The Emperor's New Clothes

Synopsis

The Emperor's New Clothes, released in 2001 and starring Ian Holm, is a whimsical retelling of the classic tale by Hans Christian Andersen. Set in 18th century France, the film follows the endearing and naive Napoleon Bonaparte (played by Ian Holm) who escapes from exile in Elba in a plan concocted by a lookalike. The witty narrative explores themes of deception, power, and the nature of truth while delivering a heartwarming and comedic story. The Emperor's New Clothes captivates audiences with its charm, clever dialogue, and Ian Holm's brilliant dual performance as both Napoleon and the imposter. The film offers a delightful mix of history, humor, and intrigue, making it a must-watch for any fan of period pieces and fairy tale adaptations.

Cast

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  Ian Holm

  Napoleon Bonaparte / Sergeant Eugene Lenormand

• 

  Iben Hjejle

  Nicole 'Pumpkin' Truchaut

• 

  Tim McInnerny

  Dr. Lambert

• 

  Nigel Terry

  Montholon

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  Eddie Marsan

  Louis Marchand

• Tom Watson

  Gerard

Reviews

The Emperor's New Clothes received mixed but generally positive reviews from critics. Rotten Tomatoes gave it a fresh rating of 73%, praising Ian Holm's dual performance as Napoleon and his lookalike for its comedic timing and charm. The film's witty script and imaginative retelling of the classic tale were also highlighted. IMDb rated the movie 6.9/10, with viewers appreciating the blend of historical fiction and fantasy elements. Metacritic gave it a score of 60/100, citing the film's creativity and whimsical approach to the source material as its strengths. Some critics found the pacing a bit slow, but overall, The Emperor's New Clothes was praised for its unique take on a familiar story and Ian Holm's captivating portrayals.