The Last Duel recounts the last officially recognized judicial duel fought in France. Set in Medieval times, the shocking story is told from the viewpoints of the three main characters.
The film is based on the book of the same name by American author Eric Jager. I enjoyed learning about the era. The film brings to life the feudal system more than any history book could.
Once best friends and comrades, the pair fall out over a property claim and different social status. After a crime is committed by Jacques Le Gris (Adam Driver), Jean de Carrouges (Matt Damon) seeks revenge by spreading the story among the villagers and damaging his reputation.
Unfortunately, both of the lead men are egotistical, rough and unlikeable. They have been hardened by the horrors of war. It’s a time where violence is acceptable behaviour, religion rules and women are considered to be property.
Some of the events are revisited three times. I only needed to see the rape scene once. And that’s from Marguerite’s viewpoint. You’ll soon get the idea we all add our own biases when recounting an event in the past. History is not always black and white. There are large amounts of grey.
Marguerite’s (Jodie Comer) story is the most compelling. We meet a brave and multi-layered medieval woman with views ahead of her time. I could have easily just watched the last third of this film from her viewpoint.
It’s hard to stomach the disbelief and bad advice from the mother-in-law and friends. But this is a different era and these are remarkably common reactions (sadly still prevalent today).
The subject matter is tough to endure for two and a half hours. The treatment of the horses is downright disrespectful and should offend. It’s not surprising some people walked out.
I can only describe the duel scene at the end as arduous. To be honest, there was a point where I really did not care who won – I just wanted the whole damn thing to be over with.
I felt like a stiff drink after watching The Last Duel.
Trigger warning – animal cruelty, rape scenes
About The Last Duel
From 20th Century Studios comes “The Last Duel,” visionary filmmaker Ridley Scott’s gripping tale of betrayal and vengeance set against the brutality of 14th century France. The historical epic is a cinematic and thought-provoking drama that explores the ubiquitous power of men, the frailty of justice and the strength and courage of one woman willing to stand alone in the service of truth. Based on actual events, the film unravels long-held assumptions about France’s last sanctioned duel between Jean de Carrouges and Jacques Le Gris, two friends turned bitter rivals. When Carrouges’ wife, Marguerite, is viciously assaulted by Le Gris, a charge he denies, she refuses to stay silent, stepping forward to accuse her attacker, an act of bravery and defiance that puts her life in jeopardy. The ensuing trial by combat, a gruelling duel to the death, places the fate of all three in God’s hands. “The Last Duel” stars Oscar® winner Matt Damon, two-time Academy Award® nominee Adam Driver, Emmy® winner Jodie Comer and two-time Oscar winner Ben Affleck, and is directed by four-time Academy Award® nominee Ridley Scott from a screenplay by Oscar nominee Nicole Holofcener & Ben Affleck & Matt Damon based on the book by Eric Jager.
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