Watch The Duke

The Duke, a heartwarming drama-comedy movie released in 2020, is based on the true story of Kempton Bunton, a small-time thief from London, who stole a valuable painting, Goya's famous portrait of the Duke of Wellington, from the National Gallery in 1961 in protest against inadequate government support for senior citizens like himself.

The movie stars legendary British actor Jim Broadbent, who plays the role of Kempton Bunton with perfection. He is joined by Heather Craney as his devoted wife, Dorothy, and Stephen Rashbrook as their son, Jackie. Directed by Roger Michell, the movie captures the spirit of 1960s London, recreating the era's settings, values, and characters with great attention to detail.

The movie begins by introducing Kempton Bunton, a retired taxi driver, and WWII veteran, who lives with his wife and son in a small apartment in London. Kempton is a proud man who has spent a lifetime struggling to provide for his family. Frustrated by the government's failure to provide for pensioners like himself, Kempton decides to make a stand by stealing a painting from the National Gallery. His plan is to hold the painting for ransom and donate the money to the pensioners.

With the help of his friend, John, played by David Charles, Kempton orchestrates the heist and takes the painting, but soon realizes that he is in over his head. The police are on his trail, and he has no idea how to negotiate a ransom. As Kempton becomes more and more desperate, his son, Jackie, steps in to help him. Together, they come up with a plan to outsmart the police and ransom the painting for a sum that will benefit the pensioners.

Throughout the movie, we see Kempton's values and determination, as well as his love for his family. Jim Broadbent beautifully portrays Kempton's complex character, adding depth and authenticity to the story. Heather Craney and Stephen Rashbrook equally shine in their respective roles, adding emotional depth and vulnerability to the movie.

The Duke is not just a movie about a heist; it is a movie about family, friendship, and the values that bind us together. The film is a tribute to everyday people who make a difference in their own way, reminding us of the power of kindness and humanity in a world where greed and selfishness often dominate.

Overall, The Duke is a delightful movie that will make you laugh, cry, and most importantly, feel good. It is a rare gem that captures the essence of a bygone era while still being relevant today. The movie is a must-watch for anyone who loves heartwarming stories with a moral message. It is a true testament to the extraordinary talent of Jim Broadbent and the entire cast and crew, who bring the story to life in a way that will stay with you long after the movie ends.

The Duke is a 2020 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.9 and a MetaScore of 74.