The Duke

The Duke, a heartwarming film from 2020, brings a remarkable true story to life, combining the elements of charm, wit, emotion, and quintessential British humor. This feel-good movie derives from the intriguing real-life theft from the National Gallery in London in 1961, of the celebrated painting, 'The Duke of Wellington' by Francisco Goya. The theft bewildered the nation, drew global attention, and remained an unsolved mystery for many years.

The film features acclaimed actor Jim Broadbent in the lead role as Kempton Bunton, a 60-year-old retiree and part-time cabbie from Newcastle, England, who becomes an unlikely protagonist. Bunton was marginal, opinionated, and a mildly eccentric person who became an unexpected criminal overnight. Jim Broadbent portrays the unassuming character with such tenderness, hilarity, and sympathy that you cannot help but root for him, in spite of the audacious crime he has committed.

Heather Craney plays the role of Bunton's wife, Dorothy, who remains blissfully unaware of her husband's grand heist. She delivers a brilliant performance as a loyal and loving wife but still keeps her feet firmly grounded in reality, displaying resilience and courage in the face of their difficult life circumstances. As unexpected events unfold, the story mirrors their marriage as well - everyday British, hardworking, resilient and consistently poignant.

Their dynamic and the way they dance around the truth of the stolen painting brings an added dimension to the film, making it a study of an unworldly marriage. Their dynamic embodies the values and constraints of working-class life, showing the quirks and foibles of an elder couple whose lives were far from wealthy but were rich in love and sympathy.

On the other hand, Stephen Rashbrook stars as William Young, the detective determined to solve the peculiar case of the missing painting. A man of quiet dignity and determination, he is drawn into a cat and mouse game with Bunton, as he attempts to break the increasing and perplexing enigma of the painting theft.

The Duke focuses more on its unusual characters and the nature of the crime than on the intricacies of the actual heist itself. This oddball, feel-good caper concentrates on Bunton's supposed motive for the theft — a protest against the government's decision to fund the painting's seven-figure purchase rather than using that money for more welfare support. It also spotlights his demands for free television for the elderly, which he tries to secure in exchange for the painting's return.

The screenplay cleverly showcases deeper topics such as social inequality, moral ambiguity, and the concept of what constitutes a crime. It poses the question to viewers about what is truly valuable in life, is it art or is it basic human dignity and rights?

Directed by Roger Michell, the movie beautifully captures the period’s essence - from the costumes to the scenery, to the very attitudes depicted on the screen. The direction is crisp and efficient, appealing to viewers who enjoy character-driven narratives filled with dry humor and subtle tenderness.

In this unusual mix of a heist story, grief narrative, and family drama, the makers successfully navigate the narrow line between comedy, tragedy, and thought-provoking drama. The Duke proves to be an outstanding showcase of top-tier British acting talent and expert direction. Further, the film is suffused with emotional depth in unexpected places, adding to its allure and ensuring that the viewer leaves the cinema with a sense of heartfelt satisfaction.

In essence, The Duke is a film that compels you to ponder about life, to laugh at earthly eccentricities, and to perhaps even shed a tear or two. It is a celebration of the human spirit, inspiration, and determination. If you seek a movie that truly resonates with your inner empath and leaves a warming trace in your heart, The Duke is a truly uplifting, must-see film. It truly is a poignant picture that elegantly ties together elements of life, art, and the human experience into an unforgettable narrative.