The Duke

R

Released Apr 22, 2022

1h 36m

Comedy

Drama

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for The Duke: Trailer 1

List

97%

146 Reviews

Tomatometer

89%

250+ Ratings

Audience Score

In 1961, Kempton Bunton, a 60-year old taxi driver, stole Goya's portrait of the Duke of Wellington from the National Gallery in London. It was the first (and remains the only) theft in the Gallery's history. Kempton sent ransom notes saying that he would return the painting on condition that the government invested more in care for the elderly -- he had long campaigned for pensioners to receive free television. What happened next became the stuff of legend. Only 50 years later did the full story emerge -- Kempton had spun a web of lies. The only truth was that he was a good man, determined to change the world and save his marriage -- how and why he used the Duke to achieve that is a wonderfully uplifting tale.

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Critics Consensus

A sweet swan song for director Roger Michell, The Duke offers a well-acted and engaging dramatization of an entertainingly improbable true story.

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Richard Whittaker

Austin Chronicle

The Duke may superficially seem like old hat, but in its comfortable ways there’s still a strong message.

May 5, 2022

Full Review

Rex Reed

Observer

A charming, understated and completely enjoyable frolic about how ordinary people can do extraordinary things that seems doubly startling because, while seeming implausible, it also happens to be absolutely true.

Rated: 3/4

May 4, 2022

Full Review

Ty Burr

Ty Burr's Watch List

It’s a daft, lovely story, and it opens up like a flower – the final half hour is deeply and unexpectedly moving.

Rated: 3/4

Apr 29, 2022

Full Review

Farah Cheded

A Good Movie To Watch

Thanks to [Broadbent's] performance — and the note-perfect direction of the late, great Roger Michell — a quirky footnote of history becomes a sweet, unexpectedly moving story about solidarity and the power of the underdog.

Dec 8, 2023

Full Review

Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat

Spirituality & Practice

A true story about a elder who steals a painting in order to help others, demonstrating the philosophy of ubuntu.

Rated: 5/5

May 28, 2023

Full Review

Brian Susbielles

InSession Film

Broadbent is absolutely wonderful and gives his best performance in many years.

Rated: A-

Feb 22, 2023

Full Review

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Jeffrey R

Heartwarming true story, loved it!

Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars

06/13/22

Full Review

Jane2lCB

Shows the humanity of a working class family in Great Britain in early 1960s. Each member has issue(s) to cope with and each doesn't necessarily conform to what was the accepted norms of the time. But love does weave through the tale and unity returns in the end.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

06/12/22

Full Review

Mary03

Such a cute story! We loved it! It was well acted, the scenery was authentic. Helen Mirren brought clout to the movie. It was just the type of movie we need right now..Honest, sweet and uplifting. My husband felt the same.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/12/22

Full Review

Diana

We had to make up the dialog as it went along since it was almost unintelligible. However the movie was incredibly sweet and well worth seeing.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

06/09/22

Full Review

Moises

This brick is calling all bricks to assemble and view this wonderful story. :)

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/01/22

Full Review

Eve

Lovely story. Starts off slow but builds to a satisfying conclusion.

Rated 4 out of 5 stars

05/31/22

Full Review

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Roger Michell

Director

Jim Broadbent

Kempton Bunton

Helen Mirren

Lilya Frances

Fionn Whitehead

Jackie Bunton

Aimee Kelly

Irene

Craig Conway

Mr. Walker

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The Duke: Featurette - Jim Broadbent and Helen Mirren

2:41

The Duke: Trailer 1

2:19

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Synopsis

In 1961, Kempton Bunton, a 60-year old taxi driver, stole Goya's portrait of the Duke of Wellington from the National Gallery in London. It was the first (and remains the only) theft in the Gallery's history. Kempton sent ransom notes saying that he would return the painting on condition that the government invested more in care for the elderly -- he had long campaigned for pensioners to receive free television. What happened next became the stuff of legend. Only 50 years later did the full story emerge -- Kempton had spun a web of lies. The only truth was that he was a good man, determined to change the world and save his marriage -- how and why he used the Duke to achieve that is a wonderfully uplifting tale.

Director: Roger Michell
Producer: Jenny Borgars, Hugo Heppell, Cameron McCracken, Peter Scarf
Screenwriter: Richard Bean, Clive Coleman
Distributor: Sony Pictures Classics
Production Co: Screen Yorkshire, Neon Films, Ingenious Media, Pathé Films, Great Bison Productions
Rating: R (Language and Brief Sexuality)
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Original Language: English (United Kingdom)
Release Date (Theaters): Apr 22, 2022, Limited
Release Date (Streaming): Jul 26, 2022
Box Office (Gross USA): $1.5M
Runtime: 1h 36m

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