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Expert Review & Ratings

See our full critical analysis and audience score for The Duel.

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★ WORTH WATCHING: MIXED
Editorial Verified

Is The Duel Worth Watching? Honest Movie Review & Audience Verdict (1941)

A widow is loved by a doctor whose brother, an ecclesiastic unconsciously in love with the young woman, persuades her to enter a convent. Brought back on the straight and narrow b...

✹ The Quick Verdict

SKIP IT

If you are a fan of Comedy, Drama cinema, then The Duel offers a standard experience that justifies its existence in the 1941 landscape.

đŸ‘„ Target Audience

✓ Fans of Comedy films
✓ Fans of Drama films
✓ casual viewers seeking light entertainment

📔 Detailed Analysis

📖 The Core Premise

The Duel stands as a 1941 entry that attempts to leave its mark on the Comedy, Drama landscape. At its heart, the film explores complex themes wrapped in a compelling storyline. As the plot unfolds, we see characters navigating a world where stakes are high. "A widow is loved by a doctor whose brother, an ecclesiastic unconsciously in love with the young woman, persuades her to enter a convent. Brought back on the straight and narrow by a missionary, the priest blesses his brother's marriage."

🎬 Performance & Direction

A movie's success often hinges on its execution. In The Duel, even the presence of Pierre Fresnay struggles to save a script that feels disjointed. The direction aims to balance pacing with character development, a hallmark of good Comedy. While there are moments of brilliance, the pacing occasionally dips.

đŸ€” Why You Should Watch (or Skip)

Is The Duel worth your time? If you appreciate Comedy, Drama films that take risks, this is likely a decent one-time watch. However, if you are looking for a flawless masterpiece, you might find some plot points predictable.

🏆 Final Verdict

Ultimately, The Duel misses the mark on several fronts. With a runtime of 84 minutes, it asks for a significant time investment, but for the right audience, it pays off.

Our recommendation: Skip It.

⏳ Time Investment

84MIN

At approximately 1.4 hours, the film requires a standard time commitment.