Directed by:
Ridley ScottCinematography:
Dariusz WolskiComposer:
Harry Gregson-WilliamsCast:
Matt Damon, Adam Driver, Jodie Comer, Ben Affleck, Harriet Walter, Marton Csokas, Željko Ivanek, Alex Lawther, Nathaniel Parker, Sam Hazeldine (more)VOD (2)
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Jodie Comer “makes her mark” in this thought-provoking drama set during the 14th century in France from visionary filmmaker Ridley Scott. Based on actual events, the film centres on one woman’s (Comer) accusation that she was brutally assaulted by Jacques Le Gris (Adam Driver), her husband Jean de Carrouges’ (Matt Damon) friend. Now, in order to prove his wife’s claim, de Carrouges must fight Le Gris to the death, the victor believed to be determined by God. All three lives hang in the balance in this gripping, cinematic film also starring Ben Affleck as Le Gris’ scheming ally, Count d’Alençon. (Disney / Buena Vista)
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Cleverly written and masterfully made reconstruction of the last ever trial by combat between chevaliers of Medieval France. Wonderful dialogs and various points of view of the three main protagonists build up the atmosphere gradually, culminating in the final punch-up. The intense, bloody duel is the crowning glory of this exquisite acting recital delivered by Damon, Driver and Jodie Comer too. Similarly, Affleck greatly enjoys his debauched nobleman. Scott quite possibly came up with the movie of the year. P.S.: And once again, a great soundtrack from Harry Gregson-Williams. CONFESS!!!
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One is uncomfortable in matters of court, estate management, and affairs of the heart, but he is at ease among men on war campaigns. She is his way to the land and the continuation of the family line, certainly not his beloved better half. The other is a "man of the future", charismatic, skilled in court intrigue, educated in reading, writing, arithmetic and languages. And he is ambitious. He is also used to getting away with everything, without any consequences. She is a muse for him, who flows with him affectionately whenever they bump into each other. And then there's her, caught between (not only) those two and their decades-long rivalry for power, position, favour and property (which includes her). Rashomon's approach is used with sensitivity, it's not an overdone "three times the same situations diametrically opposed". On the contrary, when the situations are reenacted, they differ in nuance and staging, basically in the details where the devil is hidden. It all adds up to a thrilling final duel that, in terms of adrenaline, stakes and emotion, is among the best chivalric action ever to grace the screen – the best, not the most faithful, because it denies all the laws of historical fencing. But to hell with that. Perhaps the only thing missing is the view of someone impartial not caught up in the whirlwind of the trio's events. If there's anything to single out by name, apart from the aforementioned duel, it's the multi-layered performance of Jodie Comer, who must be completely different three times and yet still the same character, and – I can't believe I'm writing this – the performance of Ben Affleck, who relishes the role of the debauched, string-pulling lord to the fullest.
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It was good, but beware, the trailers are deceptive. The Last Duel isn't nearly as epic as Kingdom of Heaven or Robin Hood. In fact, except two short and fairly small battles and a final clash, it is a fairly intimate affair that usually gets by with a few people talking to each other. But that doesn't matter at all. The Last Duel tells the story from three different points of view, and logically the one who is currently telling the story is considered the biggest hero and the purest character – after all, a douchebag will rarely consider themselves a douchebag – and it's up to the viewer to figure out who's the real hero, who's the victim, and who's the opportunist. That's the only major complaint I have with The Last Duel. It's all a bit too easy to read, and there's unfortunately not enough room for any hesitation or ambiguity in the end for the film to provoke the discussions the makers obviously wanted. Or rather, it did, but it's probably very easy to agree. In any case, Adam Driver and Jodie Comer are great, Matt Damon is very good, and Ben Affleck clearly enjoyed being able to play a character that suits him while being distinctive enough not to get lost next to the central trio. Additionally, Ridley Scott manages to pull off the visuals and sell the dialogue in the intimate scenes, but then when he gets the chance to really step it up, he doesn't hold back. Plus, thanks to the form, and indeed the triple retelling of the events leading up to the fight, it moves forward very quickly, making the two hours go by unexpectedly briskly. Go for it. And preferably to a hall with the best sound possible, the duel is a blast visually and especially in terms of sound.
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If you leave aside the fact that Affleck’s image is rather more reminiscent of a contemporary Miami Beach teenage exhibitionist than of a historical figure, and if you’re not bothered that the main female character, alongside all of those close-minded dimwits, has higher emotional intelligence than most contemporary spiritual college girls, what you will get out of The Last Duel is an engrossing reflection on the issues of contemporary society, bizarrely set in a historical chamber drama that will make your heart pound in its climax. Because it involves far more than just pride and the settling of scores between two knights.
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Ridley Scott is a unique filmmaker, each of his great historical films is unique in style, concept and narrative. From classic linear swords and sandals (Gladiator), to a spiritual journey (Kingdom of Heaven), to peasants running around the woods in cool packs (Robin Hood). The Last Duel is most similar to Robin Hood in aesthetics and production design, but it is more serious, topical and layered in content. It's the story of a strong woman who was ahead of her time in thought (and courage). A breathtaking acting tour de force in an original and daring script, spiced with phenomenal visual stylisation, darkened camera filters and a fierce final sword fight. There isn't as much action as usual and the running time is a bit too long, mainly due to the fact that some shots are repeated several times due to the way the story is told – which is also basically the only flaw.
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