Anton Chekhov's The Duel
Anton Chekhov's The Duel Image
Metascore
75 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 16 Critics What's this?

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  • Summary: Based on his eponymous 1891 novella, The Duel gives life to a classic Chekhovian tale: the young ne’er-do-well aristocrat vs. the arrogant man of science; the attraction of a manipulative, narcissistic mistress vs. the life of the mind and of principled action. Gambling, alcohol and flirtatitions consummated in an impossibly beautiful countryside hold obvious attractions for Laevsky. But he’s brought up short when financial ruin and his mistress’s sexual dalliances lead to a violent denouement. Dover Kosashvili, director of LATE MARRIAGE, assembles a brilliant ensemble cast of British actors who strike just the right balance between intrigue and that particularly Russian brand of ennui we associate with Chekhov — but which today might elicit a prescription for Celexa. (Film Forum)… Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Michael Phillips
    100
    It takes something like a miracle to unlock the magic in his exquisite aggravations, the essence of the human comedy. This film is indeed something like a miracle.
  2. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Manohla Dargis
    80
    Once again, Mr. Kosashvili mixes moments of bitterness and laughter with strong dramatic passages, creating a social milieu in The Duel that is believably inhabited, consistently surprising and true-feeling in detail and sweep.
  3. New York Magazine (Vulture)
    Reviewed by: David Edelstein
    80
    Anton Chekhov's The Duel is convincingly-yes--Chekhovian.
  4. Time Out New York
    Reviewed by: Keith Uhlich
    60
    One senses this is a production better suited to the stage.

See all 16 Critic Reviews

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Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 0 out of 1
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 1
  3. Negative: 0 out of 1
  1. williet
    5
    God, was this boring. After a while I was no longer praying for a duel - I wanted an ASSASSINATION. A lot of them. See Young Victoria if you want the vintage look - and something truly beautiful as a story and a set.… Expand

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