The Duchess
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Movie Reviews of The Duchess
Movie Review: What a fine historical film! (details)
Summary: 5 Stars
I'm not normally a fan of contemporary movies (witless Hollywood trash) but this BBC film production gave me a really pleasant surprise -- I grabbed a used copy at the video store in perfect condition for three bucks and that proved to be a smart buy. I loaned it to my movie-fan Yuppie neighbors and they want to borrow it again soon, (I'm certain that they'll buy their own copy, they liked it so much.)
THE STORY (mini-spoilers ahead!): A young and stunning lass of nobility is thrilled to become the new bride of the renowned and fabulously rich Duke of Devonshire (thus, she becomes the Duchess); however, she quickly finds the Duke to be rather a cold fish in the romantic aspect of love-making. Still, after talking with her mother about it she holds out hope for improvement of the situation. Then she discovers that the Duke has previously fathered a little girl who comes to live with them. Then she discovers that her best friend has become the Duke's mistress. Then she enters into her own love affair with Charles Grey (future Prime Minister of England)... and so on, and so forth. The subsequent complexity of events does not follow the normal flow as one typically encounters in such films of the historical drama genre. I should also mention that this movie features only brief sexual scenes and is in no way overloaded in that aspect.
This tale is based upon the true story of Georgiana Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire who lived during the late 18th- and early 19th-Century.
I can definitely say this: If you enjoyed Barry Lyndon then you'll like this film. They have much in common, albeit "Barry Lyndon" is a notably older film (1975) and more epic in length.
This 2008 film is shot in widescreen, runs 109 minutes, and is rated PG-13. The cinematography is spectacular, compelling -- it reeks of quality. This movie provides exceptional entertainment and I give it my highest recommendation.
Movie Review: Heartbreaking story of a woman's role in 18th Century England
Summary: 5 Stars
When I first saw the trailer for this 2008 film I assumed it was nothing but a costumed piece of fluff set in 18th Century England with a focus on courtship. I sure was wrong though. Yes, the costumes and settings are beautiful but this film is based on the true story of the Duchess of Devonshire whose troubled marriage and rather outrageous behavior was not completely unlike that of the future Diana who was actually a distant niece of this famous beauty. Yes, she was beautiful and Keira Knightly, cast in the leading role is so strikingly attractive that she steals every scene she is in.
Georgiana, the Duchess, was married at the age of 16 to a much older man who was intent on one purpose and one purpose only - that of producing a male heir. Ralph Fiennes is cast in this role and he gives an spectacular performance as the cold and distant husband who finds it difficult to make even small talk with his wife but, as time goes on, somehow becomes more sensitive. What follows is a series of ups and downs for the duchess as she bears several girl children and is looked at with contempt by her husband. Soon, she makes a woman friend who has been abandoned by her own husband and the two exchange confidences. But their relationship becomes strained, however, when she, too, becomes one of the duke's many mistresses. Naturally, the duchess takes a lover and more complications ensure.
I loved this film and watched it with my eyes glued to the screen. I loved the pomp and the costumes and the very fine acting and directing. This was a BBC film and it certainly captured the time and the place and the manners of the period. It also specifically displayed the place of women in that society who might be dressed in beautiful clothes but who were powerless in a culture that gave them no rights whatsoever and, especially, no rights to their own children.
Movie Review: Sad story but a satisfying ending
Summary: 5 Stars
A true story of love, loss and survival.
The young and beautiful Georgiana Cavendish has no idea what to expect from her marriage to the older and emotionally depriving Duke of Devonshire, she like many brides is happy and excited about her future. If she only knew! Her marriage is a marriage based not on love, but convenience...she is from the right family, has the right looks and fits the "job" title requirements, nothing is said of love.
Yet it appears that there is one area in which Georgiana is lacking the requirements of a good wife, the Duke requires a son by which he will be able to pass down his title, and the first 2 children of the Duke and Duchess are girls. We have heard it all before - from Kings to Dukes they all feel the drive to produce a male heir and have no idea that the problem lies not with their wives but with themselves. Georgiana is caught in that same old story. When she finally does produce a male heir for the Duke things do not get better, but worst. As Georgiana finds herself still alone and betrayed by those closest to her.
When Georgiana finally does find true love in the arms of the young politician Earl Grey, she is not allowed possess it. Instead she is threatened with the one thing she holds dearest to her heart - her children. Georgiana is faced with an almost impossible decision and yet finds deep within herself a strength and grace by which to survive the cruel hand that life has dealt her and finds a peaceful existence in the world that she must live in. A great story and a wonderful movie!
Movie Review: Very Entertaining, Lavish & Sumptuous Period Piece. Kiera Knightley, Ralph Fiennes & Company Are Superb.
Summary: 5 Stars
I just saw this movie a few days ago. knowing only that the title character is an ancestress of the late Princess Diana. I'm a big fan of Kiera Knightley, having seen her in the "Pirates Of The Caribbean" trilogy, the 2005 "Pride & Prejudice," her breakout role in "Bend It Like Beckham," the 1999 TV miniseries "Oliver Twist" and "STAR WARS Episode I: The Phantom Menace." Ms. Knightley was perfect in each one of those films, especially "Pride & Prejudice." I'd also seen Ralph Fiennes in
"Schindler's List," giving an intense performance as the villainous Amon Goeth. Being as I love period films, even if I'm ignorant of the subject matter, I knew I was in for a treat.
I was not disappointed. Kiera Knightley gives one of her greatest performances in this movie, which enhances her acting range far beyond the tough damsels in the
"Pirates" films and "Pride & Prejudice." Ralph Fiennes was a detestable villain, as in "Schindler's List," and as a result, gave a truly menacing portrayal. I highly recommend this movie.
One final note: I've been seeing a lot of comments on YouTube complaining about the nudity in the movie. Grow up, for Christ's sake. Being a PG-13 movie, the nudity wasn't prolonged or explicit and the sex was implied. Besides, the nudity was important to the storyline a la "Schindler's List." The movie should have been rated PG for mild sensuality.
Movie Review: Lavish costume drama
Summary: 5 Stars
The year is 1774, and 17-year old Georgiana hopes her marriage to the much older Duke of Devonshire will be a love match. Sadly, he's cold and distant and has a series of paramours, one of whom moves right into the family home with them.
Keira Knightly is perfect as the doomed Duchess; she gives a sensitive performance as Georgiana grows from spunky girl to political hostess to submissive wife. Ralph Fiennes plays the odious Duke masterfully. Based on a true story, the movie highlights many events in Georgiana's that would later be repeated by her descendant, Princess Diana; Georgiana's husband was uninterested in her, cared only for an heir, and carried on an affair that lasted for 25 years. Also like Diana, Georgiana was the most important fashionista of her day, loved by the people, and the darling of the London gossip columnists.
The exquisite costumes won an Academy Award and the grand English homes (including Chatsworth House where Georgiana lived with the Duke) are breathtaking. The atmospheric photography features golden candlelight and natural sunlight. This is everything a period drama should be - a riveting true story that's lovely to look at with flawless acting. Highly recommended.