A film genre I adore is British film about real people, and the latest one, “The Duke,” is no exception. It’s also a story many don’t know, which makes for an interesting watch. On a sad note, the director Roger Michell passed away after making the film and this is his swan song. His final feature seems the perfect way to end a long career; it is full of joy, eccentric British humor, and is a heartwarming tale.
The story is set in 1961 and follows Kempton Bunton (played by Jim Broadbent); he is a working-class man and fights for socialist and feminist issues, and can’t stand the Duke of Wellington. Bunton then steals a famous painting of said royal and hides it in his council house and from his law-abiding wife (played by Helen Mirren). He then holds it for ransom and sends letters to the government explaining that he’ll return the picture if he is able to have money that will help OAP’s get free tv licenses. His son, Jackie (Fionn Whitehead), is on Bunton’s side and helps him pursue his wishes of helping the older generation; but things take a turn for the worse when Kempton ends up in prison when the famous picture is found.
Broadbent displays a lot of comedic chops in this film. He portrays the working-class hero effortlessly; he has a gift of gab and a heart fixated on doing the right thing. Helen Mirren is very good in her role as well. She plays the meddling but also loving wife; and even though this role is minor for her—and most of the film center’s on Broadbent—her talent does shine through.
Michell’s career has seen him venture into different genres such as rom coms like “Notting Hill,” American thrillers like “Changing Lanes,” and twisty dark romances like “My Cousin Rachel.” However, his last feature film is finally getting a belated cinema release because of the pandemic, and it seems to be a genre that Michell has not tackled before—a crime/caper comedy with lots of heart. The final act of the film is very crowd-pleasing, and Broadbent’s comedy is on full display, especially when giving his defense in court. There are cheers from the stands as the verdict is released—and when this played in theatres the cheers were visible from the cinema-goers as well.
“The Duke” is currently available for streaming on Roku.
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