sexual violence, strong bloody violence
2021 ( UK | USA ) ( Action, Drama, History )
DIRECTOR: Ridley Scott
STARRING: Matt Damon, Adam Driver. Jodie Comer
Ridley Scott is one of the best directors you can have at the helm of a historical action thriller. The film begins with the so-called truth of what led to a real-life 1386 duel to the death, first according to French knight Jean de Carrouges (Damon), then that of squire Jacque Le Gris (Driver) before a closing chapter from the viewpoint of Marguerite (Comer).
The duel comes about after Jean returns home from a stint in battle and Marguerite accuses Jacques of raping her in his absence. The squire however denies any wrongdoing. Incensed more because of his ego than his wife’s trauma, Jean takes the matter to the king, who agrees to a trial by combat where God will determine who’s telling the truth.
The Last Duel is an epic, well-acted and thought-provoking drama. The battle scenes are vicious but pale in comparison to the central final duel, a superbly tense and bone-breaking affair.
(2hr 32min)