Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Movie Review: The Duchess

After cleaning up from today's company, resting a bit, and running a quick errand, it was time to veg a little. Netflix delivered The Duchess today, which I've wanted to see since it was in the theaters. It did not disappoint...

Admittedly, I love period pieces. There is something fascinating about being transmitted to another time and place with these movies and The Duchess was no different. The fact that it is also a true story added to its allure.

It is about Georgiana Spencer, also known as the Duchess of Devonshire, also known as an ancestor to a certain Lady Diana Spencer. The parallels in their lives are striking, but the duchess also had to contend with the fact that, while unhappy in her marriage, she was also living at a time when women had no rights. None. And if they wanted to leave their marriage they had to also leave their children behind.

Keira Knightley was magnetic as Georgiana, and Ralph Fiennes has mastered the art of being the creepy arse that he portrays here. Ooh...you really hate him more and more throughout the film.

It was opulent and detailed and the story was riveting. The double standard among what men could get away with and what women had to sacrifice is amazing. And, while it is no secret that women have often had to suffer in silence throughout history, this film really makes you feel the gravity of that suffering.

It isn't a film I would need to see again or add to my DVD library, but I would still highly recommend it. A very high quality piece of filmmaking and an unforgettable story.

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