AVS Discussions
Movie and TV Discussion => Movie reviews => Topic started by: David Vaughn on July 18, 2022, 02:50:37 PM
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(https://i.imgur.com/ZmBrrtG.jpg)
Studio: Sony Pictures Classics
Release Date: July 26, 2022
Rating: R
Film: 4.5/5
Plot
The film is set in 1961 when Kempton Bunton (Jim Broadbent), a 60-year-old taxi driver, stole Goya’s portrait of the Duke of Wellington from the National Gallery in London. It was the first (and remains the only) theft in the Gallery’s history. Kempton sent ransom notes saying that he would return the painting on condition that the government agreed to provide television for free to the elderly. What happened next became the stuff of legend. Only 50 years later did the full story emerge — a startling revelation of how a good man set out to change the world and, in so doing, saved his son (Fionn Whitehead) and his marriage to Dorothy Bunton (Helen Mirren).
My Thoughts
I saw the trailer for this and it looked like a fun film so the request went in. What I didn’t expect was to see one of the best pictures of the year! The story itself is captivating and what’s even more impressive, it’s based upon true events highlighted above in the plot description. Bunton is an idealist and somewhat of a simpleton of a man who sees the world through a black/white—or better yet, right/wrong—lens. He’s more than willing to stand up for what he believes with little to no consideration of the personal costs he may endure (much to the chagrin of his loving wife).
While the story is quite interesting, what really drew me into the film was Broadbent’s portrayal of Bunton. His comedic timing is excellent and he delivers numerous LOL moments in the 90 minute film and the film’s conclusion is thrilling and very satisfying.
The presentation is very good, but this film is a dramedy so don’t expect loud explosions or gunfights in the proceedings. Dialog is delivered cleanly and succinctly, although you better have an ear for British accents. If not, you may want to turn on subtitles to not miss any of the great one-liners. The video quality is up to the high standard that Sony has set for themselves as well.
Video 4.5/5 (AVC)
Audio 4.5/5 (DTS-HD MA 5.1)
Special Features:
- “Making The Duke” featurette
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2B2bxcnt4S4 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2B2bxcnt4S4)
Conclusion
The Duke is a gem of a picture and I hope it finds a wide audience on home video. The captivating true story is almost too far-fetched to be believed, but I did some research and the writers didn’t play fast and loose with what actually happened over sixty years ago. If you’re looking for a fun dramedy then definitely check this one out. Highly recommended.
Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-RS2000 4K Ultra High-Definition Front Projector
(Calibrated with Portrait Displays CalMAN color calibration software & C6-HDR Meter from Portrait Displays)
Stewart Filmscreen - Firehawk 88” 16x9 Fixed Screen
Trinnov Altitude 16 Audio/Video Processor
ATI AT527NC Powering Bed Channels
ATI AT524NC Powering Atmos Speakers
Panasonic DP-UB820 Ultra HD Blu-ray Player
System Controller: URC MX-990
M&K S-150 THX Ultra (R-C-L Speakers)
M&K SS-150 x4 (Surround Speakers)
Atlantic Technology IC6-OBA x 4 Overhead Speakers
SVS PC-Ultra Cylinder Subwoofer
JL Audio F110 (X2 co-located and bridged as one sub)
HSU VTF-15H MK2 Subwoofer
M&K Sound X15+ Subwoofer
Mini DSP HD controlling all subwoofers
Audioquest and Monoprice - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
PureAV PF60 Power Conditioner
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If you want some background on the project, here's a great article: https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2022-04-22/the-duke-true-story-fact-fiction
Do note that there are spoilers in this article, so if you're inclined to watch the film, I'd wait to read the article until after.
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Thanks, David - this really sounds like a gem, the kind of thing both my wife & I really love to watch. Not sure this would have hit my radar any time soon if you hadn't reviewed it. I see a release date of 2020 so I guess this is one that slipped through the cracks even more than normal. Looks like the BD releases next week, and I don't see it listed as streaming anywhere but I've put it on my reminder list.
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Greetings,
My review copy doesn't arrive until tomorrow via Fedex Ground aka Pony Express so, I won't read your review Dave. I am looking forward to receiving it!
Regards,
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Jim Broadbent and Helen Mirren - I'm in!:D
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Thanks, David - this really sounds like a gem, the kind of thing both my wife & I really love to watch. Not sure this would have hit my radar any time soon if you hadn't reviewed it. I see a release date of 2020 so I guess this is one that slipped through the cracks even more than normal. Looks like the BD releases next week, and I don't see it listed as streaming anywhere but I've put it on my reminder list.
Paul,
I think it was filmed a while back, but not sure when it hit theaters. Regardless, it's a gem and worth watching. In fact, I can see myself watching it again when friends/family are visiting and they want to watch something lighthearted.
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Love your reviews for this reason only. Never heard of it now can’t wait to see it
Bonus. It’s the name of our puppy :)
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Love your reviews for this reason only. Never heard of it now can’t wait to see it
Bonus. It’s the name of our puppy :)
This is the only reason! :o:(
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This is the only reason! :o:(
You know what I meant hahahah
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You know what I meant hahahah
;D
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Just finished it. Totally agree. Great little flick. Hidden gem. Outstanding acting all around.
Thanks again for the review!
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Just finished it. Totally agree. Great little flick. Hidden gem. Outstanding acting all around.
Thanks again for the review!
No problem. I'm glad you enjoyed it. BTW...did you get my PM?
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Added to my Netflix queue just based on your review.
Always looking for these films that are too easy to overlook.
Scott
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No problem. I'm glad you enjoyed it. BTW...did you get my PM?
I didn’t. Let me check now
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No pm here :(
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No pm here :(
That's weird...I hit the little mail icon and sent you a message. Oh well...it was about poker :).
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Greetings,
We are definitely on the same page on this one Dave. We loved it...
Regards,
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That's weird...I hit the little mail icon and sent you a message. Oh well...it was about poker :).
Haha I figured it was
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Finally got this from Netflix this weekend, and liked it, but can't say I loved it.
I will say that while all of the acting was solid, Helen Mirren's performance was outstanding; it wasn't even until the end credits that I realized it was her. The period feel was there, the music fitting and enjoyable, script was well-written, with just the right pacing. It never got bogged down in the courtroom procedures, and there was a fitting balance between the character parts of the film and those driving the plot. And the relationship shown between Kempton and Dorothy was both realistic and instantly relatable.
The problem I had was with the theme of the movie, and the whole Robin Hood style message. And every time I heard the phrase, "The greater good," I had flashbacks to the way it was used in a completely different way in Hot Fuzz. By the closing arguments my sympathies fell away from Kempton and toward the perspective of the Judge. The movie can't really be faulted for that, since it is based on a true story, but it definitely kept it from resonating with me.
The other thing that didn't work for me was the mixture of the duller, archival-looking footage from the time and the crisp-looking parts in the rest of the film. It worked great for the TV coverage, but during the transitional montages it was distracting to see them side-by-side. This is, admittedly, a bit nit-picky and my wife commented on how much she liked those scenes.
Still, it was worth watching, and a welcome change of pace from the most recent releases out there.
Glad to see it reviewed and get some attention here, since the title by itself wouldn't have led me to adding it to our queue.
Scott
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Finally got this from Netflix this weekend, and liked it, but can't say I loved it.
I will say that while all of the acting was solid, Helen Mirren's performance was outstanding; it wasn't even until the end credits that I realized it was her. The period feel was there, the music fitting and enjoyable, script was well-written, with just the right pacing. It never got bogged down in the courtroom procedures, and there was a fitting balance between the character parts of the film and those driving the plot. And the relationship shown between Kempton and Dorothy was both realistic and instantly relatable.
The problem I had was with the theme of the movie, and the whole Robin Hood style message. And every time I heard the phrase, "The greater good," I had flashbacks to the way it was used in a completely different way in Hot Fuzz. By the closing arguments my sympathies fell away from Kempton and toward the perspective of the Judge. The movie can't really be faulted for that, since it is based on a true story, but it definitely kept it from resonating with me.
The other thing that didn't work for me was the mixture of the duller, archival-looking footage from the time and the crisp-looking parts in the rest of the film. It worked great for the TV coverage, but during the transitional montages it was distracting to see them side-by-side. This is, admittedly, a bit nit-picky and my wife commented on how much she liked those scenes.
Still, it was worth watching, and a welcome change of pace from the most recent releases out there.
Glad to see it reviewed and get some attention here, since the title by itself wouldn't have led me to adding it to our queue.
Scott
Scott,
I don't disagree with your points, but I "try" and look past those types of comments in movies and just enjoy them for what they are. I really liked the courtroom scene and found it funny. Kempton was somewhat of a simpleton (black and white outlook on the world), which added to the enjoyment because he was a bit "off," but we all probably know people just like him. I know I do.
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im curious how close to the "real events" this film stayed
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im curious how close to the "real events" this film stayed
David posted a link to the article that gives some details on the "truthiness" of the film that's worth a read if you're curious.
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David posted a link to the article that gives some details on the "truthiness" of the film that's worth a read if you're curious.
I did read it. Thanks :)