The Duellists
Seen it?1977 | 100 min | Drama, War
Saturday SpecialWhy it’s a Saturday Special
It earned strong reviews (74% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it's still drawing plenty of interest. A strong pick for the weekend.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for history buffs. If you loved Henry V or The Longest Day, start here.
- The mood
- Intense.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 40 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated PG: peril. Worth a look first if you have very young kids.
- Made in 1977: an older pace and style.
In 1800, as Napoleon Bonaparte rises to power in France, a rivalry erupts between Armand and Gabriel, two lieutenants in the French Army, over a perceived insult. For over a decade, they engage in a series of duels amidst larger conflicts, including the failed French invasion of Russia in 1812, and shifts in the political and social systems of Europe.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
74% on Rotten Tomatoes, 70 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
7.3 out of 10
- AwardsBelow par
Won 1 Cannes award: 1977 Cannes Film Festival: Best First Work. Also nominated for 2 BAFTAs and 1 more Cannes award. Plus 1 other award.
- Reach & staying powerSolid
Streaming release that reached a modest audience; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 211K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Cast & crew
Directed by Ridley Scott
- Keith CarradineArmand d'Hubert
- Harvey KeitelGabriel Feraud
- Albert FinneyJoseph Fouché
- Edward FoxColonel Perteley
- Cristina RainesAdèle
- Robert StephensBrigadier-General Treillard
- Tom ContiDr. Jacquin
- John McEneryAmiable Second
- Diana QuickLaura
- Alun ArmstrongLieutenant Lacourbe