The Duke
Director - Roger Michell
Writers - Richard Bean, Clive Coleman
Cast - Jim Broadbent, Helen Mirren, Matthew Goode
Producer - Nicky Bentham
Production Companies - Neon Films, Pathe UK Completion Guarantor - Film Finances UK
SYNOPSIS:
In 1961, Kempton Bunton, a 60 year old taxi driver, steals Goya's portrait of the Duke of Wellington from the National Gallery in London.
REVIEWS:
“This spry and sometimes sentimental caper from Roger Michell (Notting Hill) is an unabashed crowd-pleaser, with a real-life Robin Hood at its centre.” ⭑⭑⭑⭑ Emma Simmonds, Radio Times
“Bring your mum and your gran (or anyone's gran if yours is not available) preferably to a matinee, and you'll have a delightful time and be home, whistling cheerfully, in time for tea.” Jessica Kiang, The Playlist
“It's a quirky but stirring tale, beautifully scripted by Richard Bean and Clive Coleman, while director Roger Michell brings the same sureness of comedic touch he applied to the likes of Notting Hill and Venus.” ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ Brian Viner, The Daily Mail (UK)
“What a lovely, rousing, finally moving film this is” ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ Xan Brooks, The Guardian
“Britain hasn't lost the ability to make films like this after all. We've had it stashed in the back of the wardrobe all along.” ⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑ Robbie Collin, The Daily Telegraph
“A perfectly nimble, kind-hearted bit of teatime entertainment - ideally tailored to Jim Broadbent in one of his most appealing big-screen roles.” Guy Lodge, Variety
“Throughout everything Broadbent is astounding, both foolish and infuriating, but also deeply sympathetic.” ⭑⭑⭑⭑ Kevin Maher, The Times
“The script by Richard Bean and Clive Coleman is full of delightfully droll dialogue, and director Roger Michell keeps things as light and sharp as lemon soufflé.” ⭑⭑⭑⭑ Raphael Abraham, Financial Times
“This is the kind of British film with international appeal: the venerable cast, genial tone, inspirational story, and mischievous English eccentricity are all present and correct. Settle in, preferably with a nice cup of tea to hand, and enjoy.” Nicholas Barber, Indiewire
“A funny-moving story enjoyably retold with classic British understatement” Deborah Young, The Hollywood Reporter