El último duelo

Going into watching this I wasn't expecting anything else but some quality period piece with the bonus of sounds and images of glistening swords and all manner of medieval paraphernalia. This being a Ridley Scott film, I was of course expecting being at least thoroughly entertained.

I suppose me writing a review should mean my expectations were _exceeded_.

In short, "The Last Duel" is actually somewhat of a crime thriller, a "who dun it" story. It is a well built slow-burn movie, if these things are in your style. Acting was top-notch all the way through, even for familiar faces of Affleck and Damon. It seems Scott had his muse with him making this because it's kind of the sum of its constituent parts that makes it work as well as it did for me -- it doesn't skimp on the visuals (with medieval dramas I believe set pieces are important to a degree), actors are professional -- like I said even Affleck and Damon do a splendid job that didn't have me evoke any of their other more mundane roles -- , and the plot burns with a engaging flame like a candle.

I don't like movies that are only cerebral or only everything but. Last night I watched "Prey" which I heard was one to watch, and frankly I was bored 10 minutes in. This one I can recommend for the objective quality factor at least, however; but to each their own, of course.

I wouldn't want to leave this review without mentioning the important message -- yes, really -- that tried to show the enormous weight medieval women had to metaphorically carry and live with, even those admitted in king's court, their plight while being merely a leaf in the wind of fate, among feuding men. This movie made me reach deep into my moral core feeling compassion for the women who lived some half a millenia ago. And it did so in a way deserving of their legacy, if one dares to say so. As banal as it may sound, it had me thinking about the horrors medieval Christianity inflicted on everyone, and about fraternity culture between such men for whom women never became anything but objects.

If you want to watch something that has well-developed characters and plot and will really pull you in, give this a go.

It think the strongest thing about this movie is the storytelling, which is very mature, thoughtful and well-paced. It turns what would otherwise be another medieval action flick into an engrossing study about injustices, conflict and how human beings relate with each other. The acting is amazing and it's nice to see Ben Affleck in an unusual role, which he really nails.

Ridley Scott delivers again.

It's 14th century France. Jean de Carrouges (Matt Damon) and Jacques Le Gris (Adam Driver) are comrades-in-arms and best of friends. They are given a new lord in Count Pierre d'Alençon (Ben Affleck). While Jacques becomes the Count's favorite, Jean falls further and further out of favor. It doesn't help that Jean has married Marguerite de Carrouges (Jodie Comer) which leads to complications.

This is directed by Ridley Scott. The structure divides the movie into three chapters. Each chapter takes the point of view from Jean, Jacques, and finally Marguerite. This is good but the Rashomon structure does lead to the feeling of repetition. Then there are the two scenes devoted to the central issue. The one depicting Jacques' point of view needs to be more on his side. After all, this is a case of his says, she says. The two sections leave the question as a degree rather than a decision. There is no question to the basic case. That may be deliberate but it does not increase the tension. The intensity needs to be higher although I do like the actual duel. There is a reality in the brutal repeated battering.

Legendary acting and scenario... It may just seem a little boring to some people. But that doesn't mean the movie is bad. The plot of the film is very well processed. In addition, the film reflects its time very well. I think it deserves 8 points. I did not give 2 stars. This is because of the last duel that gave the film its title. The last duel didn't go as I expected. I wouldn't expect professional soldiers to fight with many mistakes. And I think the last duel should have lasted longer. Anyway, despite everything, it was a movie that I loved very much. Have a good time. Don't forget to watch this movie in a calm state. This increases the pleasure you will get.

Story starts well but then begins to drag about half-way through and moves like molten lead from there until the end. The three perspectives do not add any depth, with each retelling being a very predictable retelling of events already heard. I did not feel that I learned anything new, different, or deeper with each retelling. Instead I got the same story from a pretty predictable and cliched perspective of the next involved individual. Thats it. Felt like a really long watch. I found myself just trying to gut it out. All that said it's an ok movie, just not much more which was a little disappointing given the star power involved. Adam Driver does a good job, and so do most of the cast - really thought the actors did the most with what they had to work with. The story is a good one, the screenplay misses the mark though and maybe so too did the overall interpretation of the events. Movie was at its best when revealing life in the early Middle Ages. Was at its worst when attempting to make grand morality statements - just a pretty obvious and much too shallow treatment of medieval customs, code, and morals - all placed in a one-dimensional lens. The soundtrack was predictable and a rough listen at times.