Is The Duellists Worth Watching?
Answer: Yes, The Duellists is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies.
It features a runtime of 100 minutes and offers a solid storyline that appeals to general audiences.
The Duellists Review
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Detailed Premise & Narrative Foundations
Released in the dynamic cinematic landscape of 1977, The Duellists emerges as a significant entry in the Drama, War domain. The narrative core of the film focuses on a sophisticated exploration of 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. Unlike standard genre fare, The Duellists attempts to deconstruct traditional tropes, offering a refreshing take on its central themes.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and The Duellists features a noteworthy lineup led by Keith Carradine . Supported by the likes of Harvey Keitel and Albert Finney , 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 The Duellists (1977) is overwhelmingly positive. With an audience rating of 7.2/10, it stands as a mandatory watch for any serious cinema lover.
The Duellists Plot Summary & Detailed Storyline
Quick Plot Summary: The Duellists is a Drama, War film that explores complex human emotions and relationships through nuanced character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict and narrative structure.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. 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. The screenplay takes time to develop its characters, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. The arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's themes.
The Duellists Ending Explained & Final Analysis
Ending Breakdown: The Duellists resolves its central conflict while maintaining thematic consistency. The finale has been praised for its approach to drama resolution.
The emotional climax centers on character transformation, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes with clear resolution of its central conflicts, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Main characters complete meaningful transformations, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of The Duellists reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
The Duellists Real vs. Reel: Is it Based on a True Story?
The Duellists uses real-world events as narrative inspiration. As a drama, war film, it navigates the space between factual accuracy and narrative engagement.
Historical Context
The film balances historical fidelity with cinematic storytelling. Core events maintain connection to source material while adapting for theatrical presentation.
The production demonstrates respect for its source material, with attention to period detail and historical context.
Accuracy Assessment: The Duellists adapts its source material for dramatic purposes. The film prioritizes thematic resonance over documentary precision.
Who Should Watch The Duellists?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of the cast or director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
The Duellists Box Office Collection
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $900.0K |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
The Duellists Budget
The estimated production budget for The Duellists is $900.0K. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
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Full Cast & Crew of The Duellists
- Keith Carradine – Armand d'Hubert
- Harvey Keitel – Gabriel Feraud
- Albert Finney – Joseph Fouché
- Edward Fox – Colonel Perteley
- Cristina Raines – Adèle
Top Highlights
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
Where to Watch The Duellists Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoParents Guide & Age Rating
The Duellists is rated PG. Parents should be aware that it contains violence, action sequences. It is generally suitable for all ages.
Final Verdict
Analyzing the audience sentiment, IMDb rating of 7.2/10, and global collection metrics, The Duellists stands as a successful venture for the creators. It remains an essential piece of the 1977 cinematic year.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Duellists movie hit or flop?
The Duellists is considered a hit based on audience response and box office performance. With a rating of 7.2/10, it's highly recommended for fans of Drama, War movies.
Is The Duellists worth watching?
Yes, The Duellists is definitely worth watching! It's a must-watch hit for fans of Drama, War cinema.
Where can I watch The Duellists online?
The Duellists may be available for rent or purchase on digital platforms like Apple TV, Google Play, or Amazon Prime Video. Specific streaming availability can vary by country.
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How The Duellists Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for The Duellists
After what can only be described as the most minor of misunderstandings, the decent "d'Hubert" (Keith Carradine) is forced to duel with the hot-tempered "Feraud" (Harvey Keitel). That ends inconclusively and now the narrative leads us through a series of re-matches set against a tale of their trials and tribulations during the rise and fall of Napoleon in early 1800s France. Joseph Conrad wrote a characterful story and Ridley Scott makes full use of that with a focused, frequency pithy and entertaining, dialogue and two measured and engaging leading performances with plenty of entertaining swordplay. The supporting cast is as A-list as you're ever likely to get in a non-romantic period drama. Albert Finney and Edward Fox, Tom Conti and an on form Robert Stephens as well Cristina Raines' charming effort as "Adèle" contribute well. All are dressed perfectly amidst settings that suit this gritty and battle-worn story perfectly, too. It's a cunningly devised theme, this - it has the obvious storyline, but also takes well aimed swipes at pomposity, the futility of war, and the stupidity of man - all in a manner that resonates cleverly, even now. It was clearly produced on a limited budget, which is apparent from time to time with the continuity (never one of Scott's strong suits) or with some overused extras amongst the soldiers - but, overall, it is a testament to what can be done in a relatively short film, with a good story and cast and some creative leadership behind the camera.
movieMx Verified
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
