Emperor's New Clothes

Watch Emperor's New Clothes

  • 1993

Emperor's New Clothes is a historical drama film set in the 19th century, directed by Michael Hoffman. The movie is based on a true story in which a commoner becomes a king and how he copes with his newfound power. The film stars British actor Max Beesley as Napoleon Bonaparte, a ruler who has been exiled to the island of St. Helena. The plot is based on the historical theory that Napoleon escaped his island prison in 1821 and began a new life as a commoner under the guise of Eugene Lenormand.

As the movie progresses, we see that Napoleon is bored with his strict and monotonous life. He decides to escape St. Helena, and with the help of his loyal followers, he makes it to Paris in the form of Eugene Lenormand. Soon, he starts to use his intelligence and political knowledge to his advantage, and soon becomes an integral part of the upper class society. He even develops a romantic interest in a beautiful young woman named Pumpkin, played by Miranda Richardson.

As Napoleon's standing in society grows, he is approached by influential politicians who want to overthrow the ruling monarch, King Louis XVIII. They see Napoleon as the perfect candidate to lead the new government, and he agrees to the plan. However, Napoleon soon realizes that the politician's intentions are not entirely honest, and that they have their own selfish interests at heart.

The main theme of the movie revolves around Napoleon's struggle to keep up the facade of Eugene Lenormand while working behind the scenes as an influential political leader. He manages to do this by wearing different costumes and adopting a different persona for every occasion. Hence, the title of the movie - Emperor's New Clothes - refers to the metaphorical costume that Napoleon has to wear as he navigates through the complex political landscape of 19th century France.

As the movie progresses, we see that despite his deception, Napoleon has a genuine desire to help the common people of France. This is evident in his efforts to improve the lives of the impoverished, his support of the freedom of the press, and his advocacy for the rights of women. However, his intentions are constantly undermined by the corrupt politicians who surround him.

Despite the challenges he faces, Napoleon continues his double life as Eugene Lenormand, eventually becoming so popular that he runs for mayor in a local election. This is where the movie takes a turn, and the viewer is left wondering whether Napoleon's true identity will be revealed.

Overall, Emperor's New Clothes is a thrilling drama that explores the complex themes of identity, power, and politics. The cinematography is excellent, and the movie is well worth watching for its compelling storyline and its insights into the political landscape of 19th century France.

Emperor's New Clothes
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Description
  • Release Date
    1993