| Rzhevsky versus Napoleon | |
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 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Maryus Vaysberg |
| Written by | Andrei Yakovlev Mikhail Savin |
| Produced by |
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| Starring | |
| Cinematography | Irek Khartovich |
| Music by | Vladimir Saiko |
Production companies | |
Release date |
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Running time | 80 minutes |
| Countries |
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| Language | Russian |
| Budget | $8.5 million[1] |
| Box office | $7.8 million[1] |
Rzhevsky Versus Napoleon (Russian:«Ржевский против Наполеона»,romanized: Rzhevsky protiv Napoleona; alternatively titledCorporal vs. Napoleon) is a Russian-Ukrainian 2012historicalcomedy film directed byMaryus Vaysberg. A sequel to the 2008 filmHitler Goes Kaput!,[2][3] it starsPavel Derevyanko andVolodymyr Zelenskyy as the titlular charactersLieutenant Rzhevsky andNapoleon respectively, alongsideSvetlana Khodchenkova andMikhail Galustyan.
In early 19th-century Russia, asNapoleon Bonaparte's (Volodymyr Zelenskyy) forces advance on Moscow,General Kutuzov devises a bold plan to delay him. Knowing Napoleon's weakness for women, he recruits the notorious charmerLieutenant 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 forNatasha 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.
The film was initially planned to be titledNapoleon Goes Kaput! («Наполеон капут!»).[4]
ActorJean-Claude Van Damme agreed to star in the film for free, with only his lodging expenses paid.[5]
The film received mostly negative reviews.[6]
