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 ThoughtsI 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
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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