The movie Waterloo is a historical epic film directed by Sergei Bondarchuk, and it was released in 1970. It tells the story of the famous Battle of Waterloo, which was fought on June 18, 1815, between the armies of the French Empire and the Seventh Coalition, which was led by the Duke of Wellington and General Blücher.
The film begins with Napoleon Bonaparte (played by Rod Steiger) escaping from exile on the island of Elba where he had been exiled. He arrives in France and quickly gathers an army of loyal followers. Initially, he manages to take control of the country without much opposition, but his actions prompt the European powers to reform the Seventh Coalition, which aims to stop his attempt to rebuild the French Empire.
Meanwhile, Wellington (played by Christopher Plummer) prepares his army for battle. He had previously defeated Napoleon's best generals in Spain and Portugal, but he knows that he is now facing the greatest challenge of his career. The two armies finally meet at Waterloo, a small village in Belgium. The French army, which had been reorganized by Napoleon, numbering around 72,000 troops, fought against the Anglo-Allied army, which had 68,000 troops and was reinforced by Prussian soldiers.
The battle begins with a French attack, but Wellington's troops hold their ground. Throughout the day, the battle swings back and forth, with both sides suffering heavy losses. Despite gaining control of the battlefield early on, Napoleon commits several errors that ultimately lead to his defeat. He failed to use his cavalry effectively, made a mistake by not attacking early in the day and underestimated the Prussians, who arrived later in the day and helped the Allies push back the French forces.
Towards the end of the battle, Napoleon tried to launch a final assault on the Allied forces, but it was too late. The French were eventually forced to retreat and the loss signaled the end of Napoleon's power. The movie ends with the defeated Napoleon leaving his troops and heading back to Paris, where he would eventually surrender and be exiled to the remote island of Saint Helena in the South Atlantic.
Overall, the film presents a detailed and masterful portrayal of one of the most significant battles in European history. The cinematography and battle sequences are intensely realistic, making viewers feel as if they are there participating in the action. Waterloo is a magnificent cinematic achievement that captures the emotion and intensity of a pivotal moment in history.