Performance & Direction: Duke Review
Last updated: January 21, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Duke (1988) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 6.0/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Crime.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Crime is often anchored by its ensemble, and Duke features a noteworthy lineup led by José Neto . Supported by the likes of Margarida Marinho and Lídia Franco , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
In summary, our editorial assessment of Duke (1988) is mixed. With an audience rating of 6.0/10, it stands as a highly recommended experience for genre enthusiasts.
Story & Plot Summary: Duke
Quick Plot Summary: Duke is a Crime film that dives into the criminal underworld with a grounded sense of realism and complex morality. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Ending Explained: Duke
Ending Breakdown: Duke concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to crime resolution.
The conclusion addresses the core thematic questions, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the crime themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Duke reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Duke Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
Duke incorporates elements from real criminal cases. As a crime film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film takes creative liberties to enhance dramatic impact. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
Creative interpretation shapes the final narrative, focusing on emotional truth over strict chronology.
Accuracy Assessment: Duke adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch Duke?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Crime films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want solid genre entertainment
Top Cast: Duke
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Duke Parents Guide & Age Rating
1988 AdvisoryWondering about Duke age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Duke is 66 minutes (1h 6m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 6/10, and global collection metrics, Duke stands as a challenging project for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1988 cinematic year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Duke worth watching?
Duke is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Crime movies. It has a verified rating of 6/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Duke parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Duke identifies it as Not Rated. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Duke?
The total duration of Duke is 66 minutes, which is approximately 1h 6m long.
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movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.