daoldiges The sights and sounds of The Duchess are considerable - Rachel Portman's score is beautifully lyrical, emotive, and lingering. The ancient city of Bath and English countryside are beautifully photographed, as is the entire film. It was a wonderful feast for the senses, including the costumes and overall fine performances. Unfortunately these are not supported by the story. The real Georgiana was a dynamic individual very active in the social and political movements of the day, yet here we are provided merely with a cliched and predictable lightweight romantic melodrama. This quality cast is capable of so much more, and yet we're given mostly style but no substance, which really undercuts our ability to empathize with, and feel for the Duchess. Overall this film was lovely to look at but disappointing in its lack of scope.

blanche-2 "The Duchess" from 2008 is the sumptuously-told story of Georgiana Spencer, Duchess of Devonshire, a direct descendant of Princess Diana.Georgiana (Knightley) becomes the wife of the Duke (Ralph Fiennes) in 1774. It's an arranged marriage, and the Duke is adamant about the fact that he wants a male heir. Beautiful and vivacious, Georgiana is beloved by society though unhappy in her marriage. The sex makes her uncomfortable, mainly because her husband isn't big on communication. Her mother (Charlotte Rampling) assures her that once the heir is born, the sex will be less.Georgiana, however, keeps giving birth to girls, and the Duke and Duchess even take in Charlotte, the Duke's illegitimate daughter, after her mother dies. Georgiana loves her as if she is her own daughter. When Lady Bess (Hayley Atwell) enters the scene, Georgiana is thrilled to have a friend and confidante, until her husband sleeps with Bess and the three are forced to live together. Georgiana then falls madly in love with Charles Grey (Dominic Cooper) and learns that what's good for the goose isn't so good for the gander, especially when the goose has all the power.Beautiful looking film, with good acting from a top cast, but it moves slowly. One never tires, however, of looking at Knightley in a series of gowns and wigs, ravishing in every scene. The film shows the sad state of women in those times - arranged marriages, blamed if they can't have a boy, forced to tolerate their husbands' affairs, and without power.Georgiana was a woman who was outspoken politically and drew a lot of attention. It is easy to see why she would find her marriage so constraining. While it may have been, she makes the best of it and makes peace with her circumstances. She emerges in the film, thanks to Knightley, as a strong, adaptable, and forgiving woman.It's a lovely story, but it could have moved along a bit faster. If you like costume dramas, you will adore this.

cluciano63 But a lovely movie. I have read biographies on both Georgiana and her sister Henrietta, and the sisters were practically joined at the hip throughout their lives, obviously this is not the real story of her life, since a sister or brother is never even mentioned. And the Duke did not need to threaten her...both she and Harriet were aware of the disgrace of being divorced and did everything to prevent it, as both carried on affairs until their health failed. And both wound up hugely in debt from gambling and excess, what would be tens of millions today. Yes, she went off to have a baby in secret but her husband did not know, much less command it. Henrietta did the same. Both knew they would,lose their status and children if they were divorced. The relationship with Bess and the Duke was true. She lived with them forever, later marrying the Duke must to the distress of some family members and grumbled for more money when died.The acting is good...one of my favorite KK performances (unlike Anna Karenina, yikes)

nemod12 I have just finished seeing this film on TV. I come a lot to this site to read reviews but just a few i wrote. But sometimes you feel compelled. And although i see this film has a reasonable rating i really found it more worth that that. First of all, the director, i never heard of Saul Dibb. I see he has not much on his record when i searched him here. But my God what a well made, constantly enternaining drama. I liked almost everything about it. Especially the performance from Keira Knightley. A very powerful one that still leaves me speechless for now. Only thing that i would of liked to see a bit more where Ralp Fiennes personal dissisions he hade to make in this film..Update: I must engage you to really see this one. Have to add in my update that it just moved me deeply, made my shed a tear, but also mad ma angry at times. And isn't that what a brilliant film is all about. Again, all the compliments to Keira Knightley. I hope she gets these messages through somewere because she is so more talented then i thought when wactching Pitates of the Carabian, a real enlightment to watch. Enjoy . If you like films like the fast and the furious though i think this isn't for you.