The Last Duel

Amazing film. This time, Ridley Scott's reliably great direction meets an equally great script that plays beautifully with the viewer. Three main characters, three perspectives on one thing... And although the perspectives differ, it doesn't necessarily mean that any of them is lying. All this with flawless performances and a beautiful production design. And of course, the titular duel. Only once in a while does a film like this come along whose only flaw is that it's not a bit longer. (10/04/2022)

Ridley Scott and his historic comeback! I put this film off for quite a while, but I'm surprisingly pleased with the result. Scott relies on an unconventional theme, which he tells from three different points of view, and since I love the courts, history and the actors, I did without yawning and suffering, which I feared due to the lack of action scenes. In the first third Ridley serves up a couple of shorter battles, wonderfully raw and brutal – even though they lasted barely two minutes, it was still a treat and I'm quite annoyed that he didn't extend them to at least five minutes. Technically, the film is top notch, the costumes, the sets, the locations are very believable. The dialogue is top notch, the actors give their best. Matt Damon is superb, Jodie Comer is impressive, and Adam Driver is sleazy as a snake (I'm not really into Driver yet, his film choices don't really suit me), and the tense trial and the incredibly intense final duel were also great, more or less demanding 5 stars because it had everything and lacked nothing. A solid historical film that I may even repeat once, but I give Ridley a minor slap for the short battles, next time I want the carnage! Story 4/5, Action 3/5, Humor 0/5, Violence 3/5, Fun 4/5 Music 4/5, Visuals 5/5, Atmosphere 5/5, Suspense 4/5, Emotion 4/5, Actors 5/5. 8.5/10. (20/01/2022)

Ridley Scott is a unique filmmaker, each of his great historical films is unique in style, concept and narrative. From classic linear swords and sandals (Gladiator), to a spiritual journey (Kingdom of Heaven), to peasants running around the woods in cool packs (Robin Hood). The Last Duel is most similar to Robin Hood in aesthetics and production design, but it is more serious, topical and layered in content. It's the story of a strong woman who was ahead of her time in thought (and courage). A breathtaking acting tour de force in an original and daring script, spiced with phenomenal visual stylisation, darkened camera filters and a fierce final sword fight. There isn't as much action as usual and the running time is a bit too long, mainly due to the fact that some shots are repeated several times due to the way the story is told – which is also basically the only flaw. (16/12/2021)

If you leave aside the fact that Affleck’s image is rather more reminiscent of a contemporary Miami Beach teenage exhibitionist than of a historical figure, and if you’re not bothered that the main female character, alongside all of those close-minded dimwits, has higher emotional intelligence than most contemporary spiritual college girls, what you will get out of The Last Duel is an engrossing reflection on the issues of contemporary society, bizarrely set in a historical chamber drama that will make your heart pound in its climax. Because it involves far more than just pride and the settling of scores between two knights. (19/12/2021)

Cleverly written and masterfully made reconstruction of the last ever trial by combat between chevaliers of Medieval France. Wonderful dialogs and various points of view of the three main protagonists build up the atmosphere gradually, culminating in the final punch-up. The intense, bloody duel is the crowning glory of this exquisite acting recital delivered by Damon, Driver and Jodie Comer too. Similarly, Affleck greatly enjoys his debauched nobleman. Scott quite possibly came up with the movie of the year. P.S.: And once again, a great soundtrack from Harry Gregson-Williams. CONFESS!!! (05/12/2021)