Napoléon (miniseries)

Napoléon is a historical drama television miniseries that premiered in 2002. It chronicles the life of Napoleon Bonaparte, from his early military career through his rise to power, his reign as Emperor of France, his disastrous invasion of Russia, his exile to Elba, his brief return during the Hundred Days, and his final defeat at Waterloo and subsequent exile to Saint Helena.

The miniseries was a co-production between France, Italy, Spain, Canada, Germany, Hungary, and the United States. It stars Christian Clavier as Napoleon, Isabella Rossellini as Joséphine de Beauharnais, Gérard Depardieu as Joseph Fouché, John Malkovich as Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord, and Anouk Aimée as Letizia Bonaparte.

Directed by Yves Simoneau, the miniseries aims for historical accuracy, depicting the political and military events that shaped Napoleon's life and the lives of those around him. It portrays both his brilliance as a military strategist and administrator, and his flaws, ambition, and ruthlessness.

The miniseries was generally well-received, though some critics found it to be somewhat lengthy and lacking in depth in certain areas. However, it was praised for its scope, production values, and performances. It provides a broad overview of a pivotal period in European history and a complex portrait of one of history's most significant figures.