The Duchess (2008)

One of the best films i have seen

A different way of telling a story

n my opinion it was a great movie with some interesting elements, even though having some plot holes and the ending probably was just too messy and crammed together, but still fun to watch and not your casual movie that is similar to all other ones.

Worth seeing just to witness how winsome it is.

A wonderful costume drama as only the British can do. Great art production, costumes, fine acting and excellent soundtrack. My overwhelming feeling was that Ms Knightley was channeling the other tragic Spencer - Lady Diana, later Diana, Princess of Wales. Even the coy looks of flushed innocence in the early part of the film were a reminder of her. The film lifts a lid on the mores of English society in the 18th century with the impending changes in political and social life. Recommended for devotees of costume drama, history, and films based on real events.

Such a shame that they used Kiera Knightly for this role. She is totally unconvincing. She walks around with that annoying trademark of her; like some brainless spice girl with too much amphetamine and happy pills in her stomach. She always has that particular smile which adds nothing to her character. Well, it adds to her own character and that seems pretty consistent. Like some other reviewer wrote: she has no sex appeal. She looks like an lab experiment of an attempt to combine a male / female gender appearance. I cannot think of an reason why she is such a popular actress. She always has the same approach of the character. And with this English costume drama, with a great cast, she was the weakest link. I can understand if Ralph Fiennes had great difficulties with the performance level of Mrs. Knightly. Who wouldn't? I think that the producers should be ashamed of this movie.

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)

First I have to say that this is very heartbreaking. I can't help myself not to feel sad about women in that period. I really don't know how could they could lived such a life. Rich, but very poor in a way and pitiful. The story was heartbreaking and tragic. But, the actors did a fantastic job. Keira Knightley is a wonderful and brilliant actress, she is just made for these period roles, she nails them in an outstanding way. And she is a perfect "on screen" mother. Although she doesn't have a child on her own, she acts like a truly mother when required. I'm a very though person but I must admit that the scene, where little Eliza is token away from her arms, I feel like my heart was ripping apart, even though I don't know that feeling, but the hole point is....amazingly acted and done. Ralph Fiennes, I must be forgiven for this, but I won't praise him much. He is great actor, he did a great job, but I totally hate his character, which is more tragic given the fact that that person existed. And persons like him still exists somewhere in this world. The cast did a wonderful job. It deserved it's Oscar and even much more if it could receive, no doubt! I love the movie, but I can't give it a 10 because the story it's cruel. And it's nobody's fault, it's just a fact and I feel sorry for this.Worth watching! 8/10