The Duchess

The Duchess, starring Keira Knightley as Georgianna, Duchess of Devonshire and Ralph Fiennes as the Duke of Devonshire, takes place in 18th century England and is a striking story about the importance of social standing and the limits on female rights of those times.

Hastily married to the Duke as a teenager on the promise that she would provide him a male heir, Georgianna is whisked away to Devonshire with the world seemingly at her feet. However, as quickly as her life seemed to have taken a turn for the better, the Duchess soon realizes that the Duke is fond of extramarital affairs and increasingly indifferent toward her, which becomes more evident as she continually fails to give birth to a son.

The Duchess' unhappiness ultimately reaching a breaking point with her husband's new live-in mistress, Georgianna eventually seeks emotional refuge in a new-found love with an ambitious politician named Charles Grey (who eventually would become the Prime Minister).

Unfortunately for Georgianna, upon the Duke's discovery of the relationship with Grey, tension between the couple escalates to levels that unravel into eventual unhappiness and unbearable despair for both Georgianna and the movie's viewers.

If you value well-done, quality film, I strongly urge you watch this movie. I guarantee it will impact you deeply.

Rating: 8.5/10