The Duellists [Blu-ray] [UK Region Spanish Import]

What a beautiful film this is. Every frame reminds of old oil paintings, be it officers in elaborate dress uniforms, a wounded soldier or a simple meal laid out on a wooden table. The whole film is a visual masterpiece. Quite astonishing considering this is Ridley Scott's first feature film. Talk about hitting the ground running.The story of the two eternally duelling officers is based on a story by Joseph Conrad, so you know it's not going to be cheerful. The mood is sombre throughout (except for one short moment where a tender twosome is interrupted by a randy horse - gotta love the filmmakers for not leaving that moment of unintended levity on the cutting room floor). There isn't a whole lot of dialogue, and apart from the recurrent scenes of duelling there isn't even a lot of action. This is slow drama. And for me it worked a treat. I enjoyed the visual splendour, and the slow pace helps convey that this is a story that plays out over a lifetime. Really enjoyable film.The DVD I purchased (Paramount Home Entertainment - green cover background with orange "Widescreen Collection" top bar) is very nice. Good picture and sound. Subtitles are available. Also included are the following (very nice) extra features: ~~~ Commentary with Ridley Scott ~~~ Isolated Score with Howard Blake Commentary ~~~ Duelling Directors: Ridley Scott & Kevin Reynolds ~~~ Boy and Bicycle, Ridley Scott's first short film ~~~ Storyboards ~~~ Theatrical Trailer ~~~ Photo Galleries

I gave this film a chance because of the two leading actors but I did not have high expectation. Instead of a standard love triangle set against a Napoleonic era backdrop, I was treated to a story about obsession, violence and what it means to uphold ones honour.The performances of all the actors are exceptional and I have never seen better fight scenes. I cannot recommend this film highly enough. I would go so far as too say this is a masterpiece and should be far more widely known.

If you're looking for a fast moving action film, I'm afraid this isn't for you. HOWEVER, If you want a beautifully shot, portrait of Napoleonic French cavalry attitudes, this is more your thing.The Evocation of Europe at the turn of the 19thC is well realised and the concentration on the two protagonists is excellent. The continuation of the duel over such a long time is, in the context of one character, understandable but for the other quite ridiculous. The ending is unexpected yet strangely satisfying.I've watched this many times and will no doubt watch it many more. Each time, I enjoy it and notice more of the beautiful details the filmmakers have included. I can recommend this wholeheartedly.

This was the first major film to be directed by Ridley Scott, produced by David Puttnam, about two French cavalry officers from the time of Napoleon played by Keith Caradine and Harvey Keitel. One of them, compelled by pride and obsession, which he probably tells himself is 'honour', over the years as they meet in different garrisons and campaigns, several times challenges the other to a duel. Since they are of equal rank, the other cannot refuse to fight without being disgraced as a coward. For one reason or another, for years each duel ends without either of them being killed, but Harvey Keitel's character refuses to bury the quarrel. They fight a dramatic final duel in a ruined castle.The moral of the story is the folly not only of the duelling culture of those days, but also, applicable to our time too, the folly of pride masquerading as principle.Other well-known actors and actresses appear in supporting roles, including Tom Conti as another French officer. Diana Quick is good as Carradine's character's mistress, whom he lets go rather uncaringly as he is too distracted by another impending duel to think what he is doing.The film's budget ran to some impressive, ornate military uniforms, although, probably due to lack of funds, Napoleon's 'Grande Armée' invading Russia in 1812 and the Russian army opposing it are represented by scenes with only a handful of men.'The Duellists' is reminiscent of Stanley Kubrick's 'Barry Lyndon', which was set a few decades earlier, although the latter film has a wider focus on various aspects of the society it portrays and was made with a bigger budget for ornate interiors, crowd and battle scenes.Both films have their merits and their fans, but for me there is something lacking at the heart of them. Neither in the end quite merits more than 3 stars

Easily among my favourite movies.It's one of those movies you don't want to change anything about.It's like Empire Strikes Back, Aliens, Predator, 7 Samurai etc.You just don't want anything tackled differently.It just 'works'.And you want to watch it at the minimum every couple of years.A must-have for fans of the period!

Great film. Costumes are apparently 100%acurate. The acting is great between the two main protagonists. Story unfolds over time and it's essentially a tale of obsession. Flute playing is a distraction after a while but Ridley Scott has picked some beautiful locations for the film.