The film stars Christian Clavier in the title role. Isabella Rossellini costars as Joséphine de Beauharnais along with
Gérard Depardieu and John Malkovich Dangerous Liasons..

In 1816 Napoleon is being held prisoner by the British on the island of St. Helena. He tells a young English girl Betsy his life story. His meteoric rise to military prominence begins with his victory over the Royalists in 1795, which is followed by campaigns in Italy and Egypt.

He l;ater on marries Josephine the love of his life, who unfortunately cannot bear him any children. After a coup d'état he seizes power in France and crowns himself Emperor of the French in 1804. The film also shows Napoleon;s wandering eye towards other women.

Napoleon goes on to make a huge mistake by trying to bring the Czar of Russia to his knees. This action prompts the European powers to form an alliance against him. In 1814 he is defeated in the Battle of the Nations at Leipzig, and is exiled to the island of Elba.