The Duke

Director Roger Michell’s last film is based on the true story of the 1961 theft of Goya’s painting of the Duke of Wellington from the national gallery. Jim Broadbent plays Kempton Bunton a man struggling to hold down a job, but a social idealist wanting to do more for the good of the people. His latest focus is demanding that over 75’s get a free BBC TV licence. At his side is his long suffering wife Dorothy (Helen Mirren), loves her husband but is frustrated by his campaigning. When Kempton learns about the £140,000 spent on the Goya he is frustrated and decides enough is enough and takes his campaign to parliament. While there the Goya is stolen and next time we see it, it’s in Kempton’s spare bedroom! With the help of his son Jackie (Fionn Whitehead) he hides it and uses it to demand money to fund TV licenses for the elderly. But when the risk of getting caught gets too much Kempton returns the painting, gets arrested and stands trial.

While the story lends itself to a comic caper there is a little more to it than that. In the background is a sadness for Kempton and Dorothy as they struggle to come to terms with loss of their daughter.

While this does give it a little depth, ultimately it is pretty light fair, the kind of thing to watch with a biscuit and a cup of tea! Which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. That’s very true here, a nice film with an unlikely hero and unlikely story.

Jim Broadbent is perfect as Kempton, his effortless charm and impeccable comic timing carry you along. Helen Mirren provides the perfect foil for him to work off. The two leads are well supported by a solid cast, but it is Broadbent who really makes this work.

The Duke is a nice enjoyable film, a fascinating and crazy story, well played with plenty of humour, heart and charm. It is pretty light and fluffy, and that’s just fine. One of those films that you’ll find on TV on a Sunday afternoon in years to come and settle down and watch again.