not return
to write anything later,

on which he wrote down what seemed to him
of geographical or historical interest.

On that class notebook,

he scribbled four words which today
make the head swim.

They were: "St Helena, small island".
He was ten years old.

Mere coincidence?
No. Then what?

I have no idea.

But for me that can
explain many things and...

most of all, the inexplicable.
Take the floor, Bourrienne.

On leaving Military School,
he was 16 years old.

He was already Second Lieutenant.
But he did not like being second.

Bonaparte?

Two months later,
he was named Lieutenant.

But he was still not satisfied.
Therefore, he requested a permit

and returned to Corsica.

To Corsica, where he hadn't set
foot for six years!

There he met three boys.
And two little girls.

They were Louis, Lucien, Jeróme,
Pauline and Caroline Bonaparte.

Caroline would be Murat's wife.
Jerome, king of Westphalia.

Lucien, Prince of Canino.
And Louis, King of Holland.

And Pauline? Pauline Borghese,
the most beautiful on the face of the Earth,

who would one day be sculpted
naked by Canova himself.

There were not enough arms
to embrace them all.

And there he was, playing
with his brothers and sisters,

climbing on his back.

Who could have known then

he would carry them for a
lifetime?

After joining his regiment in
Auxonne, he swore loyalty to the king.

But just months later,
we found him back in Ajaccio,

handing out cockades
with the tricolor flag.

Already a captain, on
the 6th of February of 1792 in Paris,

we attended the assault
of the Palace of the Tuileries.

We were present when Louis XVI was forced
to wear the Phrygian cap

and were shocked.

Deeply terrified of what
he had seen, he returned to Corsica.

There he learned that Louis XVI had
been beheaded on 21 January,

and he was not surprised.

But a few months later,
there was more alarming news.

Toulon fell to the English
on the 28th of August, 1793.

His brother Joseph
pleaded for his help.

A week later, he landed
in Toulon, where his brother awaited him.

Joseph had so many things to tell!

But his involvement with a young woman
of Marseilles was in the background.

The important thing was Toulon,
abandoned in enemy hands.

And thanks to his brother,
Napoleon was called for consultations.

Not at all! We are not going
to consult him only because he is a Corsican!

The information from Paris
describes him as

an artilleryman of enormous value!

Battalion chief Bonaparte.
- Salicetti, your compatriot.

Robespierre the young.
- Gasparin, representative of the people.

General Carteaux.
- General Dugommier.

You must know of the difficult
situation we are in.

We received from Paris
instructions for you.

Do you have any idea,
or any opinion, as a gunner?

I have a plan.
- Already?

Before any other
consideration, I think it necessary

to put batteries
on the top of La Garenne.

What a unique idea!
- I do not think it's a bad one.

The goal is to rain a strong fire
on Forts Mulgrave and L'Eiguillette.

The young man is in a hurry.

It seems to me that
there is no time to lose.

I'll need 100 guns in
6 weeks. Oh, and absolute freedom!

Afraid! Fear of dying!

I just ask that I'm allowed
to do my work!

Have you fought before?
- Not yet.

But I know there is no possible victory
without a single commander.

We will give you the command.

You'll have your guns.
- And you already have our trust.

Robespierre is showing tomorrow
what he is made of.

Young man, I invite you to dinner tonight.
It will be a meeting of minds.

How quickly you have got
the cannons firing!

Where is this Bonaparte?

The Little General?
Ah, up there!

Such determination and precision
made the miracle possible.

On the one hand, there was the selfishness
of a man who did not want

to risk his position,
and on the other hand,

those who began to understand.

It was a struggle between youth
and antiquity without experience,

between vanity and pride,
between routine and genius.

I name you Brigadier General
on a provisional basis,

and soon after,
on a permanent basis.

What happened?
- We're taking prisoners.

You are happy?
- Like I was just born! Goodbye, Englishmen!

Long live Bonaparte!

But his joy was short-lived.

The fall and execution of Robespierre
left him in a delicate situation.

And so, on July 5, 1794...

General Bonaparte?

The execution of Robespierre has
consequences that I deplore.

But we have received
orders from Paris.

All those who committed
themselves to Robespierre are to be

suspended from their duties
and imprisoned.

For this reason, Napoleon Bonaparte,
I am forced to arrest you.

When you hear this tune,
get ready to go.

I'll find a way to free you.
- Do not do anything, I order it!

I can endure this injustice.
Do not compromise me!

14 days later, he was released.

And Joseph took advantage of the fact that
his brother was released from prison

to lose their freedom.

By then, I was living close to
Marseilles with a well-off family,

made up of the mother
and her two daughters.

One of them, Julia,
became the wife of Joseph.

Invited by his brother and after
being greeted by the three ladies

in a wonderful way,
Bonaparte fell madly in love

with the little sister, Desirée
Clary, with a fabulous destination.

After a few days,
under the light of the moon,

he declared his love,
in his gentle manner.

Are you a virgin?

Yes.

Yesterday, you asked if I was a virgin.
- Yes...

I have the feeling that I am
a little less so today.

Are you not discouraged that
I will not be here with you?

No! On the contrary!
We are living at a critical moment.

It would be a shame if we had
to lose one thing or the other.

I must leave tomorrow.

But I will not leave
before I swear to you my eternal love.

I also swear that I will love you,
eternally.

This oath of love had
unforeseeable consequences.

Desiree would end up
in the arms of Bemadotte,

becoming Queen of Sweden.

Napoleon returned to Paris to
thank Barras for his release.

There, in his little room, in
the "Hotel of the Dutch Patriots"...

Come in!

General Bonaparte?
- I am.

This is the third time I introduce myself
here since Wednesday.

I was asked to
hand over this letter.

Barras was inviting him to
be present at his residence.

But that night, Barras was
giving one of his famous parties...

Barras loves tricks.
- Which will appear or disappear?

Can you be quiet for a moment?
And let the orchestra stop playing!

I want everyone to applaud
and acclaim the winner of Toulon,

to this general of 26 years.
It is none other than General Bonaparte.

How should I pronounce the name?
- Bonaparte.

He must be important
to have two names.

Don't you recognize your brother Lucien?
- Give me an embrace.

Mme. Tallien wishes to meet you.
- I want to express my admiration.

Mme. Hamelin also wishes to congratulate you.
- You have to get him a haircut.

Any news of Desiree?
- No. I have none of my wife, either.

Your wife is your wife.

But Desiree and I swear to each other
that we love forever.

Some people believe in oaths.

Who is she?

Josephine de Beauhamais, one of
the occasional lovers of Barras.

Introduce me.

My brother, the general
Napoleon Bonaparte.

Where is he?
- Speaking with Mme. De Beauharnais.

You may have to butt in.
- He has the right to go from victory to victory.

You have nothing to say to me?

I'll leave you.

Can I borrow him?
- Yes, but ... bring him back to me.

I promise you.

He looks like "Puss in Boots".

I think he heard me.
- You just earned an enemy.

Or maybe a new conquest.

Palace parties are not parties
until I sing!

That we have to see!

Report to Mr. Fouché and
to General Dutheil that

General Bonaparte and I
are waiting for them in this room.

Do you know that everything is not going well?
- I'm starting to realize.

Can you see what the consequence is?

When we ask the orchestra
to play louder,

it's like we want
cover their ears.

We are, perhaps,
at the end of a world.

We cannot accept as normal
that women of high class

wear dresses so tight at the waist.

You see, my friend,

I'm going to need you.

Yes...

The pleasure of love

only lasts a moment.

The pain of love

lasts a lifetime.

Here is our man.

He seems young.
- No, he is young.

In Toulon, he already proved his value.

Has he accepted?
- No, he's hesitating.

I gave up everything

for the ungrateful Silvia.

She abandoned me

and went off with another lover.

The pleasure of love

lasts only a moment.

The pain of love

lasts a lifetime.

You'll have a hundred thousand men.
- And as many guns as you need,

to disperse to 18,000
or 20,000 insurgents.

If it's only to disperse them ...

We are all running the same risk.

They are all royalists?
- They are all kinds.

It's a shame.
- Why?

Because I preferred to
imagine that they were all brave men.

Have I told you that you have been promoted to
General in Chief of the Army of Italy?

No, not yet.
And thank you.

Could I have Murat?
- Whatever you want.

I talked to Sieyès.
And he has been categorical.

The strict enforcement of laws
against royalism is required

by the Convention.

The insurgents pretend
to take refuge in certain churches

and he thinks that, to attack them,
Saint-Roch would be the most appropriate place.

Sieyès should be heeded.

So?
- Count on me.

I don't like this Barras.
He's as dangerous as Robespierre.

Yes, one was the "incorruptible".
- Barras is more the "corruptor".

Allow me to retire.
- If you wish.

I feel out of place.
- I have the opposite impression.

This Tayllerand, is he important?
- Very much so.

He is a man who requires perfume,
even in manure.

Until tomorrow.
- Until tomorrow.

I'll just say goodbye to you.

You seem to have startled everyone.

I want you to be the only one
that can see how I look at you.

Good night.

You're going?
- Yes, I'm going.

And I promise that if by tomorrow
I have no news of Desirée,

I will consider the promise
that we made broken.

My friends, great news!
The sun has risen!

Is Madame expecting the general?
- Absolutely.

Who should I announce?
- "Puss in Boots".

Very well, my general.

Why "Puss in Boots"?
- You said so yourself.

No, it was a joke. That name
no longer seems appropriate, today.

Which name would be most appropriate?

Don't you dare?
You are afraid of me?

Yes, a little.
- Tell me, all the same.

Can I?
- I insist.

"General slaughter".

I'll get revenge on you.
- I'm sure.

Looking for more answers?
- No, I've already found them.

Born in Martinique?
- Yes.

And called De la Pagerie?
- So it was.

Married at 16
to General De Beauharnais,

guillotined during the Terror,
with whom you had two children.

Do you love them?
- I adore them.

Do you know that since yesterday,
after the uprising,

or the slaughter, if you prefer,

that Parisians are ordered

to surrender their weapons?
- They have told me.

Is your son here?
- Yes.

Could I ask you to summon him?
- Of course.

Eugène!
- Do not be nervous.

Coming soon!
- Thank you, Blanche.

She's nice, your black maid.

I have loved her since it was
predicted I would be Queen of France.

No reason to doubt it.

General Bonaparte
wants to tell you something.

Eugène de Beauhamais, I return
to your hands the sword of your father.

Oh, thank you!

Thank you.

If I told you what happened
yesterday in Saint-Roch, I did only

to be able to bring him
that sword, would you believe me?

-No.
- And you would be right.

And if I told you that it is partly
because of you that

I refuse to marry?
- No.

In that, you would be wrong.

I do not want a smile of
compassion when you see me.

I'd rather cause fear.
One more question, the last.

How old are you?
Yes, I want to marry you.

I am 32.
- And I am 26.

At City Hall, you will have six less
and I will have three more.

Then we can be together.

My God, you do not know
how much I love you!

I love you!

And on March 9, they got married
in just five minutes.

They declared to be those same ages
and he claimed to have been born in Paris,

something which still
has no explanation.

48 hours later, after leaving
his wife and France,

he marched towards the glory
which awaited him at Pont D'Arcolle.

On the return from Italy,
I wanted to be the first to receive him,

and I assure you that the reception
was worthy of his victory.

Bring me a piece of cake, please.

I had gathered, right out there,
all who embodied the

intelligence and beauty
of Paris of that time.

At one point,
I asked him to enter this room.

I wanted to discuss matters
of some importance

and preferred that we were alone.

And it was in that corner, where he
waited and where we met.

Twenty victories now stand
on these shoulders.

In your gaze, I perceive
a certain exhaustion.

I look at him with emotion, knowing
he had managed to seduce France,

before even ruling it.
Sit down please.

Tell me, what are
your immediate projects?

I'm all ears.

You've done a great job.

The current position
is more important than you think.

Unfortunately, it was inevitable
that we have garnered enemies.

We are not ready to face them.

No, the fruit is not ripe,
instead it is already rotten.

A worm is eating France.

That worm is neither Barras nor Sieyès.
It's fear.

Come back in a year.

And give me your trust, because
as you see, I give you mine.

Do not betray me.

Do you want to adopt
the same commitment to me?

Well then, I promise
never to betray you,

without giving you a day's notice.

What should I do?

Leave Europe.

I already have it,
why not start in Egypt?

There are probably no Englishmen there.
And since you hate England ...

That is not so.

I would feel afflicted if
some good day

England no longer existed.
- It's something you said "a good day".

Murat, what did you just say
in Kleber's ear?

The same thing Berthier told me.
- I'd like to know what you said.

He was talking to me about a gesture
of Junot's.

Gentlemen, I find
incredible this lack of courage.

What gesture has Junot made?
What did Berthier say to Murat?

What did Murat say to Kleber?

That you have cheated, my general.

Do you think I'm the only one
not to realize?

How important is it
if in the end I'm going to

return everything I have won?

May I ask why you cheat?
- Because I've always hated chance.

Great work, Murat!

Murat! How brilliant!

I would do anything for that man.

In fact, that's what I should do.

Tell Murat to come.
Thank you.

Do you get news from back home?
- Yes sometimes.

I envy you.
Any news from Mme. Bonaparte?

I have been told some things,
although they aren't of interest.

General Murat!

The great winner of the day!
Let me embrace you.

The battle has been hard.
But the reward merits it.

There is no one to match your bravery.
You have given us immense service.

No, none of that.
You are the real genius.

You're not going to tell
him the gossip about his wife?

Why?
- What do you mean "why"?

Did you not do the same
with Mme. Fourès?

The one who dresses as a man?
His Cleopatra, as he calls her.

Yes, but that's different.

Your children will be proud
to be called Murat.

What do you want?
Ask me anything.

Oh, do not say that to me, for God's sake.
- Ask me for anything you want.

Well, I'd like to get married.
- With Madame Bastite?

No no. That story
already belongs to the past.

No, it's another woman,
that I love.

And you want me to ask for your hand?

No. I want you to grant it.
- Grant it, me?

It's Mademoiselle Caroline.
- What? My sister?

Yes, I'm in love with her.
- But, my friend, she's 16 years old.

I do not think
that this is an obstacle.

Caroline...
Mrs. Murat...

He said that my children will feel
proud to be called Murat.

No, no.
Do not say "no" tonight.

I did not say no.
- Then could you say yes?

Yes, I could.

Thank you.

An envoy of Sheikh El-Bekri brings
a gift. And requests permission to enter.

Tell him to come in.

Should we stay?

Speak in French.

Great General in Chief
of the French Army of the East.

You have liberated our country
from the yoke that oppressed us.

All Muslims
will venerate his memory.

As testimony of his gratitude,
our master offers you

the most precious thing
that exists on Earth...

that is, a loyal man.
Here he is.

What is your name?
- Rustan.

Rise, Rustan.

And stay by my side.

Junot!

Tell me, Junot.
I can not stop thinking about it.

In the letters you receive from Paris,
what do they say about my wife?

I find it very embarrassing.

The issue can be summarized as follows:

Do you want to tell me the truth or not?
- How wrong you are!

I have heard a rumour,
and want to know it's true.

Speak!

I have been told that
she cheats openly.

I thought it was my duty to inform you.

I cannot bear it that so great
a man be made to look ridiculous.

Bourrienne!

If all Paris speaks of it,
you should know.

Do they mention a name?
- Only one, that's why I think it's serious.

Barras again?
- No, Barras is finished.

Then who?
- Hyppolite Charles.

That little blond
of the Army of Italy?

But it's impossible!
- He lives in Malmaison.

I'm very unhappy, Bourrienne.

If you had understood, you would have
informed me of what Junot says.

He's a true friend.
- Allow me to disagree.

Thousands of miles from Paris,
it did not seem urgent to me.

I do not need you to make decisions
which concern me alone.

I divorce today,
with you as witnesses.

And I break with our friendship.

With you, for informing me...

and with you,
for not having informed me.

On 22 August he embarked, leaving
Egypt to Mme. Fourès and his army,

arriving at Saint-Raphael on
the 9th of October.

And once there, you can already
imagine the reception.

These people did not talk to him
of the campaign in Egypt

nor ask him to go
to fight against Italy.

No, what seemed to them most urgent

was to overthrow the Directory
and save France.

In short, Bonaparte precipitated
his return to find if his wife

had been cheating and discovered
that it was France that was unfaithful.

Where are we heading, Fouche?
- Oh, dear Barras, towards catastrophe.

To avoid it, what do we need?

As you said to Sieyes, a sabre.
I don't know where we'll find one.

Mother!
- Oh my son, my love!

My wife is not here?

She was to meet you, but she
must have taken the wrong route.

A pleasant surprise awaits you, come.

Here is our hero!

I have to talk to you.
- Wait, wait.

Why has Josephine gone?

The news of your arrival is
spereading rapidly through Paris

and she had heard about it.

She obviously wanted to be
the first to greet you.

You are right to ignore the
slander she has undergone

during your absence.

She is the most envied woman in France.
- Not that it is merely envy.

Her natural lightness, her
recklessness, even her past...

And age.
Plus she has acquired debts.

All that is a reproach.
- Perhaps of you too.

All France thinks you could have
chosen better.

Not that a Bonaparte would admit

that he has made a mistake.

It is unacceptable that they
are ridiculing a national hero!

The worst thing
is that you accept it.

Who says I accept it?
I accept nothing!

I'm not any more naive
than the others!

But what I do not like
is your bitterness towards her!

You've never liked her, ever!

It would have been better if you
had appreciated her from the beginning.

I want my family to be united!

Good night.

Napoleon!

Can I speak to you?
- Of course.

Do you know what will happen when
they know that you have returned?

No.

I can tell you.
We are going to obtain carte blanche!

We will be the owners of the situation.

Who?
- You and I!

What position do you occupy?
- One of deputy.

And tomorrow, I will be president
of Council.

At 24?
- Yes, but Joseph is 31.

I used your birth certificate
to fix my papers.

Like you did.

Listen to what I'm going to say.

In principle, and for the moment,
you only have to see one man: Sieyès.

I'm not seeing Sieyes unless
it is in the presence of Talleyrand.

You trust me?
- Not yet.

Well...
- Bourrienne!

Where is he?

Blanche!

Collect the belongings
of Madame:

dresses, coats, footwear,
jewelry and underwear.

Put it all
in a suitcase,

and give it to the guard,
with the order that

do not let Mme. Bonaparte in,
if she appears.

There is no more to say,
that's an order.

I'd rather rip out
my heart than see her.

Am I right?
- No.

No?
- No.

It's her?
- Yes.

Will you not advise me to forgive her?
- I would not advise it.

But the fact that I am losing
a single minute to solve

marital problems
is incomprehensible to me.

I beg you to let me in for a moment
and you will understand everything.

I'm begging you! Open up!

No reply.

Open the door, my love!

What willpower!
- Yes, it's horrible.

I will tell you which is the best
way to get a divorce.

How much is
the debt you have incurred?

Answer!

Maybe a million.

Mr. de Bourrienne!

Good morning, Bourrienne.
- My greetings, my ...

Yes, Bourrienne, it is so.

Good morning, Mr. Bourrienne.
- Good morning, Madame.

Something new?

In Paris, all the talk is of your return.
The people expect a revolution.

We mustn't disappoint them.

But we must not
overestimate the role of the people.

In addition to accepting
the fait accompli,

their role to acclaim.

Rustan! Bring my slippers and my gown!
- Yes, my general.

My intention is not to leave the house.

Do not accept any invitation, nothing.

Also no theatrical representations,
until I give a new order.

Everyone knows he's back.

Well, come here.

I want to make it clear that
I will not take a single step towards them.

Just some tea.

I know what I want.
They do not know what I want.

And how do you know this?
- Because I know them.

My tactic is this:

force them to impose
what I have already decided to do.

But you are not going to see him?
- No.

Isn't it your duty to go and see him?
- Yes.

No, I do not have to go.

If he wants to consult me, he can
take the trouble to come here.

I will not take the risk
of suffering a snub.

Barras, couldn't you make things easier?

I'd rather resign than go to his house.
- The idea does not look so bad.

Have you gone to visit, Fouche?

Do you think Talleyrand will bother?
Of course not!

Mr. De Talleyrand and Mr. Sieyès
request to see the general.

Get them into the living room. Do you see
how I was right? The parade begins.

Thank you.
See you later, darling.

The adventure in Egypt served its purpose.

At last I can convey to you, my general,
my most sincere and profound admiration.

He covered himself with glory
both in Italy and in Egypt.

Through my voice, all France
expresses its deep gratitude.

Coming from you,
as President of the Directory,

this touches my heart.

Okay, let's move on to serious matters.
Let's sit.

The Directory is almost dead.
And to leave nothing to chance,

we must act now.

You will have already realised
the overexcited state of the public.

On the way to Paris I noticed,
but cheers are not the same as votes.

No, but they justify
certain initiatives.

I cannot hide from you that for a long time,
I've been looking for a "right hand".

Mr. Gohier and Roger Ducos, my general.

Minds of their own.
- Apparently.

Their opposition would not make
sense, in any case.

Let them in on it.
- Yes, slowly.

Gentlemen, there is no time to lose.

Of course, we must put the fate
of the Republic in Bonaparte's hands.

That's what we were talking about.

We must prepare ourselves
for the great day,

and fix, at this same
moment, a date.

General, what do you think of the
day after tomorrow?

The 9th of November?
- 18 Brumaire.

I would advise that, under
article 102, decree the transfer

of the legislative chamber
to Saint-Cloud.

And the proclamation of General Bonaparte
as Commander-in-Chief

of the Paris Division.
- And the National Guard.

Mr. Fouché requests to
be received by the general.

Let him enter!
- I was going to say...

Excuse me.

I have decided to open all the doors,
including yours.

I just spoke to Barras.
One sentence is worthy of record...

Let's hear it.

"I'd rather resign than go to his house".

He feels sick,
exhausted, without popularity.

In short, ready
to leave.

What do you think, Mr. De Talleyrand?
- I doubt he thinks otherwise.

Yes of course.
It will be a pleasure.

Fouché!
- Mr. Sieyès?

Do you have a million?
- For whom?

For Barras.
He will not want to take payment from me.

You will not have to pay
for his resignation.

Those in there do not count.
Barras does count.

We must understand
that he counts enormously.

Only two obstacles remain:
Barras and Bernadotte.

General Bernadotte is waiting.

Why don't you talk to him here?
- Show him in.

Never lose sight that there is
a woman between that man and you,

which is not excessively serious,
but important.

I'm bothering you?
- No, but I'm waiting for Bernadotte.

You'd prefer me to leave?
- Yes, please.

So, he has come.

I was wondering precisely when
I was to receive your visit.

You had not deigned
to come and greet me,

despite serving under
my orders in Italy,

and dressed in civilian clothes!
What is the meaning of these clothes?

Do you know the state of overexcitement
in the town?

You cannot be unaware that these are
serious events.

They will be serious for their instigators.

I still trust in
the health of the Republic.

And leading the troops,
know I will contain its enemies,

external and internal.

To whom do those words refer?
- They do not exclude anyone.

Tell General Bernadotte
to withdraw.

Forgive me.
- You heard?

Yes, I thought ...
- You did well.

That man declared himself a Republican.
- And he isn't?

Him? Absolutely!

Your eyes are so beautiful!

Come in.

I had invited 30 people
to eat, and no one has come.

No need for me to explain
what this means to you.

This is your situation, Barras.

And your attitude must be clearly
dictated by the absence of Sieyés,

of Roger Ducos, of Bernadotte,
of Mulan, of Gohier.

Resign, Barras.
- No...

Bring more champagne.
- Yes, very appropriate.

This is the response
of the Directory.

Present arms!

Soldiers! The counsel of
the ancients gives me command

of the city and the army!

You expected my return
put an end to our woes!

I will fulfill the obligations
your trust imposes on me!

Freedom, victory and peace
shall return to the French Republic,

as will the place she occupied in Europe,
and that only treachery and inertia

have endangered!

General Lefebvre!

Are you on my side or
do you plan to return to the Directory?

Have no cause to doubt me now.

To Saint-Cloud!

And now, listen carefully,
if you want to understand something

of what occurred on 18 Brumaire
and in the days thereafter.

Citizens, do not force me
to adjourn the session!

I will reject any discussion about
the appointment of General Bonaparte

as leader of the Army of the Interior!

I ask you to consider it
a fait accompli!

Gentlemen, the Directory
has ceased to exist.

These are the terms of the letter
of resignation from citizen Barras...

Citizen President: After participating
in public affairs

only because of my passion
for Liberty,

I agreed to share
the first magistrature ...

What's happening?

The resignation of Barras has been
badly received by the parliamentarians.

You are violating the law!

What have you done with the shining
France that I left you?

I left a country in peace and
I've found it at war!

We cannot go on like this!
Let me talk!

For three years,
we have been ruled by despotism.

But we want the Republic.

The Republic based on
the principles of equality,

of morality, of public liberty,
of political tolerance!

General!
We applaud what you say!

But swear obedience
to the Constitution of the country,

the only one that can
maintain the Republic!

The Constitution?

You violated it on 18 Fructidor!

You violated it on 22 Floreal!
You violated it on 30 Prairial!

I'm starting to think this is
going to end in a bloodbath.

No, there he is, safe and sound.

He has ordered that
his brother be let out.

It is lamentable! I am asked to
abandon the law by my brother.

The saviour of the motherland!

I renounce the insignia
of the popular magistrature!

And I present myself as a defender of
the one who I am ordered to damn!

We are present at a race against time,

between two brothers...
- I feel some jealousy.

Exactly.

It will have to play itself out.
I'll go. Goodbye.

General!
And you, soldiers!

The President of the Council
requires you to use force!

And as for me, I swear that
I will kill my own brother,

if he ever endangers
the liberty of the French.

Murat!

Proceed!

Follow me!

Get this rabble out of here!

Lefebvre!

Catch a few of them.

Here he comes.

It has not been easy.
- Calm yourself...

No words can express
the admiration and emotion

that we feel in the face
of this accomplishment.

In 5 minutes, he had improvised
a kind of Parliament,

it was both pleasing and comical.
- There is no time to lose.

Your brother's work
has been admirable.

Not to mention Murat ...
- Oh, he is without equal.

He has hunted them like Mamelukes.

Murat, do you remember that night
when we talked about your loves?

You mentioned only one name,
that of Caroline.

And you did not answer.

Rather, I did not say "no". Giving her
a husband is important. - Indeed.

This afternoon I say yes.
- Really?

Yes, really.

Will you allow me ...
- Of course.

We will form a Consulate.
That will arouse less suspicion.

Lucien Bonaparte,
come and embrace your brother.

No need ...
- Yes, yes, yes...

Get in there!
We've only caught thirty.

It's more than enough!

Is she in a convent?

Bonaparte brought her here to
learn to read and write.

He said yes!
- Oh, how I love you!

Me too, I love you!

And it was under these conditions
we opened the session.

You were there, do I lie?
- Not at all.

First article:
the Directory is abolished.

Article 2:
the Constituent Assembly ceases to exist,

but the Constitution remains in force.

We must take him tonight
to the premiere of the new opera.

He told me he did not want to go out.
- Yes, but now everything has changed.

Article 3: a Consulate is created,
formed by 3 members:

The Abbot Sieyès.
- The citizen Roger Ducos.

And General Bonaparte.

The three consuls will occupy
the presidency in rotation.

In alphabetical order.

Frenchmen,

Lend us
your oath of allegiance

to the united and indivisible Republic,

founded on liberty, equality...

What?
- Nothing.

Frenchmen...

Victory, singing,

the way ahead is clear.

Liberty guides our steps.

Tyrants, descend to your tombs.

The Republic is calling us.

We must triumph or die.

Frenchmen must live for her.

And for her, be willing to die.

Frenchmen must live for her.

And for her, be willing to die.

He soon returned to Italy, where he
gained the decisive victory of Marengo

thanks to the control of his Army, which
that day he baptized with a name

that would survive the passage
of time: "La grande armée".

Upon his return, he made a decision that
served historically in his interest.

Go ahead, don't be nervous.

One moment! Constante!
Tell Mr. De Bourrienne to come!

Read my mail, Bourrienne,
please.

I think the nature of this letter
will surprise you, my General.

It is sent by King Louis XVIII, or to
be more precise, the Count of Provence,

exiled in Westphalia.
- Go ahead, read it.

"Whatever their behavior, men such
as you never inspire discontent.

You know better than anyone
the need for strength

to achieve the happiness
of a great nation.

By saving France, you have fulfilled
the first desire of my heart.

If you return it to its King, future
generations will venerate your memory.

General, Europe is watching,
Glory awaits and I am impatient

to bring peace back
to my people. Louis XVIII. "

Incredible, indeed.

Write, because I can not leave
that letter without answer:

I have received your letter, Monsieur.

I appreciate your sincere words.

But you should not wish
a return to France.

You would need to march
over 500,000 corpses.

Sacrifice, therefore, your interests

for the repose and
the happiness of France ".

Three more little snips,

a final touch with the comb,
and a new man appeared.

Overnight,
there was a total transformation.

His behaviour was extraordinary
from that day forward.

He went through a long
period of silence and,

as no one dared
to ask what he thought,

there were no issues of
any confidentiality.

But what nobody understood,
not even Josephine,

was that by wearing the uniform
of colonel, and then general,

and in addition, first Consul, he never
had to give an explanation.

For 4 years, his attitudes
were a mystery to all,

except Fouche and I, of that let
there be no doubt.

He worked between 15 and 18 hours each day.

No, nobody may enter!

Endowed with a fabulous intelligence,
he understood and guessed everything.

One day he uttered these words,
which describe it in a surprising way:

I command

or I am silent.

You have to be sure that they are going
to obey you when you say something.

He devoted himself to necessary work,
reforming the Civil Code,

and useful work, creating the
Legion of Honour.

I know these distinctions
are baubles.

But with baubles
men are governed,

civilian or military.

And it became indispensable, endowing
to France an invincible army.

At last the great day came and
produced the expected event.

With five minutes remaining,
let's use them. Write:

To His Majesty the Tsar,
Emperor of Russia:

Highness... as your
Majesty is aware...

The Senate delegation.

One moment.
My sword.

First Consul, these are
the terms of the decision

taken by the Senate.

Article 1: The government of
the Republic is entrusted to an Emperor,

with the title of
"Emperor of the French".

Article 2: Napoleon Bonaparte,
First Consul of the Republic,

is the Emperor of the French.

Article 3: Imperial dignity
Is hereditary,

by direct, natural and legitimate
descent of Napoleon Bonaparte,

from male to male,
by order of primogeniture,

and with perpetual exclusion of
the females and their descendants.

Article 4: Napoleon Bonaparte
can adopt the children and grandchildren

of his brothers
Joseph and Louis Bonaparte.

Adoption is prohibited to
the successors of Napoleon

and their descendents.

With profound emotion, I leave
the act in the hands of His Majesty,

proclaiming him at this very moment,
for the glory and happiness of the Republic:

Napoleon,
Emperor of the French.

All that contributes
to the good of the country

is now bound up in my happiness.

I accept the title because I consider
it useful for the glory of the nation.

And I submit to the sanction of the people
the terms of the statement

that you have just submitted.

Who voted against?

Only one person, Your Highness:
Lazard Carneau.

A distinguished exception.

Highness, Brienne...

I was thinking.

Return to the letter to the Tsar.
How did it go?

As Your Majesty will be aware..."

No, start again.

Write: "My real brother,
I inform you..."

And so that none of us,
before such an event,

should happen to express
our surprise,

he decided to shower us
with honours and pompous titles.

After restoring the dignity
of the title of Marshal of France

he named 18 on the same day:
Augereau, Massena, Kellermann,

Lefebvre, Ney, Murat, Bemadotte,
Lannes, Berthier, Davout...

But Prince ...
- My friend?

Will you not say anything about
the execution of the Duke of Enghien?

It was a crime, wasn't it?
- Worse than a crime, Madame.

It was a mistake. But the Emperor,
he hardly cared.

He was preparing a masterstroke...

Inviting the Pope to Paris
to crown him Emperor.

And that invitation was a little
like an ancient commandment.

Each of us prepared in his shadow.

Fouche always believed that
a tie solved everything.

We were forced to wear lavish costumes
to suit the Emperor,

and that's not even to mention
his own.

My wife is what she is, my friend.

I do not let anyone make
the slightest remark.

She was a washerwoman and is not ashamed.
And neither am I ashamed.

She keeps the dresses in a closet
which she has had for 20 years.

The first is a uniform because
she was the washerwoman of our company.

All others are modest.

And the last one is very nice.

Madame Marshal Lefebvre!

If she is being introduced,
it's because she's put it on.

What do you think of my dress?
- Splendid.

Isn't it, Mr. Rémusat?
- Madame Lefebvre.

Mr. Rémusat, I would like
talk to the Marshal alone.

That has an easy solution.
I'm leaving.

I appreciate it.

I wanted to talk with you.

While trying on my dress,
I've been looking in the mirror.

And I've thought of many things.

I remembered that in the past I
was a washerwoman and one of the multitude.

And I said to myself:
"Were you a washerwoman? It's incredible!"

"Because you look like a lady!
For a single reason!"

"You have distinction!
You have manners!"

Nothing more than that.
Why are you laughing? I'm not right?

Yes, yes.

Do you want me to help
with your clothes?

I can give you advice so that
you look like a real gentleman.

No, thank you.

And you need to know
what they call you.

What? The wife of Marshal Lefebvre?
- No.

Madame Lefebvre?
- No.

What then?
- "Madame Sans-Gene".

Why?
Am I supposed to be impressed?

No, I just thought
you should be warned.

You told me for my sake.
- Of course.

The other night, at the home of Roger Ducos,
an old nobleman, you know the type,

of the nobility of yesteryear, spoke to
me of his ancestors insistently.

"My ancestors here,
My ancestors over there ... "

When you see him again, say:
"You may have illustrious ancestors.

But Lefebvre already has
by his own efforts an illustrious past."

And I'll add:

"To have illustrious ancestors
you have to start somewhere ... "

No one was informed
of the exceptional event that

took place on 25th November.

At FontaineBleau, the Emperor
wanted to go out hunting at noon.

At La Croix de Saint-Herem,
a carriage suddenly appeared.

They had agreed that the meeting
should take place right there.

And to make it look like a miracle,

the Sovereign Pontiff and the Emperor
had to simulate great surprise.

They both did it willingly,
like a comedy.

Little did His Holiness Pius VII know
that the treatment he would receive from Napoleon

during the following years,
would be more like a tragedy.

On 2 December, the coronation took
place, immortalized by David.

But Prince, tell us,

how could it be that David,
in the picture of the coronation,

placed the Emperor's mother
in the center of the canvas,

when, as everyone knows,
she was in Rome?

That's because David was
a great artist, and not a historian.

We are in 1804 and Napoleon has, for
some time, not gone to war.

He renounced his idea of attacking England
and pointed his guns towards Austria.

After immortalizing his hat
with a simple gesture,

he left Paris at six in the morning
of the 24 of September 1805.

Let us try to follow his footsteps.

After the victory at Donauwerth,
he takes command of the combat.

Murat again salvages glory
at Wertingen.

After the victory of Ney, he
orders to bombard the city of Ulm.

He sends a negotiator to request
to the General in Chief

of the Austrian forces
that they capitulate.

On the 19th, at eight,
capitulation occurs.

And the next morning,
in the presence of Ney,

33,000 prisoners parade and deposit
their arms at the feet of the Emperor,

along with 40 standards and 60 cannon.

This new victory encourages
Napoleon to continue the war.

The next battle
will determine our future.

I trust the control of the
Left flank to Marshal Lannes.

The Right, to Marshal Soult.
The Centre, to Marshal Bernadotte.

And the whole cavalry
to Prince Murat.

Murat, I beg you to say nothing!

The division of General Suchet will
be placed to the right of Marshal Lannes.

Finally, the cavalry of Murat will have
ahead of them Kellerman's forces.

The sun is with us.

Attack the enemy and
return victorious.

I salute you, gentlemen.
- Vive la France!

At six o'clock in the afternoon,
the victory of Austerlitz

was a fait accompli.

Soldiers,

I am satisfied with you.

In the day of Austerlitz,

you have justified everything
that I expected of your audacity.

You have decorated your eagles

with an immortal glory.

When all that is needed

to ensure the prosperity
and happiness of our country

has been achieved,

I will take you back to France.

There, you will be the object
of all my attentions.

My people will receive you
with enthusiasm.

And it will be enough to say:
"I was in the battle of Austerlitz",

to be answered:
"There goes a brave man."

He returned to Paris on...
- 20th October.

Thank you. Are you leaving, Bourrienne?
- Yes.

Good evening. Sit down.

The things I have to say are
of extreme gravity.

The idea that first came to me
was to speak to each of you separately,

but aware of a certain amount of
dissension among you, I decided

to bring you together
and inform you of the decisions

concerning you that I have made.

Nobody can flatter themselves they
have a greater sense of family than I.

Joseph, you are the oldest,
so I will address you first.

On my accession to the throne,
I made you first Prince.

Today, I make you King of Naples.

Why?
- What do you mean, why?

You give me a great vote of
trust that I greatly appreciate.

But how will Julia and I look
on a foreign throne?

Why foreign? I am king of Italy!
- That's true, forgive me.

Lucien.
I make you Prince of Canino.

I'll never forget what you did
for me on 18 Brumaire.

Unfortunately, you have contracted
a marriage that deprives me

of the happiness of giving you
the crown of Spain.

But... I haven't asked for anything.
- No. That's true, you haven't asked for anything.

But the important thing is to ensure
to the Empire a valid offspring.

Since Joseph has no male offspring,
succession happens to your children,

since I am told I cannot
possibly have one.

Although I'm sure it's Josephine
who is at fault.

Nevertheless, as I still refuse
to divorce her, that's why.

Lucien, for the last time
I'm asking you...

divorce, marry the wife of a king
and keep your wife in the background.

A dishonorable proposition
for her and my children... I refuse.

Tomorrow, you will have your
passport for America.

Very well, Highness.

Louis, I name you king of Holland.
- I thank you profoundly.

Jerome, as you agreed to break
your marriage to Miss Patterson,

and marry the Grand
Duchess of Württenberg,

you will be the king of Westphalia.

Excited by this great honour,
I thank Your Majesty most deeply.

And us?

Who?
- Murat and I.

Murat is a Marshal of France.
- Yes...

Is not that worth all the titles?
- Yes ...

Murat, do not be suspicious.
- Of you?

No, of yourself.

And remember, so you don't
start brooding about this,

remember that in 1793
you wanted to call yourself Marat,

in honour of
a revolutionary.

Don't let it upset you
not to enter the nobility.

Being a marshal is fine, I don't argue.
But what about me? I have nothing.

You are what I am, a sister.
- Me too and I do not claim anything.

And me, don't I have rights?
- Yes, but yours is different.

You have married foreigners,
Borghese and Bacciochi,

while Murat is French.

Dear Murat, if you wish the throne
of Naples, I cede it to you.

Do not give away the gifts I give you!
And be very careful, Joseph...

don't do something imprudent
in opposition to me.

Fleeing from my enemies
instead of facing them!

Refrain from visiting Mme. De Staël!
Do not waste time with Bernadotte!

Order your daughters to call me
Emperor and not consul!

You can have the democratic spirit,
but I do not give you

two million a year so that you
can walk around in a dress-coat and cap.

And that goes for everyone!
Reasons of State

are never far from
my decisions!

I have reason to
to name you King of Naples!

And Jérôme!
And Louis!

I know.
- That does not stop us from being surprised.

Jérôme has always been the
favourite of the Emperor.

If you think Jérôme will give up
his little American for a throne,

you're mistaken.
- Nobody asked for your opinion!

It's as if I've denied you
the inheritance of our father.

Say good night to me and
go and argue somewhere else.

We'll see.

Perhaps.

Later.

As for you, my dear brothers,
set an example in dignity.

Refrain from frivolous pleasures which
degrade the heart and damage the state.

Good evening.
- Good evening, sir.

Pardon.
Good evening, Highness.

I'm not nervous, but ...
- Oh no?

Not at all. What is striking me
is your resemblance.

To whom?
- To yourself!

It's incredible that you look so much alike.

Your image is everywhere.
There is nobody better known.

What are you called?
- Eleonor. But I can change it.

Eleonor, nothing more?
- No, Denuelle.

And there's more:
Denuelle De la Plaigne.

It seems that I am the daughter of
a famous author, perhaps you know of him?

Married?
- Divorced.

You still see each other?
- Five minutes a month.

It is the prison regulations.

Ah, is he...
- Yes, incarcerated. He's a rogue.

With good heart,
but a rogue all the same.

Can I sit there?

In this chair?
- No, on your knees.

Do I look pretty to you?
- Very pretty.

So...

They say that you are impatient.
Do not change your habits for me.

It would be nice if a man
accustomed to giving orders

gave them to a girl like me.

Kiss my neck.

Unbutton my dress.

You would do it!
Oh, how agreeable!

But we are not
here to have fun...

The 25 of September 1806, he returned
from leave, with Prussia as his target.

On October 14, he met
the Prussian army at Jena.

My dear Josephine,
my affairs are going well.

With God's help, the situation is
becoming terrible for the king of Prussia,

which I can pity because
personally, he is a good man.

The Emperor obtained from Prussia
a booty of 159 million francs.

The Prussian prince handed him
the symbolic keys to the city.

On December 20, the Emperor
was located in the castle of Pultusk.

What happen? You seem excited.
- I have good reason.

A message arrived from Paris
that will bring you great joy.

On 13th December,
Ms. Eleonor Denuelle,

who you received in Paris...
- Yes, I remember.

Gave birth to a child of the male
sex, and who

resembles you marvelously,
she says.

She requests that you give the child
a name. And she asks how you would like it registered.

If I'm not jumping with joy, it's
because this news is more grave than pleasant.

It may have incalculable consequences.

If the news is true.

You have doubts, Highness?
- How could I not?

When my mother sees the child,
I'll tell you what I think.

A beautiful girl, that Eleonor,

but without education and
with the brain of a mosquito.

She did something extraordinary.

Bored with me while we made love,

with the heel of her foot, she
righted the movements of the pendulum

hanging on the wall.

An hour with the Emperor Napoleon I
was too much for her.

I only saw her three times.
- Once is enough to...

Yes, we can agree about that.
And that's why I prefer to pause.

Write, please.

"That the child be declared
son of Mme. Eleonor Denuelle

and an absent father,

be delivered immediately
a sum of 20,000 francs. "

And as for the name,
perhaps take...

Yours?
- No, nothing like that.

How about half?
- What do you mean half?

Léon.

Yes, Léon, I like that.

Let's not think about it again.

But he could not stop
thinking about that news,

which put poor Josephine in grave danger.

At the same time, the Tsar decided
to take over Poland,

on the false pretext of defending her.

Following my advice, he vowed to protect
Poland. And he appointed me governor.

You met in Warsaw on the 2nd
of January, and before the nomination ...

I bowed.

I greet you, Governor of Warsaw.
Satisfied with your new position?

Yes, Your Highness.
And I hope to show myself worthy.

It serves as an omen for
the feelings of His Majesty

towards Poland, which has not figured
on the map of Europe,

and to which it would be convenient to
return its unity. It may be necessary

to protect us from the Cossacks.
- Poland, Poland...

There is someone who knows her well.

They are in the salon.

Shall I ask them to join us?
- Please.

Madame the Countess Walewska.

Highness, in heaven's name,
free Poland!

Your Highness,
take care of all the Poles!

Proclaim yourself king of Poland and
you will win the heart of the Poles!

I'd like to see you again, madame.
- Yes, you'll see her again.

Thursday, if you are agreeable.

I like Poland a lot.

As you can see, it is not
as inconsquential as you thought.

There are always pockets
full of women.

You are late, Madame.

Carrying a laurel wreath, not wearing
jewels and her dress is white.

And yet you know that the Emperor Napoleon
prefers women to dress

in pink and to be more decollete.

The provisional government
of my country has asked me to

make myself available
of the Emperor Napoleon.

I think I have dressed in a fitting
manner for such a sacrifice.

Madame the Countess Walewska.

What is this?

I have not hidden from that woman
the sentiments that she inspires me!

And for two days,
I hope every afternoon for her visit!

In vain.

I have written passionate letters,
I have sent bouquets,

I have given her admirable jewels.
And she gave them back to me.

Do you see how she did not lie when
she praised the nobility of this little country?

I advise not to speak of her again!

One day I adopted the commitment
that I would never oppose you

without giving a day's warning.

But if Poland, by your doing,
does not regain its independence ...

What would happen?

Come on, speak!

It would be the
beginning of the end.

Madame the Countess Walewska.

As you can see, I come in a pink dress.
- Why did you change your mind?

The first time you invited me to come ...
- You did not come.

I would have been coming for my country.
I disliked being a political pawn.

The second time, in my heart, there was
my country and then you.

The third?
- You and my country.

And tonight?

Now there is only you.

From conquest to conquest,
the Emperor achieved victory at Eylau.

Five months later, on June 19th
1807, Napoleon was in Tilsit.

And on the 25th, on a barge located
at the same distance from the two banks

of the Niemen River, the Emperor
received the Czar, for whom he felt

a singular regard, and shortly afterwards,
the king of Prussia.

Thus ended the war.
Peace was signed on 8 July.

For the next 15 days, the three sovereigns
dined in each other's houses

with ease and cordiality.

This brotherly covenant was
surprising, as well as edifying,

after all the bloody
struggles that had taken place.

The 26 of July, the Emperor was in
Saint-Cloud. He worked, ordered, decreed.

Bourrienne!

Sorry to bother you.
Look here.

He closed 17 theaters, granted pensions,
organized the Court of Accounts.

If he remembered a girl from
the day before, he sent a note

and waited for the next day.

He fixed at 3,530,000 francs
the expenses of the Secret Police.

Nothing escaped him,
everything passed through his hands.

Mr. De Barbet-Marbois, Minister
of Finance, is in the living room.

Highness,
Ms. Delacroix has arived.

Delacroix?
- That young redhead who you...

Is she really a redhead?
- Oh, Highness!

Show her into my room.
- She's already there, Your Highness.

Have her wait.

As for the payments to the Church,
I find it disgusting.

We must not deprive the poor of that
which consoles them of their poverty.

Show in Mr. De Barbet-Marbois.

Ms. Delacroix requests...
- Have her undress.

The Minister of Finance.

I must ask you to
give me your portfolio.

I do it in consideration
of the good of my service.

Your Highness, Mademoiselle ...
- Have her lie down.

I warned you. Everything paid
has to be done

by order of my ministers.

I hope your majesty does not
accuse me of being a thief.

I would prefer it. Corruption
has a limit, stupidity hasn't.

Mademoiselle Delacroix...
- Have her go!

On 22nd September,
he was to leave again.

He had decided upon a divorce and
he swore to himself to inform

the Empress before his departure.

But there are looks in a woman's eye
that strike the heart,

especially when the woman,
extremely well-informed,

would rather not hear any more.

Prince...

haven't you forgotten that in Spain...
- No, Madame, no, no.

No, I've forgotten nothing.

Let me tell the life of
the Emperor in my own way,

disregarding everything that history
will omit in the future.

But still, Trafalgar...

If the English want to remember it,
let them!

From now on,
events accelerated.

After Essling, the Emperor concentrated
his forces on the Island of Lobau.

After crossing the bridges of the Danube,
he inspected his troops with Murat.

Terrible news
interrupted their pleasure.

Marshal Lannes, badly wounded,
had suffered the amputation of both legs.

Marshal, marshal!
The Emperor.

You will survive, my friend,
You will survive.

Count on me, Your Highness.
I still want to be useful

to France

and to Your Majesty.

Highness... Highness...

Enough!

Despite the advice,
he prepared for Wagram.

He traversed the lines, indicating
to each their target.

He advised Mr. Dino, talked to
McDonald, visited Massena,

injured the day before,
and who reviewed his troops from a carriage.

6 July, 1809. Wagram.

A blazing victory that began
with the great feat of General Flahaut.

The battle ended that same night.

And when night came,
the "Grande Armée" rested.

And what was the Emperor doing?

Sleeping.

After spending 60 hours on horseback,
shattered by fatigue,

he dropped in the shadow
of his grenadiers,

stretched out and fell asleep.

So that he would not be cold,
his soldiers

had erected a pyramid of drums.

Protected from the cold and the enemy,
Napoleon slept next to his army.

It will be good when the war
ends, a good day.

When the war ends,
the war,

I will see my mother again,
if the good God so wills.

When the war is over, if
I do not have a mother

maybe I'll see her too,

if God the Father sends me to paradise.

When there is no longer war,
when the Austrians,

the Russians and Prussians
are in the ground.

It would be good that at last
the civilians became the military,

and declare war
for a little distraction.

It will be good that the war
ends, a good day,

a good day...

When he woke up, he named
MacDonald and Marmont as Marshals.

The armistice with Austria
was signed in just 24 hours.

Already in Paris, he received news from
Warsaw that fulfilled his hopes.

Countess Walewska has given birth
to a child, baptized as Alexander.

Write:

"I decree that the son of the Countess
Walewska receives 170,000 francs.

On the other hand, that the son of
Mme. Eleonor Denuelle

receives, on his first birthday,
twenty shares in the Orleans' Canal.

Finally, let it be granted to Mr Pallapra
the control of the finances of Cambalose,

on the condition that he recognizes
the girl given to me by his wife."

The Empress is not to
know anything of all this.

I would ask you to adopt
one of those little ones.

But Josephine was about to
commit an imprudence.

Come in.

I do not want my husband
to imagine that I am unaware

of his innumerable and
constant infidelities.

I receive enough women to give
me the details.

That's how I learned of your
interminable adventure with Mme. Duchatel.

Of your scandalous relationship
with Mme. Fourès,

who often dresses like a man.

I am not unaware of your adventure
with Grassini, the Italian singer.

We could talk about
my great friend, Carlotta Brantano.

She told me many things, like never
taking off her stockings or gloves,

because you didn't like her fingers.

You could talk to me
finally of Mme. George.

Or do you prefer to talk
of the Countess Walewska?

Not tonight?

Well... some day we will.

Divorce...

Divorce...

Divorce...

And so, her final hour had come.

Her Majesty, the Empress.

With the permission of my august
husband I declare that,

with no hope
of having the children that would

meet the needs and interest
of France, I'm happy to give you

the highest demonstration of loyalty and
of devotion that has ever been given.

I acknowledge all your goodness.
It was your hand that crowned me,

and from the height of his throne,
I have received

testimonies of affection and love
from the French people.

I believe I return those feelings by
consenting to the dissolution of

a marriage that presumably supplies
an obstacle to the well-being of France.

The dissolution of my marriage
will not change the feelings of my heart.

The Emperor will always have
in me his best friend.

I know this act, caused
only by policy

and for the wider good,
has chilled his heart.

There he is.
We feel glorious,

for the sacrifice that we are going to make.

Later, she went to the castle of
Malmaison, which the Emperor ceded to her.

Never was there such a cruel moment.

And yet, believe me,
it was impossible to have more patience.

Eleven years ago, in Cairo,
Junot gave me some information

that I had not asked for.
- He's never forgiven me.

Never.

He named me Duke of Abrantes
just to forget my name.

What if we talk about the immediate future?

Enough of divorce!
- Let's talk about matrimony!

Gentlemen, I am undecided
between several princesses.

Minister of Foreign Affairs,
we must turn to you.

Highness, you should not hesitate.
I know your admiration

for the young sister of the Czar,
but an alliance with Moscow

would only serve to antagonise
Germany, Austria and England.

Then, the Austrian.

What's her name?
- The Austrian? Marie Louise?

Lovely!

Delicious.

Beautiful!

Great.

I'll take her.
- Accept her, rather.

If I decide on Marie Louise,
then you, Berthier,

are who I will send to Vienna
as ambassador.

Marriage...

Marriage...

What's he doing?
- Searching the Civil Code.

Someday they'll say it's their capital work.
- And will it be true?

Perhaps not.

The Archduchess Maria Louise
is the best of marriages...

considered as an alliance.

If I am sincere with you, and if you allow
me to express it vulgarly,

I will not hide from you that, in reality,
I'm looking for a belly.

And in Vienna, he found one.

He's an authentic genius.

Your majesty is going to ask for another piece?
- Yes, and I even know which one.

Ah, I know.

Again!

What's happened?

This picture again, which I've already put away three times,

only to find it again now.

Now I really want to know who put it there so deliberately and conspicuously,

that it is impossible to miss.

Prince, it is extremely embarrassing to make a man like you suspicious.

Marie-Louise, Marie-Louise...

I beg your pardon.

But I'm sure that Prince Metternich was joking,

although I hope it's not a joke.

Mr. Richter?

Here, please.

Oh, Napoleon.

There's a kind of tolerance here at Schönbrunn that I won't condone.

They seem to have completely forgotten that my beloved Aunt

Marie-Antoinette, was killed by the friends of this monster.

Does she know anything about it?
- Not yet.

Whether or not you understand German...
- Of course I understand every word.

Imagine His Majesty's reaction
if we make a false step.

We must be extremely diplomatic.

Come here

Isn't that the Symphony Eroica that Mr. von Beethoven is playing?

Yes

What did she ask Mr. De Neippert?
- Why he played Eroica Symphony.

The Eroica Symphony? Why?
- Oh, she hates it!

That's going too far. No, no, no.

The letter was already an imposition.

But the fact that someone has now taken the liberty, I'm sure it wasn't the emperor,

that someone took the liberty of... Yes, yes, go ahead and laugh. Just laugh...

That someone had the inconsideration

to ask Mr. von Beethoven to play the symphony

which glorifies Austria's defeats in the extreme,

the, the, the defeats that this, this murderer, this thief, this, this...

I can no longer tolerate it, nor can I bear it any longer.

Oh, honored father, you know how much I respect and love you,

but it is quite useless to tell me to keep silent.

No power in the world will silence my detest

against the man who has carelessly rejected his wife, unprovoked, heartlessly...

Don't make me!

He will officially stop by Tuesday to offer his hand, my child.

Napoleon?

Yes.

What did he just say?
- Marriage, Napoleon ...

You dedicated it to Bonaparte, maestro?

What?
- You dedicated it to Bonaparte?

Ah, yes. After I composed the piece,

I wrote "heroic symphony
for a great man".

In this way,
you could divine it was for him.

It's better.
- Of course.

Forgive me.

28th February, the Emperor
was at Fontainebleau.

Berthier returned from Vienna and
the marriage with Marie Louise

was diplomatically agreed.
It would be celebrated on 2nd April.

It is a great victory over Austria.

A 60 year old man getting married
with a young woman, can she have children?

Sometimes, yes.

And if he's 70?
- Oh, then, always.

20th March 1811, he was waiting.
Waiting for what?

The birth of the king of Rome, for he
had already given the child that prestigious name.

And woe betide anyone who came
to tell him that it was a girl.

Well?
- The birth is becoming complicated.

What are they going to do?
- We might lose one of them.

Save the mother.
It is her undeniable right.

But don't lose your head.

Treat her like a shop-keeper
on the Rue Saint-Denis.

I ask you to forget
she is the Empress.

Thank you.

However, in the end everything went well.
It was a boy and the mother was saved.

A son...

I am the happiest man
on Earth.

Thank you.

He could now return to war.

General Caulaincourt.
- Show him in.

7 of September 1812, he achieved the
brilliant victory of the Moskova River.
[N.B. Usually called the Battle of
Borodino in English]

I can not find words
grand enough, precise enough,

noble enough to
describe your courage.

I've searched for many hours and I
can only find City names:

Eckmühl, Essling, Wagram, Danzig.
I offer them to you.

Massena, you will be prince of Essling.
Lefebvre, Duke of Danzig.

Berthier, Prince of Wagram.
Kellermann, Duke of Valmy.

McDonald, Duke of Taranto.
Davout, prince of Eckmühl.

Duroc, Duke of Frioul.
Marmont, Duke of Ragusa.

Murat, you are already king of Naples
and today I can only confirm it.

As for you, Marshal Ney,
the great victor of the day,

I appoint you prince of the Moskova.

Do not have too many illusions.
If someone asks someday:

"How is the prince of Essling?",
you will answer that Massena is well.

The Emperor's dinner.
- Come on.

No, Highness.
- Yes!

It was the beginning of the fateful invasion
of Russia. You were there, were you not?

Yes, prince, indeed.

In Moscow, there awaited him the
most impressive surprise of all.

All the inhabitants were gone.

All the windows,
all the doors were open.

There was nobody to fight.

And the victory that he won there
resulted in disaster.

In the Kremlin,
he could not believe what his eyes saw.

The most terrifying spectacle
imaginable: Moscow in flames.

The Tsar had
sacrificed his most emblematic city

so that Napoleon could never
say that it had been his.

There he wrote a letter to the Tsar,
which was perhaps received,

but he never answered.

With nothing else to do, he opened
the wallet and pulled out a dossier at random.

As a further proof of the diversity of
his genius, he drafted

the "Statutes of the French Comedy",
that take the name of

"Decree of Moscow" and that
will remain in force for centuries.

Then, he ordered the retreat.

Horrible, indescribable, gigantic...

And as the responsibility
had to fall on someone,

he summoned the Duke
of Otranto and me.

Mr. De Talleyrand-Perigord,
prince of Benevento.

and Mr. Fouché, Duke of Otranto.

I wanted to see you both...
both together.

Fouché...

You are a traitor,
a bandit and a thief.

You have forgotten that you voted
for the death of King Louis.

I have never forgotten.

It was the first service that
I rendered Your Majesty.

Get out!
You are no longer my minister.

And I should hang you.
- I do not share that opinion.

As for you,
who has conspired ...

I have only conspired in times

where I had the majority
of France as an accomplice,

and in which I was looking only
at the well-being of the country.

On the other hand, there is no conspirator
more dangerous to you ...

...than you yourself.

You are a thief and a coward!
A man without faith!

It's an exaggeration, and everything
exaggerated is insignificant.

You do not believe in God!
For you, there is nothing sacred!

You're just shit
in silk stockings!

Yes, it is a pity that
he was so lacking in refinement.

But he was soon off to war again.

Despite the ties of kinship
which united him to Francis II,

Austria declared war on the Emperor,
allying with Russia and Prussia.

Thus the armistice of 1st June
was broken and the war began again.

If you are indifferent, Murat,
you are hostile

If you are hostile, reflect

and remember that you are a God
until five in the afternoon.

And it is now six.

Despite the victory at Dresden, he
already perceived the winds of defeat.

After winning in Champeau-Vert and Brienne,
he suffered the attack of a Cossack.

But Gourgaud saved his life.

After winning in Mont-Miraille,
he was forced to fight in retreat,

and retreat to Fontainebleau.

There he found his men
in a lamentable state, demoralized.

But still he laboured under certain illusions.

That Ney, Marmont and Berthier
be here in an hour.

We must fight on, even in Paris.

But, Your Highness, aren't you
afraid of creating another Moscow?

I am forced to face to the enemy wherever

Providence will allow.
Let me work.

Your Highness, do you know
what is happening in Paris?

No.

The provisional government has
proclaimed your dethronement.

My dethronement?
Only the people have that right!

And as for the Allies,
I will crush them in Paris!

No, Your Highness!
The situation is desesperate.

Only one solution remains:
abdication.

The soldiers think differently.

They only think of fighting and of
giving their lives for me and for France.

They lack your titles
and privileges.

You should follow you, since you
do not dare to lead them.

The Army will not march on Paris.
- The Army will obey me!

I only have to give the order
and they will follow me!

Go, gentlemen.

The country is in danger, and they
want to deprive her of her best soldier.

The situation left him
in a pitiful position,

but he seemed to accept it, which
was the most pitiful thing of all.

And to think it took two hours
before I understood.

Talleyrand has had his revenge.
I treated him badly.

But, after all,
I gave good service

for some time.

I committed a grave error.

After he arrived
in such a degree of discontent,

I should have locked him up
or had him always by my side.

Good night.

What is it?

It's poison!

Do not waste time!
Call Corvisant.

"Since the Allied Powers
have proclaimed that the Emperor

is the only obstacle to the
restoration of peace in Europe,

the Emperor Napoleon,
faithful to his oath,

declares that he renounces
his claim and that of his heirs

to the throne of France,

and that there is no personal sacrifice,
including that of my life,

that I would not be willing to
undertake in the interest of France".

Your Highness, you have never
been so great.

The Emperor!

Officers, non-commissioned officers,

and soldiers of my Old Guard.

I bid you farewell.

For 20 years, we have
trod together the path of honour

and of glory.

I leave you.

You will continue to serve France.

Your happiness was my only thought.

And will always be
the object of my desires.

Do not weep for my fate.

If I have agreed to continue living,

it is to see you
serve in glory.

Farewell.

I would like...
to clasp you all to my heart.

Let me at least salute your general

and your colours.

Long live the Emperor!

His farewell was heartbreaking.
Especially,

as it contrasted with the return
of a joyous, gout-ridden Louis XVIII.

On the other hand, it was absurd to
offer him the sovereignty of the island of Elba.

But the most unexpected and extraordinary
thing was how well Napoleon adapted

for a year to his forced exile.

On that island, 40 times smaller
than the department of Côte-D'Or,

he passed his time reviewing his tiny army
and walking from village to village.

In one of its three houses, he
ordered the preparation of two rooms,

one for the Empress and
another for the king of Rome,

without any hope
of seeing them appear.

But fate had
reserved a surprise.

He was informed that a lady
and a child had landed.

The lady was no other than Maria Walewska,
and the child was his son.

Maria! What joy!
And what a surprise!

My adorable love!

What do you think about your son?
- He is very handsome.

Can I kiss you, Dad?
- Of course!

And to show you my confidence,
I let you take my horse by the bridle.

And I cannot mount it?
- If your mother allows you ...

I could not deny permission
to the son of the Emperor.

Come on, up you get.

He is very handsome.
And he looks like you.

I hope I am not indiscreet.
- Oh no. Absolutely.

I knew that the Empress
was not here.

May I issue an order?

But my God,
you are useless!

Put up the tent there.

There?
- Yes, there.

Cambronne.
- Highness?

Control yourself, Cambronne.
Yes, watch your language.

Someday you'll let escape a word
for which you will be remembered.

Once you asked to spend one
night in my bivouac,

on the battlefield.
- And you said "no".

If I said yes this evening,
would you still like to?

Of course.

Well, look at that.

Present arms!

General Cambronne.

Marshal Berthier.
Grand marshal Bertrand.

Where is my son?

He expressed the desire to eat
with the soldiers, so ...

You've done very well.

If you will be seated...

I cannot hide the truth from you.

Maria Louise is in Vienna with my son.
- Yes, I know.

And you must know that, without that betrayal,
it would not have been possible for me to come.

But you may not know that,
shortly after my departure,

The Empress received the King
of Prussia and the Emperor of Russia.

Yes, she invited them to Malmaison.

No, to Malmaison, no.
To Rambouillet, I believe.

No, to Malmaison.
I am sure.

So I discover a new treachery.

What she did not dare to reveal was that
Josephine had died 8 days earlier.

What is your impression?
- Oh, very good.

What are you hoping? Why?
- I think she's here to call him back.

And I admit that...

I never thought he was going to
retire after one defeat! Never!

Few people love as much as
to enjoy the silence by my side.

Could you break this silence, briefly?
- Of course.

I must warn you, Your Highness,
of what is happening in Paris.

You know they are waiting for you.

And that poor King Louis XVIII
is treated like an idiot.

And that abroad
he is subject to cruel mockery.

Have you considered returning?

Have you considered it?
And will it be soon?

Thank God.

When he spends two hours in silence,
it is because he is planning something.

And what else would he plan
but war?

When people talk about you,
do you know what they call you?

The Polish wife of Napoleon.
And it's so very true.

I love you.

On March 1, the Emperor
disembarked in Golfe-Juan.

The news spread across France
and the rest of Europe rapidly.

Marshal Ney must meet him
and place him under arrest,

for no other purpose
than the good of France.

That will have a brilliant effect.
At least, I hope so.

Long live the Emperor.

Yesterday perhaps they shouted: "Long live the King!".
- It's not important.

Everything will be fine while we can
shout "Long live someone or something!",

because in reality we are
shouting "Long live France!"

What would be bad, and even dangerous,
would be having the opportunity

to shout: "Down with someone or something!".
Do you understand me?

Highness, Marshal Ney,
with orders of the King.

Prince of the Moskova,
aren't you ashamed?

Yes.

In Scotland they dance the jig,
in Russia the "kasatchok"

and in Vienna, the waltz.
But suddenly,

the bagpipes were deflated
and the musicians stopped playing,

and everyone had to remember that
they were members of the cavalry.

The Emperor was approaching
and the King withdrew.

It is difficult for a man seen from
the rear to retain his prestige.

And the war began, once again.

Soldiers came from everywhere:
Austria, Berlin, Moscow, England.

Call up the Guard.

What does it say?
- He advises us to surrender.

What does General
Cambronne say? Let them surrender!

Again? Shit!

Who said that?
- Oh, what a hypocrite!

Napoleon signed for the second time
his abdication and delivered it to Fouché,

who became, in a sinister maneuver,
President of the Government.

The Emperor took refuge in Malmaison,
where Queen Hortensia awaited.

My poor Josephine...

For 3 days, defections occurred,
each one more unexpected than the last.

Since Fouché does not deliver
the Emperor the passport,

I will not stay here until
the enemy come.

General Count of Montholon.
Jena, Madrid, Eckmühl, Wagram.

Injured 100 times
in the service of His Majesty.

I will have the honor to accompany
to the Emperor during his exile

and will not abandon him
until he dies.

Thank you.

If I did not have to stay in France,
I would be the first to accompany him.

We are in the same situation.

Again? What is your title?
- Count of Las Cases, Your Highness.

I ask you for the honour
of accompanying His Majesty,

if necessary,
until the end of the world.

We will see if it is possible.

I want to go with you too.

What a pity!
- It is impossible?

For the many reasons that you know.

Will you be able to return someday?

But how horrible...

May I tell you a confidence, Highness?

Of course...
- You know how much I have loved you.

You know how much I've been in love,
because one day you wrote me

that our souls understood each other,
but I hid the truth from you.

Today I want to confess a secret,
which will enlighten you, Your Highness,

about many things.

I love you physically.

I never dreamed of daring
to make this confession,

but I would regret it all
my life if I withheld it.

I adore your eyes, so beautiful.

I love your hands, so soft.

I love your lips and your breath,

and above all, I adore your smile,
your wonderful smile

I love the noise of your steps,
your deep voice

and your silence shocks me.

I never dared to look you in the eye,
but I leaned over you

while you slept and I delighted
in watching you for hours.

God only knows how many times you will
have listened to women saying these things?

Never.

Never?
- Never. This is the first,

and the only one.

Where is the child?
- In the carriage.

Have you seen the Emperor?
- No.

What is it?

It is a belt.
I'd appreciate if you wore it.

Why?

Because inside
I have sewn my diamond necklace.

Oh no...
- Do not reject it.

Thank you.

An hour later, he found out
that the Prussian advance

had already reached Pierrefitte
and that he must leave Malmaison.

Yes, I have allowed myself to come.

It is not a crime, I just wanted
that our little boy said goodbye.

You already know Countess Walewska
and the child she has given me.

You may have also seen
Mme. Pallapra and that adorable little girl.

Does she look like me?

What seems most interesting
is that the three are similar to each other.

They are your children.

What do you want?
- Nothing.

Who are you looking for?
- The king of Rome.

The king of Rome was
on his grandfather's knees,

listening to Mr. Metternich.

My little treasure...

From now on, you're going to be
The Duke of Reichstadt, right?

Everything that happened after that day
served to magnify his glory

and his immense reputation.
He became invulnerable.

If all the countries of the world
had combined their efforts to

ensure the immortality of the Emperor,
they could not have done it better.

By rejecting all the great
men who requested to welcome him.

Convinced that he
was the vanquished,

as if Waterloo obliterated
Austerlitz.

Rehabilitating through an
ignominious death

those who had served him before.

Straight to the heart! Fire!

Do not aim at the face!

By sending him to St. Helena,
to the small island of St. Helena.

His Excellency,
Governor Hudson-Lowe.

By entrusting someone's custody,
so infinitely valuable,

to a stubborn and petty individual,
without brain, heart or education.

By not avoiding any
wounds to his dignity.

By placing him in
a ridiculous residence.

By depriving him of all that
could ease his boredom.

By reading his mail
before handing it over.

By leaving him in the care
of a suspect physician.

By treating him as "general"
and not "Emperor."

As far as I know, there is no Emperor
on the island of St. Helena.

Sir?

By allowing him to
suffer a slow death.

France...
My Grand Army...

Very good.

And by not writing anything on his tomb,
they made him into a legendary character.

On December 15, 1840,
thousands and thousands of French

received the immense catafalque
which returned his remains to Paris.

But with the heart governing their
eyes, this is what they saw.