1.5/4  The Duchess Quick Review
Rowdy, but rather flaccid western comedy with a pair of bickering performances that never quite click. Final Grade: D+

5/5 What a fine historical film! (details)
  by Patrick W. Crabtree (Lucasville, OH USA)
I'm not normally a fan of contemporary movies (witless Hollywood trash) but this BBC film production gave me a really pleasant surprise -- I grabbed a used copy at the video store in perfect condition for three bucks and that proved to be a smart buy. I loaned it to my movie-fan Yuppie neighbors and they want to borrow it again soon, (I'm certain that they'll buy their own copy, they liked it so much.)

THE STORY (mini-spoilers ahead!): A young and stunning lass of nobility is thrilled to become the new bride of the renowned and fabulously rich Duke of Devonshire (thus, she becomes the Duchess); however, she quickly finds the Duke to be rather a cold fish in the romantic aspect of love-making. Still, after talking with her mother about it she holds out hope for improvement of the situation. Then she discovers that the Duke has previously fathered a little girl who comes to live with them. Then she discovers that her best friend has become the Duke's mistress. Then she enters into her own love affair with Charles Grey (future Prime Minister of England)... and so on, and so forth. The subsequent complexity of events does not follow the normal flow as one typically encounters in such films of the historical drama genre. I should also mention that this movie features only brief sexual scenes and is in no way overloaded in that aspect.

This tale is based upon the true story of Georgiana Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire who lived during the late 18th- and early 19th-Century.

I can definitely say this: If you enjoyed Barry Lyndon then you'll like this film. They have much in common, albeit "Barry Lyndon" is a notably older film (1975) and more epic in length.

This 2008 film is shot in widescreen, runs 109 minutes, and is rated PG-13. The cinematography is spectacular, compelling -- it reeks of quality. This movie provides exceptional entertainment and I give it my highest recommendation.

4/5 The duchess
  by Dena Leasure
I watched this movie quite a while back and do remember that I enjoyed it but really don't remember any specifics. I bought it because I love Keira Knightley and she doesn't disappoint.

5/5 The Duchess
  by N. Sharkey
I read alot of History and I like that they stuck with the truth of how she lived her life

5/5 heart or resonsibility?
  by dragonheartz21 (Gardena, CA USA)
this is an awesome movie filled with heartbreak and love. in the end....what shall she choose......be with the one you truly love.....or fulfill your responsibility to your family? only which family? Kat

1/5 'The Duchess' is NOT about being influential, political or unique.
  by Johan Peter (Amsterdam)
It is actually a rather sexist story about a naïve, weak and plain woman who is beautiful and has the means to dress fashionable. And who is, how original, the victim of her times. Of course the latter is tragic and unquestionably true for most women of that era, but personally I prefer to see a film about a strong and clever woman -who rises above the disadvantages society has given her- with humor, brilliant skills and vigour. I believe the REAL Duchess was such a woman. Obviously the makers of this film were unable to portray her since they clearly lacked all of her qualities.