 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Duchess
- Review Date: September 18, 2008
- PG-13
- Genre: Drama
- 2008
Common Sense Media says
Period drama delves into some heavy themes.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that although this serious period drama stars Keira Knightley, it's not all that likely to appeal to teens since it explores the inner workings of a very flawed marriage -- one that's marred by infidelity and disloyalty and complicated by a menage a trois. There's an upsetting scene in which a man forces himself on a woman, as well as some nudity and passionate embracing. Also expect plenty of gambling and drinking, mostly at joyous events though sometimes during times of despair. At one point, a main character imbibes so much that she upends a chandelier and accidentally sets fire to her wig.
What's the story?
Nearly everyone adores Georgiana Cavendish (Keira Knightley), an aristocratic 18th-century "It" girl who, after marrying at the tender age of 17, becomes a sensation for her sense of style and joie de vivre. Everyone, that is, except her husband William, Duke of Devonshire (Ralph Fiennes). Though he cares about her in his own way, he's more enamored of his dogs and is fixated on Georgiana bearing him a male heir. He also has no qualms about bedding other women. In time, Georgiana learns to turn a blind eye to William's extracurricular activities, but when he decides to make Georgiana's best friend, Lady Elizabeth Foster (Hayley Atwell), his mistress, enough is enough. The duchess finally gives into her own yearnings, allowing herself to fall in love with an old friend, politician Charles Grey (Dominic Cooper). But the Duke isn't having it.
Is it any good?
Pretty to look at but painful to contemplate, a female royal's life in the 18th century was far from enviable, as THE DUCHESS makes plain. Georgiana's anguished circumstances are highlighted by the perfection of all that surrounds her: her sumptuously decorated homes, her gardens, her jewels, her dresses and tresses. She has everything but love. But the movie, based on Amanda Foreman's biography of Georgiana Cavendish (nee Spencer, an ancestor of none other than Princess Diana, who herself suffered a lackluster marriage), is much more than the tale of a loveless coupling. It asks an important question: How far will a woman go for her children?
Lushly photographed and costumed, THE DUCHESS won't disappoint period-movie fans. But it probably won't stick with them for very long after the credits roll, either. There's a certain superficiality in the storytelling; the history is too light and glossy, and the movie would have been far more enjoyable if it had more heft. (For instance, Georgiana forgives her friend unbelievably quickly; was it really that easy?) Knightley is splendid in the film's peaks -- watch her flirt with her entourage and command a table full of gamblers. But when it hits the valleys (and there are quite a few of them), her agony is hollow, more acting than feeling. Fiennes rules, however: William is reprehensibly cold yet aching for connection. Somehow, he's not stripped of humanity -- even though he sometimes acts like it.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about what it was like to be a woman during the time in which the movie takes place. How much power did women have in the 1700s? Is the arrangement that the duchess suggests to her husband a fair one? The film depicts a number of revolutions under way, including the beginnings of the women's movement. Do you think it's all historically accurate? How could you find out? Also, do you think this drama is any different from other period dramas in feel or look? How so?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
A few other movies have done basically the same story line.
the acting was so-so, and plot was predictable.
I'd say not a family film.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Perfect for older kids, but not for tweens
The only thing that really affects my opinion is the obvious rape scene between two of the main charaters.
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 11 years old
September 17, 2009
AGE
the only good one
love it im only 11 tho butt it was awesome its not bad they dont show anything so yeah
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
A beautiful film, but honestly not for kids, not because they can't handle it but because they won't like it and the sex scenes are slightly graphic (no hardcore nudity but still...). They also probably won't understand the meaning of a mistress or illegitimate children. They probably won't understand the need for male children in the 18th century. But it is still a good film!
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
An insight into a woman' s life in the 18th century- enjoy the film and approach with a mature attitude.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Great Costumes
I love Keira Knightley's acting and the costumes but the sexual content was rather disturbing. There was a little too much nudity. The sexual content was intense, especially the graphic rape scene. If the directors could have stripped this movie of it's sexual content it would be a funny delightful movie.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Lots of Sex....
This film, a great one at that, would probably not be enjoyed by younger kids. They would probably think that it is too boring. I am 15 years old and I thought it was pretty boring.
Other than the movie being boring, I thought that there was a lot of sex for a pg-13 movie. There were probably 5 or more sex scenes in it and most of the movie revolved around it.
Also, there is a rape scene in the movie between the 2 main characters. Just be sure to talk about the movie before and after with your kids.
If you really want to watch this film with your kids, just be weary about the sex scenes because they will probably be too intense for them.
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Studio: | Paramount Vantage |
| Director: | Saul Dibb |
| Cast: | Charlotte Rampling, Keira Knightley, Ralph Fiennes |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 109 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | September 19, 2008 |
| DVD release date: | December 28, 2008 |
| MPAA rating: | PG-13 |
| MPAA explanation: | sexual content, brief nudity and thematic material. |
Review It
Video review
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already seen it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
