The Duelists

Jarhead0331 · January 11, 2018, 07:35:42 AM

I had never heard about this 1977 Ridley Scott film staring Harvey Keitel and Keith Caradine up until a few days ago. It takes place at the beginning of the 19th century during the Napoleonic war and is about two young cavalry officers in the French army who fight a series of duels against one another over a period of about 20 years. Their hatred of one another grows so strong, despite suffering together during the Russian campaign, they forget what they are even fighting about. I thought the uniforms, backgrounds and sword fight choreography were very well done.

Overall it was an enjoyable film and I'm not sure how I missed it all these years.

Gusington · January 11, 2018, 07:41:29 AM

I actually own this movie DVD...very solid, especially if you are into Napoleonics.

JasonPratt · January 11, 2018, 12:09:14 PM

I used to have it on VHS; unsure if I upgraded to DVD (certainly not Blu).

I like it quite a bit. Scott's first film iirc.

Nefaro · January 11, 2018, 12:38:39 PM

Been meaning to watch it for years, but kept forgetting about it.

Hoped it would eventually show up on a streaming service or something. A-Prime usually has a large host of similarly old movies getting dumped on there regularly. *shrug*

WallysWorld · January 11, 2018, 12:45:24 PM

Truly weird that this thread was created today about this movie as just last night I marked the movie to watch as it's on Hollywood Suite (Sony movie channels) in Canada tomorrow. I always wanted to see it.

undercovergeek · January 11, 2018, 05:09:11 PM

That's because jarhead can see us all through our TVs

Jarhead0331 · January 11, 2018, 05:11:13 PM

Quote from: undercovergeek on January 11, 2018, 05:09:11 PM
That's because jarhead can see us all through our TVs

mirth · January 11, 2018, 05:20:07 PM

Thanks for the heads up on this. Sounds like a good flick.

WallysWorld · January 11, 2018, 05:53:31 PM

The two duelists that the movie is based on.

François Fournier-Sarlovèze

Pierre Dupont de l'Étang

Gusington · January 11, 2018, 06:11:53 PM

Yes I think Pratt is right and it is Ridley Scott's first major movie...ha yes this was even before his Apple commercial! Who knew?

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ridley_Scott#Early_films

DoctorQuest · January 11, 2018, 06:28:03 PM

Quote from: Nefaro on January 11, 2018, 12:38:39 PM
Been meaning to watch it for years, but kept forgetting about it.

Hoped it would eventually show up on a streaming service or something. A-Prime usually has a large host of similarly old movies getting dumped on there regularly. *shrug*

I have Sling and it is available on the Tribeca Shortlist channel. I'll have to give it a watch.

Nefaro · January 11, 2018, 06:36:39 PM

Quote from: DoctorQuest on January 11, 2018, 06:28:03 PM
Quote from: Nefaro on January 11, 2018, 12:38:39 PM
Been meaning to watch it for years, but kept forgetting about it.

Hoped it would eventually show up on a streaming service or something. A-Prime usually has a large host of similarly old movies getting dumped on there regularly. *shrug*

I have Sling and it is available on the Tribeca Shortlist channel. I'll have to give it a watch.

Saw it listed on that "Tribeca Shortlist" sub somewhere when I looked earlier today. Think it was an A-Prime or Hulu option.

Thing is... I'm not really sure what the hell else is on the Tribeca Shortlist channel. Will dig around sometime, I suppose, and see if it has more.

Also:

What was that late '70s Kubrick film about the Irish nobleman who becomes an officer around the same period, and gets into all kinds of crap?

Dammit Carl! · January 11, 2018, 06:41:22 PM

Seeing this when but a wee lad made me love period pieces and movies with good, "honest," fights.

Pretty sure you'll like it plenty.

besilarius · January 11, 2018, 06:42:41 PM

This should be suggested viewing for all wargamers.
Great piece of work and a lot of fun.

Gusington · January 11, 2018, 06:44:11 PM

@ Nefaro: Barry Lyndon. Another great movie...even better than The Duelists.