When Scott Ridley saw Joaquin Phoenix's Academy Award-winning performance in 'Joker,' the director was reminded of their collaboration on 'Gladiator' and knew that the actor would be perfect for the titular role in his Columbia Picture's major year-ender, 'Napoleon.' The highly anticipated global release from Hollywood opens across Philippine cinemas today.

'I saw him, and it all came flooding back – how we worked on 'Gladiator,' and what journey he went on with that character, and I thought, 'God damn, there's Napoleon,'' the famed filmmaker says.