Vashirdfel Simply A Masterpiece

Crwthod A lot more amusing than I thought it would be.

RipDelight This is a tender, generous movie that likes its characters and presents them as real people, full of flaws and strengths.

Derrick Gibbons An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.

gridoon2018 "Imperial Venus" has three major problems. The most important one is its lack of narrative thrust; the viewer gets the feeling that nothing is happening for most of the running time. The second is the choppy continuity (despite the film's overlength); large sections of the story (what little story there is) and entire time periods appear to be missing. The third problem is the low budget; virtually all of the battles and any other action scenes occur off the screen - what we do get on the screen is 90% talk. To be fair, Gina Lollobrigida and Stephen Boyd make a handsome couple, but this is not the lighthearted romp you might except based on the plot summary, and Gina is deliberately made to look tired and unhappy at times. *1/2 out of 4.

dbborroughs Gina Lollabrigida headlines as the sister of Napoleon in the huge spectacle of the life and loves of a footnote person in history. This is epic story telling on a grand scale. Unfortunately the story is incredibly dull and probably pointless. I saw this in a version that was shorn of twenty minutes and while it was choppy at times (I sensed something was missing) it was still a tough slog to get through. Sure it looks great as many of the huge color epics do but beyond the look there is nothing. Lollabrigida looks good but really can't act. I was never a fan of hers and knew her more because she was a "star" more than as someone who made films I wanted to see. She's paired with Stephen Boyd, a good but limited actor, who was probably better in his supporting roles. I really can't recommend this unless you're a fan of Gina, of spectacles (regardless of quality) or are in need of sleep.

kosmasp I saw this movie in a German dubbed version, so I can't judge the "original" version (if there was an original soundtrack to the movie, it's more likely that this has been filmed, like the Leone Westerns, where every actor spoke in his native language)! But I did like the German version ...As is obvious from my rating against the "beating" it got before my rating. Now I think most of the reviewers can agree, that the actors did a good job. I also have to agree with the fact, that nothing explicit is shown here (neither sexual nor anything else), but is played with. But the sexual innuendos that are used here, are really great. At least I could enjoy them. Since back then, they couldn't be more free with "topics" like that, I'm even surprised they got away with some of the things in the script. Anyway, the movie has it's downfalls, but I rated the high points (jokes and actors against an incoherent story)!

drystyx The correlations between this movie and "Queen Margot" are unmistakable. Yet these are different historic episodes with related themes. The royal princess figure who makes sexual conquests and in the thick of it all, remains faithful to virtues outside the bedroom. This film skips over the exciting parts, focusing on bedroom scenes and non action sequences. The action sequences are merely explained, or brought into being without being shown. For instance, the battle scenes are never shown, but the death and destruction that follows is filmed. There are a few shots of carnage after the battle is over. This does make for some boring cinema, but directors want to keep under budget, and battle scenes are costly. However, the action could easily have been implied in a more passionate way, and more carnage scenes would have helped move the movie along. Napoleon's sister, who is the "Imperial Venus" here, is a reasonably likable character, and lets not forget how beautiful the legendary actress is, so she does bear watching. The affairs are usually with handsome men, which makes it hard to relate to with sexually active American women of today, who instead prefer homelier guys they think they can use and have power over. Still, it is amusing to see Stephen Boyd's smirkish face as he romps through this film. All the actors do a fine job, which is all that keeps this film from severe boredom. Not an exciting movie, but there are a variety of characters well portrayed. Could be a movie to watch with a romantic interest.