My friend said The Duchess was boring, but I found it rather moving. Despite the plot being quite predictable, it did make me cry for several times. Why would a story set in the 18th century compel? Because it still applies. Not saying that this movie is the special case that tells a message by presenting what might happen in the past. There are numerous examples, be it creative, academic or whichever type on whatever topic, that try to speak today's problems by depicting yesterday's. This happens because, no matter how many times we are reminded, there are always fragments of human nature that are prone to unacceptable deeds (that are often accepted).