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The Duellists

Play trailer Poster for The Duellists PG 1977 1h 41m History Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
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75% Tomatometer 63 Reviews 83% Popcornmeter 5,000+ Ratings
Armand d'Hubert (Keith Carradine) and Gabriel Féraud (Harvey Keitel) are French soldiers under Napoleon. A trivial quarrel between d'Hubert and Féraud escalates into a lifelong grudge, and, as war rages on, the officers repeatedly challenge one another to violent sword and pistol duels. After 15 years, both men have distinguished themselves through their service and become generals, however, their mutual hatred never ceases, even when the initial cause of their rivalry is forgotten.
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The Duellists

The Duellists

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Critics Consensus

Rich, stylized visuals work with effective performances in Ridley Scott's take on Joseph Conrad's Napoleonic story, resulting in an impressive feature film debut for the director.

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Critics Reviews

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John Stanley San Francisco Chronicle Sep 18, 2025
4/4
A forgotten masterpiece. Go to Full Review Rex Reed New York Daily News Nov 21, 2023
Rarely have I seen a movie so drenched in persuasive style and ambience soar so brilliantly above its trappings to emerge as a first-rate, captivating entertainment. Go to Full Review Charles Champlin Los Angeles Times Nov 21, 2023
[Ridley Scott's] strength is visual and his genius is economy. The Duellists is said to have cost well under $2 million, but it has every millimeter the same feeling of period that Barry Lyndon had with more pace and vitality. Go to Full Review Eddie Harrison film-authority.com May 7, 2026
5/5
…a handsome, thoughtful movie that was completely out of step with what audiences wanted in 77…underseen and underrated, The Duellists stands as a key film in Ridley Scott’s cinematic development… Go to Full Review Matt Brunson Film Frenzy Apr 10, 2024
3/4
The all-American duo of Carradine and Keitel is rather incongruous in this decidedly European production, but the actors acquit themselves well enough. Go to Full Review Russell Davies Daily Mail (UK) Nov 21, 2023
Scott's film is a success. It is also something of an oddity. Go to Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

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KarthiK P. @madkarthi Jul 11, 2026 It is an amazing debut film from Ridley Scott and I really like it. real locations and real natural lights. The real fights and all that stuff are just amazing. The story of how friends become enemies and how it unfolds 👌. It is all nicely shown. Keith Carradine is so young and he is absolutely amazing in his role. See more Robert L. @bobdaboss Nov 14, 2025 Strife without reason. Quarrel pursued for its own sake. Only death will satisfy honor. Ridley Scott makes his directorial debut with Proverbs 20:3 as the entire plot (I made that up but it’s accurate). Simple, yet powerful. See more thiago s @Thiagostone Sep 15, 2025 Filme fraco, o roteiro é fraco, as cenas são fracas, a história é fraca, o elenco é fraco, e ninguém ajuda a melhorar o filme, os personagens são fracos, e o filme deveria ter cenas bem melhores e relevantes, para fazer o filme ser bom See more Grant R @RT85977920 May 6, 2025 A brilliant, beautiful and riveting film set in Napoleonic times. Showcases Ridley Scott at his best and absolute proof that budget and special effects mean little in a great movie. See more Anthony J @jenkinsdraws Apr 4, 2025 A visual masterpiece. That is enough. The plot and the acting are almost secondary. See more Ian S @RT47839117 Dec 17, 2024 Recently revisited this film after tiring of the big blockbusters currently on release. This is pretty much a perfect film in every sense, story, characterisation, cinematography, scene, costume, sword fighting, etc. I also like fact the actors didn't try put on any accent, it allows them and the viewer to focus on the story. I think this bests Barry Lyndon (Kubrick) in its pacing and duration, so holds interest. Brilliant. See more Read all reviews
The Duellists

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Cast & Crew

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Ridley Scott

Director

Keith Carradine

D'Hubert

Harvey Keitel

Feraud

Albert Finney

Fouche

Edward Fox

Colonel

Cristina Raines

Adele

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The Duellists

The Duellists (1978) The Duellists (1978) The Duellists (1978) The Duellists (1978) The Duellists (1977) The Duellists (1978) The Duellists (1977) The Duellists (1978) View more photos

Movie Info

Synopsis Armand d'Hubert (Keith Carradine) and Gabriel Féraud (Harvey Keitel) are French soldiers under Napoleon. A trivial quarrel between d'Hubert and Féraud escalates into a lifelong grudge, and, as war rages on, the officers repeatedly challenge one another to violent sword and pistol duels. After 15 years, both men have distinguished themselves through their service and become generals, however, their mutual hatred never ceases, even when the initial cause of their rivalry is forgotten.
Director
Ridley Scott
Producer
David Puttnam
Screenwriter
Gerald Vaughan-Hughes, Joseph Conrad
Production Co
Scott Free Productions, Paranoid Pictures, Enigma Productions
Rating
PG
Genre
History, Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Jul 1, 2013
Runtime
1h 41m
Aspect Ratio
Flat (1.85:1)
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