The Duke

The Duke

Year: 2021

Runtime: 96 min

Language: british english

BiographyDramaComedy

In 1961, charismatic taxi driver Kempton Bunton makes headlines by stealing Goya’s portrait from the National Gallery in London. He proposes a daring deal: the painting will be returned only if the government provides free television for the elderly. This audacious act sets off a series of surprising events, revealing a story about family, personal relationships, and the ability of everyday individuals to challenge the status quo and fight for what they believe in.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – The Duke (2021)

Explore the full timeline and setting of The Duke (2021). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1961

Set in the spring of 1961, the film captures a time of social change and the growing awareness of common people's rights in Britain. This era reflects the social dynamics post-World War II, where individuals began to voice their dissatisfaction with government policies. The storyline intertwines personal battles against socio-economic issues, making it a significant time for reform and activism.

Location

London, Newcastle upon Tyne, Durham

The movie takes place in major locations across England, including Newcastle upon Tyne, where Kempton Bunton resides, and London, where the National Gallery is situated. The Old Bailey in London serves as the courtroom for Kempton's trial, highlighting the film's connection to the legal and cultural landscape of the time. Durham also plays a crucial role as the prison where Kempton is held, reflecting the struggles of the working-class man against societal norms.

🏙️ City 📍 Location ✉️ Historical

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:45

Main Characters – The Duke (2021)

Meet the key characters of The Duke (2021), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Kempton Bunton (Jim Broadbent)

Kempton Bunton is a passionate and stubborn working-class man with a strong sense of justice and advocacy for the common people. His humorous yet audacious personality drives him to steal a valued painting as part of a campaign to bring attention to the plight of pensioners, showcasing his complexity and depth. Despite facing legal troubles, Kempton's dedication to his beliefs and family remains unwavering.

👨‍⚖️ Activist 🎨 Artist 🏛️ Defender

Dorothy Bunton (Helen Mirren)

Dorothy Bunton is a devoted wife who juggles her responsibilities as a housekeeper and a mother while supporting her husband, Kempton. She embodies strength and resilience, often acting as a grounding force amidst the chaos of her husband's antics. Dorothy’s character brings tenderness and perspective to the family’s struggles, highlighting the emotional costs of their choices.

👩‍👧‍👦 Caregiver 💼 Homemaker ❤️ Supportive

Jackie Bunton (Fionn Whitehead)

Jackie Bunton is the son of Kempton and Dorothy, grappling with his aspirations to become a boat-builder while navigating family dynamics. His youthful ambition is overshadowed by the family's sorrow and the impact of his father's actions. Jackie’s internal conflict and eventual confession illustrate themes of loyalty, guilt, and the search for redemption in a complicated familial context.

🌊 Dreamer 🛠️ Builder 😔 Troubled

Jeremy Hutchinson QC (Matthew Goode)

Jeremy Hutchinson QC is the barrister representing Kempton in court, showcasing legal prowess and charm in the courtroom. His strategic arguments reveal his understanding of both law and human nature, framing Kempton’s actions in a light that garners sympathy. His character represents the professional advocacy and moral nuances that play a critical role in the judicial process.

⚖️ Lawyer 🎓 Intellectual 🔍 Advocate

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:45

Major Themes – The Duke (2021)

Explore the central themes of The Duke (2021), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

⚖️ Justice

The theme of justice is central to the narrative as Kempton Bunton stands trial for the theft of a famous painting. His unconventional actions spark a broader debate about the rights of pensioners and the responsibilities of the government. The courtroom scenes illustrate the complexities of legality and morality, culminating in the jury's eventual verdict.

💔 Loss and Grief

Loss and grief permeate the film, particularly through the character of Kempton and his family's experiences surrounding the death of his daughter Marion. The emotional weight of this loss influences character decisions and their relationships. This theme resonates as they navigate their grief and strive to reconnect as a family amidst the trials they face.

📺 Activism

The narrative explores activism through Kempton's fight against having to pay for a TV license, highlighting the plight of pensioners and the importance of public advocacy. His campaign serves as a vehicle for social change, emphasizing the impact of individual actions in challenging societal expectations. The story illustrates how personal convictions can translate into broader movements for change.

Last Updated: October 22, 2024 at 21:45

Unlock the Full Story of The Duke

Don't stop at just watching — explore The Duke in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what The Duke is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

The Duke Summary

Read a complete plot summary of The Duke, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

The Duke Summary

The Duke Timeline

Track the full timeline of The Duke with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

The Duke Timeline

More About The Duke

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More About The Duke

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