Cinema-goers react to ‘blindingly brilliant’ Newcastle inspired The Duke

Positive reactions from across the UK have come flooding in for The Duke.

The film, which hit cinemas last week, showcases Newcastle and tells the true story of Kempton Bunton’s theft of a treasured Goya painting from The National Gallery.

Kempton was from Newcastle and the city plays a large role in the film with actors Jim Broadbent and Helen Mirren donning their best Geordie accents.

Surprisingly, the film was actually shot in Yorkshire due to a number of reasons, which NewcastleWorld looked into previously.

Iconic shots of Newcastle, such as the Quayside, are still frequent in the film, even if added during editing.

Since release the film has seen overwhelmingly positive reviews and seems to have rarely failed to please.

We look at some of the public’s reactions online.

One user wrote: “The Duke is a charming film that will certainly cheer you up + make you laugh which we all need currently.

“Performances are fantastic with every character being lovable.

“A tale that highlights that you should stand up for what you believe in as one person can make a difference.”

Another wrote: “If you want something in this gloom to make you laugh - and tug a heartstring or two in a gentle kind of way, this blindingly brilliant film co-written by erstwhile bbc hack Clive made me laugh out loud. Lots.”

Someone else said: “The Duke - Simply Loveleh. Silly, funny and entertaining. Absolute crowd pleaser.

“Just what was required on a Sunday night. Who know a film about a stolen painting could be so good.”

Other labelled actor Jim Broadbent, who plays Kempton Bunton, a “national treasure” and praised the “really fun film”.

Many saw the film at Cineworld over the weekend, with the chain running a £3 ticket promotion.

Those who did noted the relevancy of the deal with the price of the TV Licence Fee central in The Duke.

One said: “I went to Cineworld yesterday what struck me was the amount of older people as they they had their £3 pound deal on.

“Cineworld apt the Duke film looks at older people ill affording a TV licence and it looks like high prices in cinema too.”