Beautiful’ period drama based on real life now streaming on BBC iPlayer
The 2008 Oscar-winning film, starring Keira Knightley and Ralph Fiennes, is based on a true story about a distant relative of Princess Diana.
Keira Knightley leads in this period drama (Image: Matt Cardy, Getty Images)
A period drama hailed by viewers as both “beautiful” and “riveting” – and rooted in actual events – is now streaming on BBC iPlayer. The Duchess is a 2008 historical drama film helmed by Saul Dibb, who penned the screenplay alongside Jeffrey Hatcher and Anders Thomas Jensen. Featuring Ralph Fiennes, Keira Knightley, Dominic Cooper and Hayley Atwell, this costume drama is adapted from Amanda Foreman’s chart-topping book – Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire
The narrative follows a youthful Georgiana, the 18th-century Duchess of Devonshire, who is an intelligent and beloved aristocrat ensnared in a loveless union incapable of bearing a male successor. The story witnesses Georgiana confronting challenges including cohabiting with her spouse’s lover and becoming deeply infatuated with a young man.
The production secured an Academy Award for Best Costume Design for designer Michael O’Connor’s creations, yet it’s the plot and depiction of an otherwise scarcely recognised historical character that has seized viewers’ fascination.
On film review platform Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a modest score of 62% on the Tomatometer from audiences, though numerous critics have commended it in their assessments.
The picture’s publicity campaign upon release notably highlighted that Georgiana was a distant relative of Princess Diana (the Duchess was Diana’s great-great-great-great-aunt), drawing comparisons between their comparable marital tribulations with countless spectators recognising the connections as well.
One viewer’s assessment declared: “A beautiful and well acted film about a terrible and true story that reminds us somewhat of the story of Lady Di. Keira Knightley beautiful to die for in a very beautiful role.” Another contributed: “Solid 18th century historical drama about the upper classes.”
Keira Knightley stars as Georgiana, the Duchess of Devonshire (Image: Matt Cardy, Getty Images)
A third remarked: “Beautiful movie, beautiful costumes and beautifully played. A must-see if you like movies of that kind. The way it’s inspired a lot about the real story fascinates me. Truly fantastic that a woman like that existed in the beginning of 1800 and Keira Knightley gives a powerful yet authentic representation of the Duchess.”
Another observer noted: “One of those films that makes you jump down a Wikipedia hole straight afterwards to find out how much of it really happened. Very evocative of the aristocratic society of the time – very good.”
Another enthused: “I love this film. I find the story riveting, but so sad, and it stays with me a long time after the film has ended. Keira Knightley is superb as is the rest of the cast. The costumes and music [are] beautiful. This is one of my favourite films.”
One viewer remarked: “Visually breathtaking, heartbreaking, lovely music. I found myself completely immersed and mesmerised and it tugged at my heartstrings more than I expected. The emotions were deftly handled, every frame was stunning, and Georgiana especially was a luminous character it was so easy to identify with. One of the best films I’ve seen in quite a while.”
SOURCE: EXPRESS