The Duchess
Paramount Vantage | Release Date: September 19, 2008
7.3
USER SCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 71 Ratings
USER RATING DISTRIBUTION
Positive:
51
Mixed:
15
Negative:
5
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User Reviews

User scoreBy dateMost helpful
8
HalfwelshmanJan 30, 2012
The Duchess isn't just another twee, good-looking period drama. The film hinges on a very strong central performance from Keira Knightley as the titular Duchess of Devonshire, Georgiana. Ralph Fiennes also impresses as the rather despicableThe Duchess isn't just another twee, good-looking period drama. The film hinges on a very strong central performance from Keira Knightley as the titular Duchess of Devonshire, Georgiana. Ralph Fiennes also impresses as the rather despicable Duke of Devonshire, as does Hayley Attwell as Lady Elizabeth Foster, the Duke's mistress, and Charlotte Rampling as the dutiful mother of Georgiana. The only real weak link in the casting is Dominic Cooper, whose up-and-coming politician Charles Grey comes across as a little wooden and whiny (a pity considering the importance of his character to the story). The film wisely doesn't try to put a modern spin on late 18th century views - it acknowledges and explores the difficulty of being a high-ranking noble woman during this period, and you really feel for Georgiana and the various struggles she went through. The script is well-polished and provides some meaty themes and well-written dialogue for the cast to get their teeth into. The whole film looks great, with the cinematography making the very most of the elaborate period costumes, stately homes and the English countryside, but of particular note are the scenes where Georgiana and Duke William sit at opposite ends of a long table in a plain, lifeless dining room - a great visual metaphor for the distance between them in their relationship. The Duchess is far better than the average period drama. It's surprisingly dark, emotionally complex, beautifully filmed and well-performed (particularly by Knightley and Fiennes). You're utterly absorbed by the historical setting, and able to really feel for what late-18th century women had to go through, particularly those in the public eye, who were obliged to provide their powerful husbands with an heir to remain in favour. It was a cruel and unfulfilling life, and The Duchess presents it to us as it was, and makes no attempt to sugar-coat what we witness to make it any more palatable. This makes the film an extremely refreshing change to the vast majority of cheery, emotionally shallow historical dramas (that more closely resemble elaborate soap opera), and aside from an underwhelming performance from Dominic Cooper and a slightly too gruelling run-time, a hugely rewarding viewing experience.… Expand
1 of 1 users found this helpful10
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9
AnnaL.Oct 26, 2008
If Knightly and Fiennes are not nominated for Oscars, theres no justice.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
AndresV.Feb 9, 2009
very good movie, but no perfect! great perfomances
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
KimberlyW.Nov 9, 2008
Loved the movie. It carried the important element of a strong, talented woman constrained by her time (and her mother.) The book is even better. "Georgiana: Duchess of Devonshire" by Amanda Foreman. If you read the book and watch the movie, Loved the movie. It carried the important element of a strong, talented woman constrained by her time (and her mother.) The book is even better. "Georgiana: Duchess of Devonshire" by Amanda Foreman. If you read the book and watch the movie, you get a great flavor for history and politics. Georgiana was a very important political figure, which the movie suggests, but cannot thoroughly explore. Still, the movie was very worth seeing. Excellent acting. I didn't think someone could make me like and understand the Duke. Ralph Fiennes made me understand him, and come close to liking him - or at least pitying him.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
roberti.Dec 20, 2008
Too many historical biopics wallow in a shallow pond, emerging oddly hollow. Here the duchess finds that life with the duke shatters her preconceptions. Where is the love? The producers effectively use the heroic trappings as a setting for Too many historical biopics wallow in a shallow pond, emerging oddly hollow. Here the duchess finds that life with the duke shatters her preconceptions. Where is the love? The producers effectively use the heroic trappings as a setting for real drama too many people encounter today. In spending so much on the finery, sometimes the setting trumps the fragility. On balance, the duchess does what movies can do.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
9
CarolineM.Oct 7, 2008
Keira Knightley and Ralph Fiennes have an intense chemistry; their marriage is a war zone and neither is backing down. The film is worth seeing if just for their interaction.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
LaurensFeb 9, 2009
This film is one of the best of the year. It may not be the best movie ever made, but it is quite the royal treat, and Knightley gives the most powerful performace of her career. I'd say this film should be on everyone's to see This film is one of the best of the year. It may not be the best movie ever made, but it is quite the royal treat, and Knightley gives the most powerful performace of her career. I'd say this film should be on everyone's to see list, and it's been added to my favorites, (it's not at the top though) but still great movie! And the costumes are spectacular! well done, awesome.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
RobertR.Oct 11, 2008
Exceeded expectations.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
KathyS.Oct 17, 2008
This movie, while sad, was a vision of beautiful costumes, hair, and locations. Loved Kiera's Duchess and despised the Duke. A movie worth spending $ on!
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
LaurenS.Oct 19, 2008
Great movie! Knightley and Fiennes are both quite good, but KK is the star here and does a surprisingly good job (because it's that good). The critics' reviews on here do not do the film justice. There is some fulff, but it is Great movie! Knightley and Fiennes are both quite good, but KK is the star here and does a surprisingly good job (because it's that good). The critics' reviews on here do not do the film justice. There is some fulff, but it is well-written, well-acted, and tugs at your heart. I think a lot of why the critics reviews on here aren't so great is beacuse it is a girl movie but obviously they got nothing from the movie b/c they are propogating the same attiudes toward women that the movie speaks about. I am not sure about how accurate it is but VERY good! liked it and i'm a tough crowd.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
SMDec 31, 2008
It is indeed a good movie, though not superb. The locations and settings are really pleasing. Every thing was decent, including actings.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
BillyS.Oct 26, 2008
Though it lacks the opulence and scale of Sophia Coppolla's Marie Antoinette it more than makes up for it with a great screenplay and some truly brilliant performances from Keira Knightley, Ralph Feinnes and Hayley Atwell, plus the Though it lacks the opulence and scale of Sophia Coppolla's Marie Antoinette it more than makes up for it with a great screenplay and some truly brilliant performances from Keira Knightley, Ralph Feinnes and Hayley Atwell, plus the legendary Charlotte Rampling in a small, but scene stealing role. The Duchess is one of those small gems you go in to with no expectations and leave surprized at just how much you fell into it.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
AlanM.Sep 23, 2008
Must be seen - brilliant stuff from Knightley and Feinnes.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
6
EnriqueP.Jan 12, 2009
The Duchess is a favourable movie in general. First of all, i have to say that Keira is so repetitive in her performance, that is the less i liked about the movie actually!!!! c'mon she can do a better performance because she is a The Duchess is a favourable movie in general. First of all, i have to say that Keira is so repetitive in her performance, that is the less i liked about the movie actually!!!! c'mon she can do a better performance because she is a really good actress. Finnes does a great job and really transmits his feelings with his simple look! He is definitely better than Keira through out the film. The custom design is wonderull and the art direction too. Maybe it is very monotonous and there is a point where you want to stop the movie! It has also very good pieces starting with the adaptation. Thes story is great and it is well narrated in the big screen. Its good to see!… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
8
JHFeb 3, 2009
Wonderful actors, a terrific script, and a thoroughly engaging story make this a must-see movie.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
KenGNov 13, 2008
Film does a poor job in conveying the idea that Knightly's character was a charismatic, larger then life 18th century icon who was influential, and the Prices Di of her day. I got little sense of that from this movie. However, what the Film does a poor job in conveying the idea that Knightly's character was a charismatic, larger then life 18th century icon who was influential, and the Prices Di of her day. I got little sense of that from this movie. However, what the movie does depict well is the life and the world of an 18th century upperclass woman, trapped in a bad marriage.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
[Anonymous]Nov 4, 2008
Excellent period piece! Although true love, a child and sexual right were taken - she's a survivor! A leader for the people regardless of what was happening. A must see.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
JayH.Dec 21, 2008
Very impressive art direction and costumes, brilliant. Good story, the acting is terrific. But as with many period pieces, there are some slow stretches. I never lost interest however. Excellent cinematography. Very meticulous in its detail.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
10
GabiP.Sep 21, 2008
It is an Oscar - worthy film.
0 of 0 users found this helpful
7
SpangleAug 15, 2016
The Duchess can be a bit slow, but it is a very focused film featuring a stellar performance from Keira Knightley that is a feast for the eyes. With breathtaking costume design, production design, makeup, and hairstyling, The Duchess is aThe Duchess can be a bit slow, but it is a very focused film featuring a stellar performance from Keira Knightley that is a feast for the eyes. With breathtaking costume design, production design, makeup, and hairstyling, The Duchess is a visual delight. Beyond this, it is a very solidly crafted film with a tight plot that remains focused on the joy, pain, anguish of Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire. In this role, Knightley is a real highlight reel with a terrifically nuanced performance that really captures the essence of England's "it girl" of the late 1700s. She really radiates charisma in this film and attracts the eyes, as is appropriate. Ralph Fiennes also turns in a good performance here as her manipulative and cruel husband. Overall, The Duchess hits the breaks more than it should, but does a fantastic job crafting a portrait of this beloved figure.… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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8
royphishoohFeb 13, 2015
Fine performances from all of the leads, and the locations are exquisite. The story of the abuse of the Duchess of Devonshire by her despicable husband will make you feel sad, but it's an excellent movie.
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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4
BroyaxDec 31, 2016
Keira Knightley entre deux pubs Chanel trouve tout de même le temps de faire l'actrice dans des films soit neuneus du siècle dernier, soit gnangnans du siècle précédent... quand ce n'est pas pour servir la soupe à Johnny (ah que...? non pasKeira Knightley entre deux pubs Chanel trouve tout de même le temps de faire l'actrice dans des films soit neuneus du siècle dernier, soit gnangnans du siècle précédent... quand ce n'est pas pour servir la soupe à Johnny (ah que...? non pas notre "Johnny", l'autre !) dans les pantalonnades hollywoodiennes à costumes pour débiles.

Je ne trouve pas qu'il s'agisse d'une actrice extraordinaire, loin de là, mais paradoxalement sa présence, son charme sont d'un magnétisme extravagant sans qu'elle donne jamais l'impression de jouer la vampe ou d'en faire des tonnes, bien au contraire.

Ainsi, c'est principalement pour Keira que l'on se tape "La Duchesse", film d'un intérêt limité et plutôt ennuyeux mais qui me semble véhiculer (à très juste titre d'ailleurs) un message sur la condition des femmes en Angleterre à l'ère pré-napoléonienne, à savoir des pondeuses au service de Monsieur le Duc, dociles soumises et sans rébellion (ah, surtout pas de rébellion bordel de merde !).

Le film y réussit assez bien grâce à Keira bien sûr mais aussi grâce à un Ralph Fiennes aussi macho que maladroit et rustre, très fidèle à l'air du temps. Pas vraiment fémininiste, le film illustre l'abdication de la femme devant la volonté de son mari malgré ses tentatives de mini-révolte ou d'insoumission voire de libertinage. Ou serait-ce un féminisme larvé et rampant ? ou une démonstration du machisme patriarcal ? se demande-t-on pendant que Keira nous pond du chiard à la chaîne. Et à la demande.

La pauvre ! enfin le film se termine. Putain j'ai cru que ça finirait jamais. Vas-tu finir, oui, maudit film de rosbifs ?! le charme de Keira ne fait plus effet !… Expand
0 of 0 users found this helpful00
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