The Duchess is a fascinating look at the lifestyles of the rich and famous and royalty of late 18th century England. According to the movie, the duchess was the toast of England, influential in politics and imposing fashion. The recreation of the era, from the clothes to the wigs, was outstanding. "Everybody has a lover!" is one line in the movie that makes you wonder if much has changed in 225 years.

If you log on to the movie's official web site, click on 'costumes' for detailed looks at some of the outfits. The credits at the end had a long list of costumers and wig makers. Amazing. Sets very nice - a number of historic homes were filmed for the movie. I plan to read the book on which this movie was based; it was published about ten years ago. This is great if you are a British history buff or for anyone who loves period films.

What a missed opportunity to tell the story of an intriguing and powerful woman! Instead of a balanced, well-rounded interesting picture, all we get is 2 hours of Ms. Knightly's collagen lips and vacant eyes. She represents the Duchess of Devonshire as a skinny, whiny victim, which she most certainly was not. She was a consummate politician of her age who moved in the highest circles of British government, as well as an intimate friend of the Prince of Wales and Prime Ministers. She also had feet of clay in the form of an addiction to gambling and the consequent crippling debts. None of this was in the pathetic movie. And there is no evidence her hair was ever on fire -- why was it deemed necessary to add this silly device (among others)? Don't waste your money if you like quality films!

Very good cinematography. The acting was good overall

Good: Kiera Knightley and Ralph Fiennes, along with the supporting actors, give excellent performances. Also, from what I know of the period, the film was pretty accurate. I loved that, for example, Georgiana was initially happy to learn of her engagement to the duke, unlike the cliched stories where women anachronistically protest against arranged marriages. Also, the costumes were gorgeous. So/so: I know it's based on a true story, but the film is just one horrible thing after another happening to this woman. I won't say too much, but the duchess never gets a break. When something good does happen to her, it gets snatched away by her nasty husband. Granted, this is realistic, which is one of the film's strengths - but it left me feeling depressed and outraged. The humor present near the beginning soon dies in favor of one very bleak picture. A Jane Austen film this is not, so if that is what you are looking for, don't go. Otherwise powerful even if it is bleak.