October 22, 2008

The Duchess Delivers

By: Rebecca Chao and Emma Shandy
Web News and Hub Staff

The Duchess is unexpectedly gripping, lustful, and irresistible—a must-see.

From her poise in expressing her views on politics and philosophy to her confidence in commanding others with just her presence and exquisite fashion choices, to her strength in making the most difficult choices and sacrifices in that no one person should have to make alone, Keira Knightley captures her role as Georgiana Spencer, Duchess of Devonshire, in an extraordinary performance known as The Duchess.

Georgiana grows up in a wealthy household and marries the Duke of Devonshire (Ralph Fiennes), a powerful and older man who is used to having his own way, that the transition from being a powerful bachelor who lives with his dogs, to being married to a head strong beautiful young woman seems to throw the Duke off guard.

Coupling this with the age difference, lack of communication and love and secrecy between the royal couple, the drama soon stirs beyond what is deemed normal in any other period piece.

Just married, Georgiana is enamored with her new life full of parties and political discussions, but soon grows more and more dissatisfied with her marriage, as all her husband seems to focus on is his dogs and getting a son to become his.

As Georgiana seems to be nearing the brink of despair, Charles Grey (Dominic Cooper), a childhood friend and a rising young politician, comes into her life and creates an unimaginable love triangle that will set off a chain of events leading up to the dramatic climax.

Children born out of wedlock, sexual fantasies and affairs, and social and political strife are all major components of this movie’s shocking plot twists.

Along with all the twists and turns of this movie, something else is brought out. The superb acting and connecting and relating to the characters leaves many audience members wiping their eyes.

“The Duchess” will make you laugh—that is, if you catch on with the sarcasm, wittiness, dramatic ironies and sexual innuendos—sympathize and empathize with characters, and—we guarantee—cry.

So if you want a heart-wrenching, passionate story of love and loyalty, go see The Duchess. It will not disappoint.
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