Fascinating for its modern day parallels but some faults

Rating: Null/10 (25 August 2011)

This is a serious and fascinating movie worth watching for it's depiction of marriage in its time period and for good performances from Keira and Ralph. There are many parallels with Princess Diana's life shown in the movie like how everyone in the country is in love with her except her husband (especially since the Duchess was related to Diana). This took place hundreds of years ago so like women of the time, she initially accepts the unloving nature of her husband who doesn't talk to her and cheats almost from the start. They really had no choice then as the dilemma of the divorced woman having few rights is shown.
Ralph Fiennes is convincing and chilling as the cold husband. Keira actually acts very well and you feel for her unhappiness especially when giving up her love child.
There are a few faults. Miscasting is one of them. Firstly Dominic Cooper is not handsome or dashing enough to sweep her off her feet. They could have chosen someone with more leading man looks for this role. Secondly Haley Atwell as Lady Elisabeth Foster doesn't look at all like and English rose. She has a more modern multi ethnic look and is out of place. The movie should have gone on a bit longer showing briefly how the rest of her life played out and her various highs and lows like political achievements and gambling problem. Bit too much focus on the menage a trois aspect. Although the costumes are grand the English countryside and houses could have been more beautifully portrayed.
The first time I watched this I didn't enjoy it. Found it a bit gloomy and depressing. But the second time I watched it I had visited the house of the Duchess "Chatsworth" and read up a bit about her life and figured out who was who. I appreciated it more and liked it.