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The little-known first feature film directed by Ridley Scott is excellent on many levels. First, it's just plain entertaining for action movie fans. Even at 30 years old, the duel scenes are excruciatingly real and frightening, especially due to the hand-held camera work by Ridley himself. The sets, costumes and weapons are authentic and have become a reference for other filmmakers. The storyline is unusual......a fascinating journey of the two antagonists mutual pursuit over several years. The locations, photography and score are lush. The performances are uniformly excellent from a young cast including Harvey Keitel, Keith Carradine, Cristina Raines, Diana Quick, Edward Fox, Robert Stephens, Tom Conti, Albert Finney and the rarely seen and underrated Meg Wynn Owen (Upstairs Downstairs). All this was created for a measly 900,000 English pounds in 1977. Also included in the Collectors Edition is an early experimental film made by Ridley as a youth called "Boy and Bicycle". Awarded the "Best Debut Film" at the 1977 Cannes Film Festival, I highly recommend this movie. If you enjoyed "Gladiator" or "Kingdom of Heaven" (directors cut is far superior to the theatrical release) then you owe yourself the treat of seeing this early Scott film.Read full review
The Duellists is one of the most beautiful movies ever made. It is based on Joseph Conrad's short story "The Duel". It is the story of two French Hussars from different regiments who carry on a series of duels over the course of the Napoleonic Wars and the years beyond (it begins in 1800 and ends in 1815). The initial cause of the duel is a perceived slight of one hussar by the other; over time this becomes irrelevant when the duels continue simply as a matter of honor. There are numerous allegories about love, honor and war if one cares to examine them, however the movie stands alone on its own merit: Notably, the visuals, the sweeping backdrop of the Napoleonic era and the romantic interwoven story of one of the two main characters Armand (beautifully performed by Keith Carradine). The small cast is wonderful (especially the leads Keith Carradine and Harvey Keitel) and the gorgeous costumes are near perfect in their accuracy as are many small period details. It is Ridley Scott's first feature length movie and I think it is one of his best. It is my favorite movie!Read full review
This movie reminds you how emotions can control your life. I'm not proud of the fact I'm a vengeful person but at least I can remember what acts have caused me to be that way. The main two charactors carry on an almost life-long feud that started over a minor incident. Harvey Keitel's charactor isn't even honest about the reason for the feud. Keith Carradine's charactor does't even want to fight but "Honor" won't let him back down. The story holds your interest and the costumes are very attractive. I've enjoyed this movie from years ago and had to finally own it.
Removed from most of Napoleon's carnage, these characters depicted a less miserable decade and a half to rise in rank and still find time to fight each other. With manners and restraint matching their ranks, their reputations and pride keep the feud going, at cost. It's as French a story as it gets but all spoken in English.
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The art direction made this like viewing period paintings from Napoleon era. Military uniforms were correct and beautifully fitted. Any student of this period will find this film very entertaining. David Carradine & Harvey Keitel were brilliant!
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There is nothing I dislike about "The Duellists" at all! I first saw the film as a young teenager (13 or 14 years old) and have seen it about 25 times. Every scene is a work of art and it had a profound influence on my life. It was very romantic, though not in the man/woman way so much as the way the history (it is a true story) is portrayed. The music is haunting as well as the entire work itself. If you don't see this film, your life will definately be the lesser for its absence.
Ridley Scott's first feature film and it is stunning to watch. Excellent performances all round.
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Had searched for this movie for years after discovering my favorite band (Iron Maiden" had written their song "the Duellist" based on the movie.
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The movie the Duellists. What a brilliant movie that has a small following of fans that know it exsists. Set in the Napoleonic era it shows the fanatical belief of protecting ones honor at any cost. I would recommend this movie to anyone that has a history buff in their family. It has lavish historical costumes and actual European locations that highlight this film. I would rank this film as one of the best period pieces that I have seen.
My favorite movie!! Beautiful in many dimensions. a piece of film art.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned