Assuredly this epic film, directed by Vladimir Petrov, is not without its flaws but in terms of the emotional power of certain scenes and for sheer watchability it has to rank pretty high. Another rousing score by Yuri Shaporin with first class cinematography, production design and special effects. The performances are 'variable' but without doubt Aleksei Dikij whose travails under Stalin are well documented, is superb as the title character. I was very impressed also with Semyon Mezhinsky. He may not be everyone's idea of Napoleon but then again neither is Rod Steiger! That conveniently brings us to the magnificent performance by Sergo Zakariadze as Prince Bagration who fell at Borodino. This actor came full circle in 1970 when he played Marshall Blucher in 'Waterloo' directed by Sergei Bondarchuk in which Steiger played the Emperor. I suppose there are those who will say that Kutuzov was simply lucky to be granted the time to regroup his forces whilst Napoleon sat in Moscow waiting for Tsar Alexander to surrender with the Winter becoming more and more treacherous. Napoleon of course knew the value of luck. He once famously enquired about an officer who was up for promotion: 'I know he's brilliant but is he lucky?'
Whatever its weaknesses this film should be seen by all true cinephiles.
Review of 1812
