‘Masterpiece’ war drama fans say is ‘better than Gladiator’ | Films | Entertainment

Admirers of legendary director Ridley Scott and his beloved classic Gladiator are set for a delight, as another production by the filmmaker is being hailed by audiences as rivalling his original period warfare epic. Featuring a script co-written by Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, and Nicole Holofcener, the 2021 sweeping historical war drama has captivated both critics and viewers globally, garnering widespread acclaim from every corner – and it’s available to stream on Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video.

Audiences cannot contain their enthusiasm for Scott’s 2021 film, The Last Duel, which features Jodie Comer (Killing Eve) in the leading role, alongside Adam Driver and Damon. Affleck also appears in a supporting capacity in the picture, and the leads are accompanied by Harriet Walter, Alex Lawther, and Serena Kennedy to complete an impressive ensemble cast. Shot on location in France and Ireland, Scott’s grand period drama remains relatively unknown to many, due to its debut during the COVID-19 pandemic in October 2021, reports the Mirror.

Drawing from true historical events, the film’s official synopsis reads: “Jean de Carrouges is a respected knight known for his bravery and skill on the battlefield.

“Jacques Le Gris is a Norman squire whose intelligence and eloquence make him one of the most admired nobles in court.

“The two knights must fight to the death after Carrouges’s wife, Marguerite, accuses Le Gris of assault. The ensuing trial by combat, a gruelling duel to the death, places the fate of all three in God’s hands.”

Garnering predominantly favourable responses from both critics and audiences alike, The Last Duel has established itself as a notable entry, particularly within the period war drama genre.

One critic said of the film: “A brutal, harrowing, intriguing, stunningly well-made film that will linger in your thoughts for quite some time.”

While another reviewer lavished praise on the director: “Ridley Scott delivers one of his best works in years with this brutal, righteous, superbly acted historical drama.”

A third critic said of the historical epic: “With the stakes set so high, Scott rises to the challenge and delivers a brutal, visceral ‘last duel’ with complex narrative designs and a phenomenal carousel of performances.”

While one reviewer simply declared: “Trust us when we say this is a cinematic epic.”

Audience reactions echo this sentiment, with one fan saying: “A classic Ridley Scott’s work. A masterpiece.”

While another viewer writes: “Brilliant historic epic, beautifully filmed and captivating characters. If you like historical dramas, this is a great film for you”

One glowing IMDB user review of The Last Duel states: “Ridley Scott is the Master of this Genre for a reason. Best director you can find for this kind of visual storytelling is Ridley Scott, and believe me, he’s still top of his game.

“To be honest, I don’t think that Gladiator was a best picture because of Ridley’s effort, I think it was Russel’s incredible performance. But this movie shines because of Ridley’s awesome visual style.”

Another impressed viewer said of the period war drama: “[Ridley] Scott certainly gives us a big, bloody and savage movie. Indeed of all his films, this could be the one most likely to appeal to fans of ‘Gladiator’.

“It’s a fantastic-looking film. There is so much about ‘The Last Duel’ that is smart, funny and totally unexpected that it just might turn out to be the most unlikely multiplex movie of the year.”

Yet another glowing IMDB review heaping praise on the period drama and its director reads: “This is, I think it could be argued, in the absolute top tier of Ridley Scott’s filmmaking oeuvre. More than that – and this might be more controversial, but I stand by it – I think it’s his best film, and that it isn’t close.

“This is a Rashomon-style multiple-viewpoints epic with lavish production values, superb acting across the board from a powerhouse cast, and supremely subtle and skilful directing. It is thoughtful, impactful cinema that should be part of the conversation about the best outings in historical filmmaking.”

The Last Duel is available to stream on Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video.