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After PRIDE AND PREJUDICE and ATONEMENT, Keira Knightley continues her reign as the queen of the period film with this 18th-century costume drama. The corset-clad actress stars as Georgiana Spenser, the Duchess of Devonshire. With her marriage to the duke (Ralph Fiennes), Georgiana achieves an impressive level of fame as Britons follow both her clothing style and her political advice. But even celebrity and wealth can't act as a salve in her marriage to the boring, boorish duke. When he begins to flaunt his affairs, Georgiana is tempted to return to a teenage crush, Charles Grey (Dominic Cooper of THE HISTORY BOYS), to the anger of her husband and her mother (Charlotte Rampling, SWIMMING POOL).Fiennes's portrayal of the duke ranks roughly with his Lord Voldemort on a scale of beastly behavior, but the acclaimed actor manages to give him a level of humanity that far surpasses what he deserves. THE DUCHESS focuses on the lack of power possessed by Georgiana and, in fact, all women of her time, and the duke is the primary agent of her suppression. As she has done with other period films from the PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN series to KING ARTHUR, Knightley brings spirit to the role, as well as a regal carriage that perfectly fits the detailed costumes by Michael O'Connor. Fans of history-based drama--Georgiana was real-life royalty who is found in the genealogy of Princess Diana--will find much to like in this film, which boasts impressive locations, lush costumes, and forbidden love.
This character “assessment” of Georgiana is fascinating as is the portrayal of titled women’s realities of that period. She was briefly weak and yet showed immense strength and adaptability in an unprecedented situation. She rose above both society derision and fawning with outward grace. I loved this film and had to have it to show my friends.
I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. The sets and costumes were very authentic looking. The actors/actresses were marvelous. If you like movies from interesting people in history, I would recommend this one.
i loved this movie. it is based on a true story and i love that as well. the characters are quite interesting and the period of the piece itself is truly engaging, how they lived, the clothes worn, foods eaten etc. totally enjoyable movie.
Had me engrossed, waiting for more. I don't usually like Kiera Knightly, but she was excellent!! Her portrayal of the Duchess was spot on. Strong performances all around!