The Duke

The Duke: A true crime film. Jim Broadbent plays 60 year old Kempton Bunton who in 1961 stole Goya's Duke of Wellington from the National Gallery, Helen Mirren is his wife, Dorothy. Mirren has to put with a lot, Bunton finds it hard to keep a job, is an aspiring playwright and campaigns for free tv licenses for OAPs and war veterans. His high jinks gets him into constant trouble with the authorities. Some great comical scenes but the best are the courtroom antics. An enjoyable comedy drama with impressive performances by Broadbent and Mirren alongside a strong supporting cast. A few interesting plot twists. Directed by Roger Michell from a screenplay by Richard Bean and Clive Coleman. 8/10.

This movie put a smile on my face. It was nice to watch something so uplifting and entertaining. Great cast and good characters. I gave it an 8 because the court scenes were so great, the rest of the film is probably a 6.5/7.

I really, really liked this film. The acting is brilliant, Dame Helen Mirren plays an amazing bitter old woman. Even though the film is advertised as a comedy, it is just as much a drama about a family just trying to have their voices heard. The court scene at the end is brilliantly written and definitely hits you in the feels, hard. It was bold, but then again so is the true story behind the film. I commend that man for standing up for what is right and fair, in the face of adversity. I recommend this to any British film lovers, or if you just need a good dramedy in your life for a minute. 4 stolen paintings out of 5.

I really wasn't expecting to enjoy 'The Duke' as much as I did, but found myself enthralled and charmed by the lighthearted screenplay that also carries a heartwarming message.

The performances from Jim Broadbent and Helen Mirren (occasionally dodgy accents aside) are great. Broadbent in particular shines in his role as the lovable rogue Kempton Bunton.

The story is very enjoyable. Lots of effective comedy, some strong messages around social justice that feel very pertinent today, and a central conceit that you won't believe is based on real events!

At only 90 minutes long, the film has a great pace to it, keeping things moving and not getting bogged down in any unnecessary detail. There's nothing particularly flashy in the film making, but it is all very effective.

A brilliant British film and much better than I would have thought.

I did not realise this was based on a true story till the end but that just made the film even more special. Its just a simple story about a simple man that is just so quintessentially British.

The acting is spot on and there are a few great twists and turns to enjoy.

Well worth the watch for anyone to enjoy.