Rzhevsky Versus Napoleon (Russian: Ржевский против Наполеона, romanized: Rzhevsky protiv Napoleona; originally planned title «Наполеон капут!» Napoleon goes Kaput![2]) is a Russian-Ukrainian 2012 comedy film, sequel to the 2008 picture Hitler 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 Derevyanko as lieutenant Rzhevsky / Countess Rzhevskaya
- Volodymyr Zelenskyy as Napoleon
- Svetlana Khodchenkova as Natasha Rostova
- Mikhail Galustyan as Marquis de Mazo Sad
- Mikhail Yefremov as Leo Tolstoy
- Marat Basharov as Pyotr Bagration
- Evgeny Koshevoy as Lefty
- Ksenia Sobchak as Madame Xue-Xue
- Anna Semenovich as Ostrozhskaya
- Anfisa Chekhova as realtor
- Jean-Claude Van Damme as himself
- Vladimir Simonov as Mikhail Kutuzov
- Dmitry Mukhamedev as Michel Ney
- Ilya Oleynikov as Demian
- Potap as Gopnik
- Viktor Gusev as himself
- Ruslana Pysanka as Madame Golovina
- Tatyana Orlova as Juju
- Yuri Galtsev as 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 Damme agreed to act in the film for free, with only his lodging expenses paid.[5]
Reception
editThe film received mostly negative reviews.[6]
References
edit- ^ a b "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.
