The Duchess (2008)
Mature themes and sex scene
| Director: | Saul Dibb |
| Actors: | Keira Knightley, Ralph Fiennes, Dominic Cooper, Hayley Atwell, Charlotte Rampling, Simon Mcburney, Aidan Mcardle |
There were three people in her marriage. A chronicle of the life of 18th century aristocrat Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire (Keira Knightley), who was reviled for her extravagant political and personal lives.
| Status: | QuickPick |
|---|---|
| Run time: | 110mins |
| Origin: | UNITED KINGDOM |
| Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 |
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Member Reviews (76)
76 Member
Reviews
Margaret
says
I did enjoy this movie.
CC
says
Boring, silly & more boring. Full of historical inaccuracies,and what's the point of trying to overlay modern values on a period drama based on events from over 200 years ago? The Duchess's story was no more harsh than many, whether in the priviliged classes or not. Rather than the abhorrent character most of the reviews below found the husband to be, I found him quite moderate and tolerant for the times. Ralph Fiennes gives a standout performance as the other half of an unhappy marriage; a man who is aware of his failings and therefore prepared to compromise - but no nobleman of his day would have allowed himself to be openly cuckolded.
Bev
says
Quite a pleasant, and enlightening, movie but spoilt by bad casting. Why, why, why.
Geoff
says
A good movie. a little sad at the end
says
Great period drama showing how a woman can be strong without power. Thank goodness we came a long way since then!
says
This movie was good but the husband made me sick. He's a really horrible man. Its sad that this was based on a true story and I reckon she was very brave to put up with someone like that. The mother wasn't any better either.
Bev M
says
We really enjoyed this Story great acting .
Janice
says
Beautiful movie, bit of a girly flick guys. I love Kirra as an actress she brings a charm and sexy ellegance to any movie.
paul o
says
A good movie.Worth a watch.Super character portrayals from all concerned.
Kelly
says
Enjoyable. Beautiful.
Anne
says
Lovely story....and true..enjoyed very much
leekee
says
A sad but realistic portrayal of life back when Men were everything and women just ornamental breeding machines. Made me cry out of pure pity for the Duchess, she was such a lovely person, but was treated like dirt, her husband was bad enough, but her Mother was unforgivable. Thank God I was born in our time!
Jacinda
says
Loved it. Great historical chic flick.
BecD
says
Love this film Raw emotion, great costumes. Love it
Jane
says
Movie, Costumes and acting Brilliant!
Annette
says
I quite enjoyed this film.
thelydtar
says
Based on a true story. She was Diana Spencer's ancestor, so it made for such an interesting comparison! Gorgeous costumes and sumptuously filmed.
Really enjoyed it .
Annabella
says
Wonderful - stepping back in time with a beautifully crafted work, convincing actors and powerful story. We loved it
Stimpy
says
Distorted. She might have been blackmailed, but she enjoyed the position and power that went with it. This film will appeal to the romantic who thinks the Duke was a fool, but truth is she was nieve to love, was a chaser and as a codependent got what she asked for...
Ken
says
DVD was faulty at Ch6/7, so missed 20% of film; the rest was excellent
Anita
says
A wonderful movie, full of emotion and loathing for the terrible situation the Duchess was in. Chick flick... highly recommend
Dawn
says
Fantastic, loved every minute of this, great acting, true story just as it was in those years, superb costuming
Annie
says
This one was pretty boring - I kept waiting for something interesting to happen but it never did
Sharron
says
Great Movie I love period pieces and this did not disappoint
Christos
says
Another interesting and absorbing period piece!
Set pieces were well done!
Kerri
says
Great movie but disturbing because it was based on a true story. You just wanted to punch the husband and see the duchess be able to be free of him and happy but alas it was not to happen.
Barbara P.
says
There didn't seem much of a flow to the story. It got a bit tedious. Nobody aged much either in 10 or so years which was a bit jarring. As for the costumes? I thought they were unflattering and ugly - probably historically accurate.
Tanya
says
A good period film showing the restrictions as well as the excesses of the 1700s. It was a very morally corrupt era for the wealthy. The film depicted that well.
Jen P
says
Beautifully realised. Usually I can't stand Keira Knightly, but she was pretty amazing in this. Gorgeous costumes and great cinematography. Makes me glad I wasn't a woman back then!
Jonathan
says
its about as enjoyable as watching paint dry.
Mona
says
Entertaining movie if you are a history buff
Anita
says
I really enjoyed this movie. Well cast and well acted. It was interesting to see how love affairs and scandals were handled back in the past.
Kerri D.
says
If you like English Period drama you will love this film,
and the fact that it is biographical only increases the
interest. Beautifuuly shot, fantastic costumes and
wonderfully acted by all the cast. Keira Knightley is
sublime as always.
Carolyn A.
says
After reading the mixed reviews I didn't know what to expect. I enjoyed this far more than I thought. Keira was quite good and it's the first movie of hers where she's done more than just pout. Ralph Fiennes plays the bad guy well. Having read the biography this movie certainly leaves a lot out however it's very well done and carries the emotions well. The houses, costumes
Daniel M.
says
I loved this movie!! Somewhat similar to The Other Boleyn Girl, which was also a fantastic movie!!!
Nigel W
says
Surprisingly good costume drama that works because of its strong script and performances. Manages to create the past but in a context which is assessable to the present.
Michelle H.
says
I'm a big fan of Kiera Knightly. In this movie, she did not disappoint. A sad, but intriguing movie. Ralph Fiennes played his part very well, his character was easy to dislike.
Christine W.
says
Brilliant portrayal of 18th century England
Jayne H.
says
I loved this movie so sad and yet knowing that these things really happened and probably still do, I would say a little heart wrenching. Loved the period costume and surrounds. Loved the end although sad it was a conclusion for the "Duchess".
Alex H.
says
What a wonderful depiction of the stuffy life people led in the past. And yet the Dutches wins in the end after much suffering.
Liz C.
says
If you care about exact historical accuracy then this film just annoys. Instead of concentrating on the more interesting aspects of Georgianna's life such as her ability to advise politicians and statesmen and her gambling obsession, this movie chooses to showcase her mundane love life. It's such a waste, the women was amazing and yet if you watched this film you'd assume her to be a weepy little waif. However Keira is fabulous as ever and it is beautifully shot. Just shame about the storylines they've chosen.
Leah
says
excellent
Laura M.
says
This movie is on of the best films i have seen in a long time. The acting is brilliant, the storyline is awesome. It was a time where women struggled to assert themseleves in a Male heirychal society, Men where allowed to do what they want without consequnces, like raping their own wives, in a mad obbession to produce a male heir. It is a strong time period piece that i can recommend to everyone.
Jessica B.
says
I didn't really enjoy this movie but I think the main reason for that is that I was infuriated by the characters. Which, I suppose, is part of the point. This film portrays a devastating time where emotions were suppressed, women were oppressed (despite their status in society), and tragic sex scandals resulted. It was visually stunning, and had all the classic features of an intriguing period drama.
Kerrie
says
Not a big fan of the nasally challenged Miss Knightly, but this was a good watch. Ralph Fiennes uncharacteristically nasty. All over a gentle but ultimately disturbing film. Outstanding costumes, sets and hair. Worth a watch and thought-provoking in parts.
Lucy C.
says
Very enjoyable, Keira is wonderful.
Mira S.
says
Really good movie, it captivated me from the beginning and held my interest throughout. Even though I'm not a big fan of Keira Knightley (damn that fake lip!), I thought she did a great job here. As for Ralph Fiennes, I oscillated between feeling sorry for him and loathing him. Recommended.
daisyblue
says
Costumes and sets were beautiful,but movie was historically incorrect.Georgina's
illegitimate daughter was by a later lover, Charles Grey, not James Fox, and Bess's two illegitimate children by the duke were completely left out. The friendship between Georgiana and Bess was also much closer than represented. For the true story read the book by Amanda Foreman.
mu
says
Beautifully filmed,Keira Knightly excellent & a perfect 'clotheshorse' for the fashion of the time. The costumes were superb.Another reviewer said it was hard to imagine being owned by your husband, but it still goes on, look at what Diana had to put up with!
J
says
Disturbing! Costumes, wigs and sets are amazing, though.
Andrew
says
Ralph Fiennes is superb in this sumptuous costume drama and Kiera Knightley does some of her best work as well. The Duchess doesn't just rely on good sets and costumes to get by, as others in this genre do, as the script and story itself make for an interesting and educational move experience.
Kylie S.
says
Everything as all other reviews so far. Goregous cinematography; sumptuous costumes, sets etc.
Definately worth-watching for the history lesson, Keira Knightley or pure escapism factors
Rebekah D.
says
A bit sad but a great movie
Glenys K.
says
Loved this film based on English history. A fascinating story of a girl brought up in an aristocratic society to please others. An arranged marriage to a man whose only desire was for her to bear a son and sexually deranged made her life unbearable.
Good acting, costumes and film shots were stunning!
Julie
says
Fantastic movie - watched most of it on a flight to NZ, but had not finished when we arrived. Had to borrow it and have enjoyed the final scenes and the special features showed so much about the making of the movie.
Skye
says
Fantastic analysis of sexuality. It is no different today ... we just think we're free. It changed my life.
Charlotte W.
says
All countries have :tradition"
Renata
says
enjoyable, talented actors, based on a true story.
Charlotte W.
says
loved it. taken from her letters this beautifully filmed story tells the sad but true story of life in "society" . The expectations of a young, cultured
Charlotte W.
says
Wonderful photography Beautiful costumes
Adrian
says
Beautiful movie
Luisa E.
says
Loved it! It's like watching a historical romance novel.
Carole
says
Enjoyed this film. Great acting, fantastic scenery and buildings.
Jane B.
says
Superb. Story line was true to societal conventions of that historic period. Brilliantly acted. Couldn't fault it.
Kevin D.
says
Typical film of the period - a blend of 'Barry Lyndon' and 'The Draughtsman's Contract' - you just can't go wrong with this stuff. Well acted - especially by Ralphie 'Mr Misery-Guts' Fiennes and Keira Knightley, but well supported by the ensemble cast around them.
Deirdre R.
says
A somewhat depressing film, highlighting the dreadful constraints that the aristocracy of the time paid for their 'privileged' lives. It also shows how far women have come since then, as far as basic human rights. Interestingly, not only was Princess Di descended from this woman, but also Fergie, who descended from Eliza. Ironically, the Duke lost out in the end, with his longed-for son not producing any heirs himself.
Jo
says
Although this movie was wonderfully acted and beautifully costumed it was lacking in substance....I kept waiting for something out of the ordinary and it just didn't happen
Marion
says
Beautiful settings for this sumptuous movie. There are some amazing parallels between The lives of the Duchess and the late Diana Princess of Wales which are uncanny, seeing as Diana was a direct descendant. Well worth watching.
Christopher Suren W.
says
Very good, entertaining.
Matthew B.
says
Well crafted, stylish film with great performances. I was incensed by the injustice shown to the Duchess - a woman of her own mind who, when her husband takes mistress after mistress and even has one move in with them, she takes her own lover, a man she truly loved, only to have a cruel, soul-destroying ultimatum put upon her.
Bernadette B.
says
The film revolves around a young woman who marries one of the most powerful Dukes in England at the time who is much older than her and is desperate for a male heir. He clearly doesn't love her and treats her poorly has loads of affairs, eventually making the Duchess live with him and his mistress. The film is well acted, with Keira Knightly putting in a surprisingly good performance and Ralph Fiennes doing a fine job of the hideous Duke but in the end the story is pretty irrelevant and I didn't care much about what happened to any of the characters.
Amour S.
says
Loved the look on the inside of the great houses of the day - the entrances and staircases. Loved the costumes and coaches. Well acted by all concerned.
Gives you a look at what women were obliged to do in those days of duty and ignorance! Well at least she got paid for giving him a son!
So, it would be interesting to see what became of Eliza, her daughter Georgina, and so forth! Just to see if any of them ending up in politics like the duchess and Charles Gray!
Jan K.
says
It was nice ... beautiful to look at, but lacked a bit of depth I thought.
Paz A.
says
Beautifully filmed, fabulous gowns and generally well acted. An interesting, original story depicting the horror of marriages arranged by ambitious parents for their daughters, purely for the sake of social and monetary ends. It also shows the shallow values and absurdly useless, vain and selfish lives of the nobility. A pleasant way to spend a couple of hours.
hawko
says
Well shot, well acted movie. Great wardrobe and art direction.
Although very good, it makes for an overall a depressing movie, outlining the tragedy of arranged marriages and the tyranny of the wealthy rulers and oppressors of the late 18th century.
Worth a watch for sure, just for the performances and visuals alone.
Gerd H.
says
Simultaneously infuriating and fascinating, this is a must-see for those interested in English history. It is amazing to watch these well-played "upper-class twits" from times past going about their privileged lives. All along you wish for what might have been had they not been constrained by the conventions of the time.