The Duellists Poster
Historical drama
War

The Duellists (1977) Review in 2025

8.5/10
Moderate success

The Duellists is a historical drama film set during the Napoleonic Wars, following the story of two French cavalry officers who engage in a series of duels over a period of 15 years.

123 minutes
English (Dubbed: French)
Age group: 18-45, Interests: Historical dramas, War movies
Director:
Ridley Scott
Budget: 1.5 million USD
Gross: 4 million USD

Family-Friendly Rating

Is this movie suitable for family viewing?

No, due to its mature themes and violence, this film is not suitable for family viewing.

CineReview Recommendation

This film is highly recommended for fans of historical dramas and war movies, but may not be suitable for all audiences due to its mature themes and violence.

Spoiler Alert!

Hover to reveal spoiler summary

The film's plot revolves around the rivalry between two French cavalry officers, Armand d'Hubert and Gabriel Féraud, who engage in a series of duels over a period of 15 years, with the two men becoming increasingly obsessed with defeating each other.

Review Details

story9.00/10

The story is engaging and well-paced, with a unique and intriguing plot that explores the complexities of human nature.

acting9.00/10

The acting is superb, with Keith Carradine and Robert Brown delivering standout performances as the two rival officers.

characters8.50/10

The characters are well-developed and complex, with the two leads delivering outstanding performances.

direction9.50/10

Ridley Scott's direction is masterful, with a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the material.

cinematography9.00/10

The cinematography is stunning, with a blend of sweeping landscapes and intimate close-ups that perfectly capture the mood and atmosphere of the film.

Pros and Cons

Pros

The Duellists is a masterfully crafted film with a unique and engaging story, outstanding performances, and stunning cinematography.

Cons

The film's pacing can be slow at times, and some viewers may find the violence and mature themes off-putting.

Notable Quotes

"I am not a man to be trifled with."
"You are a coward, Féraud. A coward and a liar."

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