Movie Review of The Duchess (2008)

Review of the movie The Duchess

The first steps toward spiritual freedom from the worldly bonds and fetters are to control one’s mind, to stop idle talk, and to be somewhat pensive.
-The Buddha

This historical-romance is based on the life of Georgiana, the Duchess of Devonshire, who lived in the 18th century. It examines how duty supersedes personal happiness. It also demonstrates how a woman could have wealth, prestige, beauty, and influence, and yet have nothing.

In spite of her best efforts, her husband openly loves another woman, “Well, as they say, the Duke of Devonshire must be the only man in England not in love with his wife.”

In spite of his cold, selfishness, there is a moment when we also sympathize with her controlling husband, the Duke, as he watches the children playing and says, “How wonderful to be that free.”

Freedom is a recurring theme. The Duchess and Charles Grey both believe freedom is an absolute, and this is the source of both their inspiration and their pain.