The Duchess [DVD] [2008]

 

 

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"The Duchess" is visually stunning to the point of distraction. The sets, costumes and manners are straight out of the "BBC meets the National Trust" school of period drama; some scenes are so authentic that they could have been designed by Reynolds or Gainsborough.

Although based on Amanda Foreman's book "Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire , the film concentrates on Georgiana's marriage to the powerful Duke of Devonshire and her extra-marital affair with Charles Grey, a young Whig politician who eventually became Prime Minister.

Despite the denials, there are unmistakable parallels with Diana, Princess of Wales. Georgiana's marriage is dynastic rather than romantic and she is a good mother, naturally gifted with children. As a wife, she suffers from a legal and moral double standard that turns a blind eye to her husband's adultery, whilst labelling her "a whore" when she decamps to Bath with her lover.

There are brief glimpses of another, more gutsy, side of Georgiana which is never really developed; this is the difference between a "safe at the box office" film and a great one. Georgiana Spencer was a highly intelligent and well educated young woman who, as the wife of the Duke of Devonshire, was able to wield considerable political clout.

Ralph Fiennes gives a fine performance as the Duke, although we are left wondering about the influences that shaped him. Keira Knightley does well as an 18th century Diana, but is no match for the real Georgiana. She deserves better. There was a time when the BBC would have dedicated a 13-part prime-time drama to this great-granddaughter of Sarah Churchill.

I strongly believe that anyone fond of period dramas and 18th century society will deem this film absolutely adorable. The script is really interesting on itself and what makes the movie fantastic are the stunning performances of acclaimed actress Keira Knightley and actors Ralph Fiennes, Dominic Cooper and more.
Something else that catches the viewer's attention is how realistic a film 'The Duchess' is. Let us not forget that it was the winner of this year's Academy Award in 'Best Achievement in Costume Design' and, furthermore, it was nominated for 'Best Achievement in Art Direction too'.
Personally, I was amazed by the amount of special features of this DVD, as there was a lot to discover behind the story of Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire. Deleted scenes, not available in other editions, are included as well.
In conclusion, 'The Duchess' is a masterpiece with great cast and crew and I highly recommend it to anyone with a good taste in films.

I really enjoyed watching this film. The period costumes were great, the scenery and lighting were fantastic. I am not a huge Kiera Knightley fan but I thought that she showed a real commitment to the character of Georgiana.
Having also read the book that inspired the film, I was intrigued to see how the film would compare. I think the way to look at it is to recognise that they have captured the essence of Georgiana. The film shows a little of this incredibly fascinating person and the pressures and temptations of her life.
Some aspects of this film are tragic, so not a feel good chick flick, but worth a watch!

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2.0 out of 5 stars Awful
The costumes and settings are very good indeed and a lot of research has obviously gone into production detail. Read more

Published 8 days ago by Inkwork

2.0 out of 5 stars Codswallop
I was interested, having read a little of the real duchess, to see the film. Wish I hadn't bothered. Read more

Published 9 days ago by Andante Chesed

4.0 out of 5 stars Visually superb, let down by anachronism
"The Duchess" is a feast for the eyes: period costumes and settings have been lovingly reproduced, giving a marvellous insight into the glitter and gallantry of high society in... Read more

Published 11 days ago by T. D. Welsh

3.0 out of 5 stars Made it to the end so must be ok
The Duchess, about a teenager forced into a marriage of status with a duke much older than she. Comparisons made with Diana and Charles? Read more

Published 12 days ago by PhilsterNo1

5.0 out of 5 stars I watched this for the same reason I watch Downton Abbey...
The costumes and sets, of course! Fantastic on both accounts. My advice is read the book first, then watch the movie at home with a remote control and your finger on the pause... Read more

Published 2 months ago by World Traveller

4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable
First seen on BBC2, however I did enjoy so purchased the DVD. The DVD inspired me to then want to read the true story about the Duchess of Devonshire

Published 4 months ago by Lucys Den

1.0 out of 5 stars buy something else
A wonderful example of why we have fiction. dull, slow, empty; this movie was completely lacking. I love my historical dramas and romances but i found this movie boring and a... Read more

Published 8 months ago by Michelle May

4.0 out of 5 stars The Duchess
I really liked this film. Keira Knightley is fab in the role, as Georgianna, Duchess of Devonshire. I was unsure about this film at first as, I didn't like Knightley in her last... Read more

Published 9 months ago by Musical anorak

1.0 out of 5 stars duchess-dvd;from a very bored 'lady'!
boring, boring,boring!i must say i was so absolutely,completely and totally bored by this dreadful film. so totally bored was i,that,i just couldnt watch all through. Read more

Published 9 months ago by lady anna

5.0 out of 5 stars One of Knightley's Best Roles to Date
Keira Knightley isn't perhaps the greatest actress of our time, but she has given, at a very young age, quite a number of noticeable roles (Elizabeth Swann, Elizabeth Bennet,... Read more

Published 9 months ago by Rochester

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