Desiree

Released Nov 17, 1954

1 hr. 50 min.

History

Drama

List

20%

5 Reviews

Tomatometer

68%

500+ Ratings

Audience Score

Desiree Clary (Jean Simmons) has met the love of her life, and his name is Napoleon Bonaparte (Marlon Brando). But their love is a difficult one, as Napoleon's rise through the military ranks takes him away from her, and they both eventually marry other people. Years later, as Napoleon seems destined to rule the known world, the two cross paths again and attempt to rekindle their romance. But when Napoleon's reign comes to a end, their relationship may not be able to survive.

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Steve D

Well acted and not much else.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

01/24/24

Full Review

matthew d

Désirée is a lovely romance filled with unheard history. Director Henry Koster did a marvelous job bringing Annemarie Selinko's novel Désirée to life with his 1954 film of the same name. Koster captures her words and tells the life of Désirée Clary (Jean Simmons) and Napoleon Bonaparte (Marlon Brando) with an empathetic touch. You get to understand how she must have felt never finding love on her own terms, going from France to Sweden, and bouncing from royal posturing ball to ball. Désirée is a brilliant biopic with the most thoughtful script. It is ahead of its time in its female perspective on love, life, and diplomacy during tumultuous times in France. From the most extravagant set design, beautiful period costumes, and vibrant colors, Désirée is one of the most lovely films ever captured for the big screen. We are treated by lavish scenes, balls, and gowns galore. Visually, there is no comparison to Désirée. The only other movie I have ever seen like it may be Sofia Coppola's treatment for Marie Antoinette, which I must imagine may have been influenced by Désirée. Furthermore, the acting is top tier work from the spirited Jean Simmons, who is as witty as she is gorgeous. She radiates a royalty like her character's own status. Simmons captures her willfulness as well as her charm. Désirée is elevated as a whole by her realistic depiction of a lady at the time that wishes for her own agency. Similarly, Marlon Brando plays Napoleon with a callous fervor. He stands with Napoleon's signature lean. Brando forces his voice to sound both severe and faint, giving his Napoleon an air of superiority and sincerity. He makes great use of the surrounding props from hats, boxes, swords, crowns, and characters alike. Brando shows off his most subtle and earnest performance, then switches to a boisterous rage revealing Napoleon's wrath. It is a brilliantly executed display of acting. Brando is as quality as in any of his classic roles. He is at home as the tyrant Napoleon. Lastly, to accompany the stellar direction, gorgeous outfits, endearing performances, and great writing, Alex North delivers a refined classical score that is quite breathtaking from the first note. It is filled with romantic sentiments and glory seeking French themes. North demonstrates his versatility as a composer with Désirée's score. Overall, Henry Koster crafted a very sweet romance and a thoroughly engaging biopic of Désirée. It is still worth a watch!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

03/31/23

Full Review

Audience Member

good epic historical drama of sorts well the hollywood version of the rise & fall of napoleon

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

01/21/23

Full Review

Audience Member

The best NapolÃ©on ever!..

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

02/18/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Highly fictionalized account of the loves of Napoleon. Curious casting, particularly Marlon Brando as the famed emperor. It is a bit slow moving and too talky, but the production is exquisite. Fine art direction, costume design and cinematography. Decent score. Both the art direction and costumes received Academy Award nominations. Carolyn Jones is memorable in a small role. Jean Simmons is always a pleasure to watch.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/18/23

Full Review

Audience Member

62/100. Highly fictionalized account of the loves of Napoleon. Curious casting, particularly Marlon Brando as the famed emperor. It is a bit slow moving and too talky, but the production is exquisite. Fine art direction, costume design and cinematography. Decent score. Both the art direction and costumes received Academy Award nominations. Carolyn Jones is memorable in a small role. Jean Simmons is always a pleasure to watch.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

01/30/23

Full Review

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Henry Koster

Director

Marlon Brando

Napoleon Bonaparte

Jean Simmons

Desiree Clary

Merle Oberon

Empress Josephine

Michael Rennie

Jean-Baptiste Bernadotte

Cameron Mitchell

Joseph Bonaparte

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Herman G. Weinberg

Film Culture

It has not the satirical edge and ironic bite of Sacha Guitry's Desiree Clary, but it is pleasant and just rueful enough in its humors to make for agreeable seeing.

Jun 7, 2022

Full Review

Clyde Gilmour

Maclean's Magazine

An extremely lavish but sluggish screen version of the popular novel. Michael Rennie's stylish work as Bernadotte is the best thing in the picture.

Oct 21, 2019

Full Review

Dennis Schwartz

Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews

A dull costume romantic/drama.

Rated: C+

Feb 6, 2014

Full Review

Peter Canavese

Groucho Reviews

This story framed as a historical account of the only woman to stand up to Napoleon doesn't quite conquer our interest, though it is itself an intriguing piece of Hollywood history due to the presence of Brando in an iconic role. [Blu-ray]

Rated: 2.5/4

Apr 23, 2012

Full Review

Pablo Villaça

Cinema em Cena

A nica performance desinteressante da carreira do sempre magnfico Marlon Brando.

Rated: 2/5

Jan 7, 2004

Full Review

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Synopsis

Desiree Clary (Jean Simmons) has met the love of her life, and his name is Napoleon Bonaparte (Marlon Brando). But their love is a difficult one, as Napoleon's rise through the military ranks takes him away from her, and they both eventually marry other people. Years later, as Napoleon seems destined to rule the known world, the two cross paths again and attempt to rekindle their romance. But when Napoleon's reign comes to a end, their relationship may not be able to survive.

Director: Henry Koster
Screenwriter: Daniel Taradash
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Genre: History, Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Nov 17, 1954, Original
Release Date (Streaming): Jul 1, 2011

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