Movie Review - The Duke

 

Here's something you don't see often. A film based on a true story that's actually funny. Yeah, I've seen so many films based on true stories and because of their subject matters, they are of course going to be quite serious. But this one is actually funny, which is strange. But then again, with a cast that includes Jim Broadbent and Helen Mirren, there's nothing you can do but laugh. They are great actors in their own right, but are also very funny too. So let's take a look at the film that critics are calling the most charming British comedy of the year so far:

The film begins at the Old Bailey, where 60-year-old working class Kempton Bunton (played by Broadbent) is pleading not guilty of the crime of stealing Goya's Duke of Wellington portrait and its frame from the National Gallery in London. Six months earlier, he attempts to send a script to the BBC and is jailed for a little while for watching TV without a TV licence. He attempts to protest against people like him at his age for paying for their TV licences and eventually gains the possession of the Duke of Wellington painting and frame which he may use as a bargaining chip in his campaign. Only time will tell if he succeeds in this or not.

In all honesty, I wasn't really sure what to expect from this little film. But in the end, I ended up laughing a lot and thoroughly enjoyed it. It's charming, funny and does of course speak about the importance of not taking advantage of people's earnings no matter how big or small they may be. 9/10