Napoleon was a historical figure, but the film's portrayal by Joaquin Phoenix presents a specific interpretation emphasizing awkwardness and dependence on Josephine, debated by historians. Many actions and character traits shown are inaccurate or lack context.

Joséphine was Napoleon's wife, but the film simplifies her character, exaggerates her overt sexuality/control over Napoleon, and misrepresents her age relative to him initially. Her political astuteness is downplayed.

Wellington was Napoleon's adversary at Waterloo. His portrayal is brief but generally reflects his historical role as the opposing commander.

Alexander I was the Tsar of Russia. The film depicts his meetings with Napoleon and role during the French invasion of Russia.

Marie Louise married Napoleon and bore him an heir. Her portrayal is brief and functional to the plot point of Napoleon needing a son.

Barras was a key figure in the Directory. The film depicts his political role and relationship with Joséphine, though perhaps emphasizing his decadence.

Napoleon was not present at her execution; he was commanding troops at the Siege of Toulon hundreds of miles away at the time.

Napoleon was an artillery commander at Toulon, noted for his strategic planning, not for leading cavalry charges. His horse was shot from under him, but not during a charge he personally led.

Napoleon did command the forces that used cannon fire ("whiff of grapeshot") to suppress the Royalist uprising in Paris in 1795, crucial for his rise.

Napoleon met and married Joséphine. However, the film misrepresents their age difference (she was 6 years older, not implied younger/same age), simplifies their complex dynamic, and fabricates scenes like the slap.

Napoleon invaded Egypt, but there's no evidence he ordered cannons fired at the Pyramids of Giza. The Battle of the Pyramids was fought miles away from them.

Napoleon did seize power in this coup. The film depicts the chaos but simplifies the political maneuvering involved.

Napoleon took the crown from the Pope and placed it on his own head during his coronation ceremony in 1804, accurately depicted as a symbol of his self-made authority.

While some retreating soldiers drowned falling through broken ice, Napoleon did not deliberately lure large parts of the enemy army onto ice to destroy them with cannon fire as depicted. This is a myth exaggerated by Napoleon himself.

Key events occurred (brutal Battle of Borodino, Moscow found abandoned/burning, disastrous winter retreat). However, battle tactics and specific events are simplified or dramatized.

Napoleon divorced Joséphine because she couldn't provide an heir (True). The public slapping scene during the divorce proceedings is a complete fabrication (False).

Napoleon married Austrian Archduchess Marie Louise to secure an alliance and an heir.

Napoleon was exiled to Elba, escaped, and returned to power in France for the period known as the Hundred Days.

The battle occurred and Napoleon lost. However, the film's portrayal of tactics, Napoleon's direct involvement/command style, and specific incidents are often inaccurate or overly simplified.

Napoleon was exiled to Saint Helena after Waterloo, where he remained until his death in 1821.

The film repeatedly shows Napoleon personally leading charges or fighting in the front lines, contrary to historical accounts where he commanded strategically from the rear.

The film visually captures the chaotic and violent atmosphere of Paris during the later stages of the French Revolution.

The setting visually represents a pre-industrial siege, though the specific tactical layout and actions shown are inaccurate.

The brief scenes effectively use visuals (pyramids, desert) to establish the Egyptian setting, even if the actions depicted there are inaccurate.

Visually impressive recreations of large-scale Napoleonic battles, capturing the scale and general look of warfare (formations, smoke), despite inaccuracies in specific tactics shown.

Locations like the Tuileries Palace, Malmaison, and Notre Dame (for the coronation) are sumptuously recreated, reflecting the grandeur of the Napoleonic era.

The costume design for both military uniforms (French, British, Russian, Austrian) and civilian attire of the Directory and Empire periods appears detailed and historically informed.

Weapons, artillery pieces, and cavalry equipment appear generally accurate for the period, contributing to the visual authenticity of battle scenes.

The film provides a visual sense of the island exile locations, though focusing more on Napoleon's state of mind than detailed environmental accuracy.

The film excels at creating a visually rich and immersive representation of the Napoleonic era across various European locations.