Reviews by:
@ryan_the_nixon
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2022
12A
Director: Roger Michell
Starring: Jim Broadbent, Helen Mirren, Matthew Goode, Anna Maxwell Martin, Fionn Whitehead, Jack Bandeira, Aimee Kelly, Charlotte Spencer, etc.
In 1961, Kempton Bunton, a 60 year old taxi driver, stole Goya's portrait of the Duke of Wellington from the National Gallery in London. He sent ransom notes saying that he would return the painting on condition that the government invested more in care for the elderly. What happened next became the stuff of legend. This was a very charming and fun British comedy.
It had a very charming tone, with some great humour that was delivered excellently by Jim Broadbent who was fantastic. The themes of grief and the mistreatment of the elderly were good and well explored. The performances from Jim Broadbent, Helen Mirren and Fionn Whitehead were excellent. The cinematography was great, bringing the setting of the 60's to life very well. The characters were very likeable and charming to watch. With a strong set up and good plot development. As well as a charming and fun final act with some funny plot twists.
However, I did have a few issues. There was some pacing issues and underwhelming moments where the robbery of the painting could have been more of a fun or less rushed scene. Plus, for me there lacked the required character depth that the film was trying to achieve but never fully could stick the landing. Mostly due to the underdeveloped plot points and a lack of emotional depth, often playing it safe with the depth that it could have reached.
Overall, despite the film missing the mark slightly with the emotional depth. The Duke is a charming, funny and entertaining British comedy. With excellent performances and a fascinating true story about a man who just wanted to do some good in the world.
Overall Rating 82/100.
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