The Duchess

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This film is about the eventful marriage and the untimely relationship of Lady Georgiana, The Duchess of Devonshire. "The Duchess" has an intricate and well layered plot that captivates me throughout. Lady Georgiana's charm, wit, quest for freedom, endurance and ability to survive such immense psychological hardship is beyond words. Her character is developed very well that draws viewers into her life, and hence into the film. Keira Knightley is excellent as a well raised intellectual lady living in unfortunate circumstances. She expresses her character to the full, creating much resonance regarding the tragic happenings of Lady Georgiana. The lavish sets and costumes also create a visual feast that constantly pleases the eye that demands much visual stimulation. "The Duchess" is a great period piece that captivates and engages throughout. I really enjoyed watching it.

I disagree with the critics in that this film is a perfect glimpse of this period in English history. Not only did it catch my attention and interest from the outset, but it held it. Both Ms. Knightly and Mr. Fiennes were perfect in their roles. Bravo to the casting director! If you're into English history, this film should be on your "must see list." It's almost like going back in time and being able to observe what it must have been like during this period. If you like costumes, pomp and circumstance, you'll enjoy "The Duchess." Although the story may have its slow moments, the grandeur of the setting, the costumes and the acting make up for what's lacking. Get thee to your local theater -- go and enjoy!

When I watch these kind of period dramas, I am really glad I live in the present. Havent read the book, so I am not sure if this does justice to it. Movie itself is not great but good of course. I am sure there must be more to some scenes in the book or when these actually happened. Like the romance between Grey and G could have been written more thoroughly, the reason why I am saying this is that we only see them together, before they kiss and admit to their feeling, twice and nothing on as to why Bess would fall the Duke (I questioned throughout why she would want to love the guy). So as a viewer I did not care as I was supposed to their tragedy but it was sad indeed, I felt very bad for G while I wanted to kill the Duke. Overall it was good but not a 8 or 9 for sure. Keira Knightley is as splendid as ever tho.

The Duchess is a nice movie, which tells us something about the Duchess of Devonshire. I was engaged, how realistic are kept all the traditions, especially etiquette, which were sometimes funny to me (for example the standing up and sitting on chairs). Unfortunately the film became after the first hour predictable and monotonous; love stories appear either from Georgiana or from the duke. It seemed to me that the director has forgotten about other events which could possibly happen. Very interesting are also the actor/ actress performances: Keira Knightley has done (as always) a great job, but I was “captured” by Ralph Fiennes, who represented strangeness and distance. Another plus is soundtrack. The Duchess is an average movie, which does not harm anybody but it will not surprise as well.

Such a shame that they used Kiera Knightly for this role. She is totally unconvincing. She walks around with that annoying trademark of her; like some brainless spice girl with too much amphetamine and happy pills in her stomach. She always has that particular smile which adds nothing to her character. Well, it adds to her own character and that seems pretty consistent. Like some other reviewer wrote: she has no sex appeal. She looks like an lab experiment of an attempt to combine a male / female gender appearance. I cannot think of an reason why she is such a popular actress. She always has the same approach of the character. And with this English costume drama, with a great cast, she was the weakest link. I can understand if Ralph Fiennes had great difficulties with the performance level of Mrs. Knightly. Who wouldn't? I think that the producers should be ashamed of this movie.

Keira Knightley is the 18th century aristocrat Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, who was reviled for her extravagant political and personal life. Intentionally drawing comparisons to Princess Diana, The Duchess is a lustre of period visuals, stimulating set decoration and amazing costumes by designer Michael O'Connor. There are a few stand out performances and scenes, particularly from Knightley and Charlotte Rampling as Lady Spencer. Whiles the story isn't the most engaging, it is well directed by Saul Dibb and is an entertaining piece that reflects the social works and aristocracy of the time. There are other distinguished films set in the same time period, and while this isn't the best example, it's worth 110 minutes of your time, if only to see Ralph Fiennes performance as the bigoted sexist Duke.