The Duke (2021) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

The movie takes place across several key locations in England. The story unfolds primarily in Newcastle upon Tyne, where Kempton Bunton lives, and London, where the National Gallery is located. London also features the Old Bailey as the courtroom for Kempton's trial, while Durham serves as the prison location where he is held.

• newcastle
• london
• durham
• national gallery
• settings
• locations

The Duke is set in the spring of 1961, during a period of significant social change in Britain. This era was marked by growing awareness of common people's rights following World War II, when individuals began to voice dissatisfaction with government policies and demand reforms.

• 1961
• time period
• 1960s
• spring
• historical era
• britain

Justice is a central theme in The Duke, as Kempton Bunton stands trial for stealing Goya's portrait from the National Gallery. The film explores the complexities between legality and morality, showing how his unconventional actions sparked debate about pensioners' rights and government responsibilities. The courtroom scenes examine these tensions until the jury delivers its verdict.

• justice
• trial
• court
• legality
• morality
• jury
• verdict

Kempton Bunton is the central character in The Duke, portrayed by Jim Broadbent. He is a charismatic taxi driver and passionate working-class man known for his strong sense of justice and advocacy for ordinary people. His stubborn determination leads him to take audacious actions to highlight the plight of pensioners, particularly regarding free television licenses.

• kempton bunton
• main character
• taxi driver
• working class
• justice
• advocacy

The Duke explores activism through Kempton's campaign against paying for a TV license, highlighting the struggles of pensioners and the power of public advocacy. His fight demonstrates how individual convictions can create broader social movements, showing one person's ability to challenge societal expectations and inspire change.

• activism
• tv license
• pensioners
• campaign
• social change
• advocacy

Dorothy Bunton, played by Helen Mirren, is Kempton's devoted wife. She works as a housekeeper while managing household responsibilities and supporting her husband through his activism. Dorothy represents strength and resilience, acting as a grounding force for her family while highlighting the emotional costs of their choices.

• dorothy bunton
• wife
• mother
• helen mirren
• family
• support

Loss and grief permeate The Duke, particularly through the character of Kempton and his family following the death of their daughter Marion. This emotional weight influences their decisions and relationships throughout the film, as the family navigates their grief while striving to reconnect amid the trials they face.

• loss
• grief
• daughter marion
• death
• family
• emotional

Jeremy Hutchinson QC, portrayed by Matthew Goode, is the barrister who represents Kempton in court. He brings legal expertise and charm to the courtroom, using strategic arguments that frame Kempton's actions in a sympathetic light. His character illustrates the moral nuances within the judicial process and serves as a professional advocate for Kempton's cause.

• jeremy hutchinson
• lawyer
• barrister
• court
• matthew goode
• legal defense

The Duke conveys a message about the power of ordinary individuals to challenge the status quo and fight for what they believe in. Through Kempton's actions, the film illustrates how one person can spark meaningful change, even against powerful institutions, while emphasizing themes of family, personal relationships, and the ability of everyday people to make a difference.

• ordinary people
• status quo
• change
• campaign
• family
• community

Jackie Bunton is the son of Kempton and Dorothy, portrayed by Fionn Whitehead. He aspires to become a boat-builder while navigating the family's difficulties. His storyline involves internal conflict between loyalty to his father and his own guilt, eventually leading to a confession that connects to the film's central mystery.

• jackie bunton
• son
• boat-builder
• fionn whitehead
• family
• confession

The National Gallery in London serves as the site of the painting's theft, making it central to the film's premise. Kempton steals Goya's portrait as part of his campaign, using the high-profile nature of the theft to draw attention to his demands for free television for the elderly. The gallery represents the cultural and institutional power he is challenging.

• national gallery
• london
• painting
• goya
• theft
• art