The Last Duel
Reviewed By: Jeremy Zentner, Reference Assistant
Genre: Historical Fiction (Film)
Suggested Age: Adults
What is This Book About? This film is based on a true story that takes place in Medieval Europe, mostly in France. The premise revolves around a duel between a squire and a knight, Jacques Le Gris and Jean de Carrouges. Once friends, the two slowly became bitter rivals over land, wealth, and the Lady Marguerite de Thibouville. The movie is divided into three different chapters about the events leading up to the duel, each from differing perspectives from the squire, the knight, and the lady. The first chapter entails the knight’s perspective as he wages chivalrous wars in France and later Scotland, eventually earning his knighthood. He marries the Lady Marguerite and is promised a nice plot of land from her father as dowry. Little does he know is that Jacques Le Gris will receive the land instead, due to a political scheme orchestrated by the Count Pierre, who is also great friends with Jacques.
The second chapter is told from the perspective of Jacques Le Gris (the squire) and is less chivalrous, though just as biased. Jacques sees Jean as a bit of a loose cannon, though still a very brave warrior. Jacques is later given a great deal of responsibility from Count Pierre as he tries to repair his financial problems and ensure security for their county and kingdom. As a reward for his excellence in revenue collection, the count gives Jacques the estate once promised to Jean. After reconciling the dispute with Jean, Jacques is introduced to Jean’s wife, the Lady Marguerite and he falls madly in love. By the third chapter, we get to see Lady Marguerite’s perspective, which the film insinuates is the most accurate perspective. She is wedded to Jean at the beginning, Jean being more interested in his dowry than his bride. Eventually, Marguerite watches Jean go off to war in Scotland and develops a skill for managing their estates in rent collection and agricultural development. When she meets Jacques, she finds him handsome, but untrustworthy, being her husband’s longtime rival. Eventually, Jacques pronounces his love for Marguerite, and when she refuses his advances, he assaults her. This prompts Jean to challenge Jacques to a formal duel after Marguerite reports the crime.
My Review: This film was quite the epic to experience, though I will warn, it is extremely graphic. From medieval warfare to political intrigue, to the tyranny of patriarchy, this film covers a wide scope of life in medieval Europe. The actors Matt Damon and Ben Affleck are together again, and I must say, I was taken aback by their presence, at first. However, both actors did a remarkable job at playing their designated characters with no hints of negligence in their craft. Jodie Comer, who played Marguerite, also did a remarkable job in playing the Lady from three different perspectives: as a treasured bride, a playful temptress, a victimized woman, and a powerful matriarch. The set designs and costumes were also incredible. Everything maintains the aura of a more challenging time, though we also get to see the splendor that many of the rich and noble horded over the peasantry. If you enjoy medieval or historical films, this is a good one to watch.
Three Words that Describe this Book: history, drama, intrigue
Give This A Try if You Like… Braveheart, Outlaw King, Alexander, Troy, Elizabeth, Elizabeth: The Golden Age
Rating: 5/5
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