The Duchess of Devonshire, Georgiana Spencer (Keira Knightley), was a direct ancestor to Princess Diana. And, like the People's Princess, was glamorous and adored by the common hoard. She changed the face of British politics, as leader of the Whig party. Georgina could also beat any man in a game of cards, drink him under the table and outwit the poor lad in a second.
But, despite all this power and popularity, her old husband, The Duke (Ralph Feinnes) couldn't be seduced by this sharp-witted minx. In turning elsewhere for affection, namely a handsome young politician, she risked everything.
I apologise, we feel bad, but there's no trailer available. ~Ed.
New queen of period dramas Keira Knightley is in her element here, donning skyscraper hairpieces and unfathomably complex robes to play a rock 'n' roll noblewoman in a time when her sort were expected to shut up and produce babies. Ralph Fiennes is equally well cast as her pathetic older husband - loveless, merciless and desperate for a male heir - and for the most part things play out pretty much as you'd expect, with über-glamorous party scenes, British Tourist Board-friendly stately home shots and costumes that will make needlework aficionados swoon.
But the film is underpinned by frustration and sadness, so amidst the high society set pieces there are moments of impressive grit and realism. Georgiana is played as a loving mother, torn irreconcilably between the children she has and the life she desires, and in the moments where these feelings are tested to the limit, Knightley's performance is powerful, verging on harrowing at times. Meanwhile, Fiennes puts in a superbly taught display. He hardly says anything for much of the film, the Duke's pitiful lack of compassion is portrayed through darkly comic grunts and glares rather than elaborate speech.
It's a relief that the film doesn't overplay the Princess Diana parallels – it wouldn't have taken much for this to have become as crass as some of its early marketing ("There were three in her marriage…" etc). As it is, the echo of Diana's tragic tale just shows that while the dresses may be a little more practical these days, behind the scenes the British aristocracy is still a shadowy place for independent females, while The Duchess stands alone as a quality costume drama with dirt under its immaculately painted fingernails.
By Ashley Bird, Flicks.co.nz
i thaught that this movie would be ok but I have liked Keira Knightley since bend it like beckham I think the costumes where amazing. I liked Kate Winslet when she did sence and sensability so the could have given her a role in the script
I aaw this movie sometime ago but can't believe no one else has reviewed it. I confess I do love period films but I am more enthusiastic about Dangerous Liasons than all the boring Tudor films, if you know what I mean. This film has everything stunning cosies, superb acting, and a truely outrageous and amazing story that is based on fact.... honestly what more could you want? I'm going back for a second look. p/s check out the official website for lots of interesting information about the costumes etc.
A classy, well-crafted biopic of a period society girl.
It's well cast and acted, visually beautiful but ultimately a bland costume drama.
Make no mistake, the film belongs to Knightley. There's a fire in her eyes that won't be extinguished, and it keeps us in her corner despite, or more likely because of, the mischief she sparks.
Aided by Amanda Foreman's respected biography of the duchess, the director and Knightley fashion a portrayal of her as a tragic figure possessed of immense passion and fortitude.
The Duchess is likely to figure on the periphery of the awards season, but don't expect it to feature at this year's Royal Film Performance.
We've been told the NZ release date for this flick is Thursday, 9th Oct 2008.
Release date: October 9th 2008.
We haven't received times for this movie in this location yet. However these are updated as cinemas announce them, so check back soon. Hopefully the lovely cinemas in your location will choose to play it shortly. ~Ed.
