The Last Duel

Set in 14th-century France, The Last Duel is a historical drama film that weaves a complex narrative of love, loyalty, and honor, drawing inspiration from real-life events. The film is set against the backdrop of the decline of the medieval feudal system and the rise of the English monarchy's influence in France. At the center of the story is Jean de Carrouges, a Norman knight played by Matt Damon, who returns from the Hundred Years' War with a promising career ahead of him. However, his life takes an unexpected turn when his young wife, Marguerite de Thibouville, is brutally raped by Jacques Le Gris, a squire serving the same lord, Count Sir Jean de Beaujeu, a French noble, depicted by Bill Treacher in the original story but was not included in the 2021 movie. Fueled by anger and a sense of justice, Jean demands that Jacques be punished for his heinous crime, but when Count Pierre d'Alençon's men refuse to take action, Jean's frustrations boil over, and he proposes a duel to settle the dispute. King Charles VI, played by Christophe Wailes, intervenes by declaring that the conflict will be resolved through a duel, which is subsequently arranged. The rules of the duel are that Jean will fight Jacques, but if he loses, his family will be punished as compensation for Jean's social status and economic losses. On the other hand, if Jean emerges victorious, Jacques will be put to death for the crime committed. The duel arrangement poses significant risks for both combatants, as well as Jean's family. His wife, Marguerite, who witnessed the assault, becomes a vital witness in the hearing to determine whether Jacques is guilty of the crime. Jacques attempts to manipulate events to have Marguerite punished by questioning her once more before the court. Jean must help her, while navigating the intricacies of the dualistic system to protect her reputation. The duel between the two adversaries proves to be a catastrophic event that would have dire consequences, with each combatant aiming to prove their martial prowess in front of their peers and their lord. If Jean loses, his reputation would be ruined, and his beautiful wife, already subjected to scrutiny, and potential punishment, for becoming an unmarried woman, after facing Jacques on examination for infidelity of consensual carnality post attack. When the story progresses, Jean knows he will die fighting, while Jacques Le Gris could face societal persecution for possibly losing the duel. Jacques Le Gris prevails in the initial phases of combat. Using guerrilla tactics, Le Gris assaults Carrouges. However, after what seems like a series of devastating near misses that both fighters endure, Le Gris eventually falls. The combatants duel in what proves to be the final duel. Confronted by Carrouges' unyielding conviction, the narrative becomes tense in its build-up. A remarkable twist occurs when Count Pierre d'Alençon reveals Jean, in reality, was the first to break the dualistic law; the rule he fought under was at his knowledge – namely, that only nobility could engage, but no specific combatants' rank is mentioned. The final duel of the two enemies is one of grudging resolve; an unfolding drama that deepens understanding and an explanation provided in film terms signifies the tragic ending between Carrouges, and his defeated Le Gris; an undoing in its final explanation with an element of despairing closure revealed – being that he fought in honor, giving Le Gris and ultimately, his wife an end to suffering at great personal cost – this selfless act is his noble claim to rise above common expectations despite brutal suffering he endured and all in face of his tragic unfolding fate, a conclusive end of Jean de Carrouges legacy that sets this movie apart from other films.