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The Lady and the Duke
User Score
8.0 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 4 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4

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  1. RobertH.
    Aug 2, 2002
    10
    Superb rendering of the French Revolution from the perspective of an uncompromising monarchist. The visual texture is rich, innovative and unforgetable. I thoroughly enjoyed this film.
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  2. ChadS.
    Jul 20, 2002
    6
    Unlike Eric Rohmer's last effort ("Autumn's Tale"), "The Lady and the Duke" is decidedly not for a general audience. The opening scene is a real endurance test. It reminded me of "Beloved". To begin any movie with a long conversation is problematic. We've just met this lady and this duke. The painterly exteriors are almost enough to temper the off-putting opening scene and the prevailing ones which do grow more and more engaging as we awaken from our nap. But you will wish the "lady" would get out of the house more often.… Expand
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  3. YoonMinC.
    Oct 27, 2003
    8
    Using computer graphics Rohmer gives us pictures instead of effects, a world of people instead of world of fantasy. It's in many respects a filmed play where the script and performances are of paramount importance with the setting serving merely as backdrop. Yet, how amazingly Rohmer has balanced aritifciality of the stage with the vividness of the filmic image. The images have been expertly crafted and deftly executed, making the viewer feel he's both watching actual and revisionist history, both people and actors; the great thing is one can take it either way or both. Rohmer's argument is similar to Wajda's in Danton; revolution betrays itself when it forgets its humane impulses, when it becomes all ideas and a game of power. The performances are all fine but the leading actress is absolutely exquisite in portraying her character's impassioned devotion to the idea of refined civility amidst a culture that is becoming dominated by ruthless politicos and vengeful masses. When we think of France today, we admire its dedication to liberty, equality, and fraternity; but no less its refined and regal tradition that has thankfully survived the revolution. No less revelant in the 20th and 21th century that has seen the rise and fall of radical movements with totalitarian agendas. … Expand
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Critic Reviews

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Metascore
72 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 28 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 28
  3. Negative: 0 out of 28
  1. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Kenneth Turan
    80
    Just as interesting, if not more so, is how Rohmer integrates his very contemporary concerns into a period drama, how he creates characters who manage to be true to our times as well as their own.
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  2. New York Daily News
    Reviewed by: Jami Bernard
    75
    The result is a galvanizing mix of intellectual discourse and guillotined heads.
  3. Austin Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Marc Savlov
    40
    A bold (and lovely) experiment that will almost certainly bore most audiences into their own brightly colored dreams.
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