dvd review

The Duchess

Starring: Keira Knightley, Dominic Cooper

Certificate:

certificate

Release Date: 16 March 2009

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The Pitch

Georgiana Spencer is a beautiful young girl, who is plucked from obscurity to marry in to one of the wealthiest families in England. Her happiness is short-lived though when it becomes clear that her new hubby is a miserable old man who is more interested in his dogs than showing his young wife any affection. She struggles to survive in the loveless marriage, which is only made worse when she fails to have a baby boy and gives birth to two daughters - much to her husband’s annoyance who then decides to move his mistress into their house! What a charmer!

The Talent

Some might say Keira’s a one-trick pony by starring in another period drama but we say if your one trick is as good as this then carry on! Her brilliant portrayal of the tortured Duchess brought tears to our eyes on more than one occasion. Dominic Cooper (of Mamma Mia! fame) is back as the other man in Georgiana’s life, and even in his dodgy 18th century wig, he still managed to get our pulse racing!

The Verdict

Where do we start? The beautiful costumes, the stunning scenery, and the sizzling on-screen chemistry between Dominic and Keira are just a few of the things that we love, love, LOVED about The Duchess. You genuinely feel for Georgiana and her struggle, and appreciate how double standards existed for women in earlier times. We hear the film parallels the story of Princess Diana who was actually a distant relative of Georgiana, but thankfully this point isn’t laboured too much. Full marks from MKP, this is one you’ll want to treasure!

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