Rzhevsky Versus Napoleon(Russian:Ржевский против Наполеона,romanized:Rzhevsky protiv Napoleona;originally planned title «Наполеон капут!»Napoleon goes Kaput![2]) is a Russian-Ukrainian 2012comedy film,sequel to the 2008 pictureHitler goes Kaput![3][4]
| Rzhevsky versus Napoleon | |
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| Directed by | Maryus Vaysberg |
| Written by | Andrei Yakovlev Mikhail Savin |
| Produced by |
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| Starring | Pavel Derevyanko Volodymyr Zelenskyy |
| Cinematography | Irek Khartovich |
| Music by | Vladimir Saiko |
Production companies | |
Release date |
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Running time | 80 minutes |
| Countries | Russia, Ukraine |
| Language | Russian |
| Budget | $8.5 million[1] |
| Box office | $7.8 million[1] |
Plot
editIn early 19th-century Russia, as Napoleon Bonaparte’s (Volodymyr Zelensky) forces advance on Moscow, General Kutuzov devises a bold plan to delay him. Knowing Napoleon’s weakness for women, he recruits the notorious charmer Lieutenant Rzhevsky (Pavel Derevyanko), who is serving a sentence for his scandalous behavior. In exchange for freedom, Rzhevsky must disguise himself as "Countess Rzhevskaya" and seduce Napoleon to buy Russia time. Rzhevsky captivates Napoleon at a grand ball, but his mission is complicated when he falls for Natasha Rostova (Svetlana Khodchenkova), the reigning Miss Moscow, who unknowingly criticizes him for associating with the enemy. Rzhevsky juggles his feelings for Natasha and his duty, as he struggles to maintain his cover amid escalating romantic entanglements and Napoleon's advances.
The deception comes to a head as Natasha discovers Rzhevsky’s identity, and Napoleon learns the truth, enraged by the ruse. Rzhevsky ultimately succeeds in delaying Napoleon’s campaign, allowing the Russian army to regroup. The lovers escape to Paris, while Napoleon, defeated and disgruntled, is left to contemplate his downfall. In a final gesture, Rzhevsky lightens the moment by inviting Napoleon to share a croissant, symbolizing the triumph of Russian wit over French ambition.
Cast
edit- Pavel Derevyankoas lieutenant Rzhevsky / Countess Rzhevskaya
- Volodymyr ZelenskyyasNapoleon
- Svetlana KhodchenkovaasNatasha Rostova
- Mikhail Galustyanas Marquis de Mazo Sad
- Mikhail YefremovasLeo Tolstoy
- Marat BasharovasPyotr Bagration
- Evgeny Koshevoy as Lefty
- Ksenia Sobchakas Madame Xue-Xue
- Anna Semenovichas Ostrozhskaya
- Anfisa Chekhovaas realtor
- Jean-Claude Van Dammeas himself
- Vladimir SimonovasMikhail Kutuzov
- Dmitry Mukhamedev asMichel Ney
- Ilya Oleynikovas Demian
- Potapas Gopnik
- Viktor Gusevas himself
- Ruslana Pysankaas Madame Golovina
- Tatyana Orlova as Juju
- Yuri Galtsevas mayor
- Alexander Pershin as Butler
- Alexey Diveev-Church as the leader of the news
- Irina Novak as barmaid of the beauty salon
Production
editJean-Claude Van Dammeagreed to act in the film for free, with only his lodging expenses paid.[5]
Reception
editThe film received mostly negative reviews.[6]
References
edit- ^ab"Сборы / Ржевский против Наполеона".Kinopoisk.
- ^«Наполеон капут!» превратился в «Шерше ля фам»,intermedia.ru, 4 June 2009
- ^"Ржевский против Наполеона".VokrugTV.
- ^Anna Gorbashova (20 January 2012)."На премьере фильма «Ржевский против Наполеона» меняли анекдот на приз".RIA Novosti.
- ^"Бесплатная роль Ван Дама".VokrugTV.
- ^"Ржевский против Наполеона".Kritikanstvo.
