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Amazon.co.uk Review
Swaddled in whalebone and wigs, Keira Knightley steps into the restricted world of the Duchess of Devonshire, a royal lady popular with her subjects but stuck in an unhappy marriage. If this situation recalls Princess Diana (a descendent of the Duchess's family), so much the better for the purposes of director Saul Dibb and company; this film is eager to draw parallels with the unfortunate Lady Di, as Knightley's unsuspecting girl is married off to the Duke (Ralph Fiennes), a distracted man who craves male sons, and obviously has never thought of women as anything other than a means to achieve an heir. When the Duchess launches her procreative career with a couple of daughters, well, the Duke begins to get nervous--and partners outside the marriage become increasingly appealing. The Duchess serves up lavish portions of Brit-movie staples: costumes (which, in Knightley's case, are nothing short of spectacular), landscapes and gorgeous music (by Rachel Portman). If it falls short in some vague way, perhaps it's because the film is a mostly one-note affair, meaning exactly what it seems to mean at every moment. Charlotte Rampling appears too briefly as Knightley's mother, and Dominic Cooper and Hayley Atwell (from Brideshead Revisited), rising stars both, contribute attractive lures for the principals. They prove the old movie adage: there's a lot to be said for eye candy. --Robert Horton, Amazon.com
Synopsis
Like her direct descendent Princess Diana, Georgina Duchess of Devonshire was a glamorous royal, much loved by the public. While her attractiveness and charm afforded her popularity, the intelligent and vulnerable Duchess was trapped within a loveless marriage to one of the country's richest men. Rebelling against the establishment, Georgina became active campaigner for the liberal party and in turn, romantically involved with Earl Grey, leading her through tragedy, self-discovery and redemption.
Saul Dibb (Bullet Boy) directs an all star cast including Keira Knightley (as the Duchess), Ralph Fiennes, Charlotte Rampling, Dominic Cooper and Hayley Attway. Stills from The Duchess (click for larger image)
Saul Dibb (Bullet Boy) directs an all star cast including Keira Knightley (as the Duchess), Ralph Fiennes, Charlotte Rampling, Dominic Cooper and Hayley Attway. Stills from The Duchess (click for larger image)
 Keira Knightley
|  The Duchess |  Keira Knightley stars in The Duchess | |
 The Duchess of Devonshire |  Saul Dibb directs this period drama |  Ralph Fiennes | |
 Ralph Fiennes and Keira Knightley |  Keira Knightley |  An award-winning drama | |
 Keira Knightley |  Sumptuous costumes |  Beautiful set pieces |  Dominic Cooper co-stars |
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
25 of 27 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
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.
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.
23 of 25 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
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!
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!
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
An excellently good film - especially for cry-babies like me who enjoy a good sob. A great cast, especially Kiera Knightley in the lead role. She gave the Duchess psychological depth and power, so that I felt like I knew this fierce, beautiful woman and felt affection and loyalty towards her. Beautiful direction and photography - the evocations of time and place are spot on and haunting. The costumes are divine. Great gift - buy someone two hours of being riveted by a sadly true story, set on a visual feast of costume. It deserved its awards.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
A Bad Take on the Duchess of Devonshire
Whilst I always enjoy a period drama I must confess that this was not only a disappointment, but a waste of time. Read more
Published 1 month ago by P L Farrar
The Duchess
A fabulous film. Although a sad story, it has great actors, wonderful costumes and settings. Never a dull moment through it all.
Published 2 months ago by FCW
Awful
The costumes and settings are very good indeed and a lot of research has obviously gone into production detail. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Inkwork
Codswallop
I was interested, having read a little of the real duchess, to see the film. Wish I hadn't bothered. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Andante Chesed
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 4 months ago by T. D. Welsh
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 5 months ago by World Traveller
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 8 months ago by Lucys Den
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 12 months ago by Michelle May
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 12 months ago by Musical anorak
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 13 months ago by lady anna
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