For some absurd reason, seeing that man suddenly feeling the urge to sneeze at a rapier duel feels strangely relatable, somehow.

And the actual duel lasts for like 3 seconds. Masterpiece

Every scene in this film is like a living painting.

I appreciate the lack of background score music during the actual swordfight. It adds a great deal of tension to the scene. Sometimes less is more.

I like how when he looked at the damage of his wound he whimpered, a very natural and human reaction and more believable than the Johnny Badass of most action movies that has a entire arm missing yet doesn’t bat a eye.

duels were banned during napoleonic wars as they were losing too many officers , there is an instance of a duel in hyde park because a dog startled an officers horse !

Always loved the sheep in this scene. They must have been paid acting sheep that were told (and understood) they were playing sheep at the turn of the 19th century... when sword duels were almost obsolete, but still not that much of a rare occurrence for them to witness. They seem to have taken their direction very seriously. I say this because, every time myself and a friend went for a spot of duelling in the fields with sticks - circa 1984-5 when we were 9 or 10 - the sheep would scatter with remarkable speed every time.

As an actual sport fencer training with the Italian National team, I can say that this is the best movie dueling scene I ever saw. In actual dueling to draw blood or make a touch, things don’t last very long. Best fencing scene ever!

I loved this because it really showed just how fast real sword fights are.

People like to throw around the whole 'honour' aspect of duelling but the real issue with it was that a small subset of duellists (who were likely psychotic) always ended up getting really fucking good and would game the honour system by deliberately setting up numerous petty feuds against less experienced swordsmen whilst actively avoiding their more experienced counterparts so they could rack up higher kill counts. All it achieved was alot of dead bodies with no benefit to society at all.

Most polite duellists. "A second mate, I gotta sneeze." "Take your time."

Back when ridley scott made masterpieces

Don't u just hate it when u start sneezing at a rapier duel?

WAIT A SECOND! I need to sneeze, don't kill me yet..... Okay, go.

The light in the sky is quite beautiful. One of the greatest visual films ever made. So many good shots.

This movie is one of those things that I just can't explain why I like so much. If I was to show this to family or friends, they would likely be bored to tears, and admittedly, it isn't particularly that exciting and can be a little hard to follow at times, but to me, it's just a really good film.

I instructed and competed as a saber fencer for a decade. Ridley Scott did a great job of capturing the mood and feel of what a true duel might have been like. Keitel had no previous training, but did very well (especially in the opening scene) to convey "mastery". Additionally, the mastery over fear is far more important than pure technique. The FEAR of being struck is a lot more dangerous than engaging someone with intelligence and even moderate skill. 🐲✨🐲✨🐲✨

Keitel's character is probably the biggest prick in cinematic history. He won the duel. Wasn't that enough?

I'm digging the double man-braids with the moustache

I just noticed something. Harvey Keitel doesn't know for sure that he landed the hit. Then he sees the blood on the tip his blade and goes "FUCK YEAH!" What an amazing detail! 😀

God the fucking realism. I have to say, this is the most beautiful and realistic scene I have ever watched in a movie.

Ready to start, the duel begins The best man wins in the end A lung and a feint, a parry too late A cut to the chest and you're down Seeing the stain, then feeling the pain Feeling the sweat on your brow Oh-oh, fight for the honor Fight for the splendor Fight for the pleasure Oh-oh, fight for the honor Fight for the splendor Fight for your life ~Iron Maiden, _The Duelists_

Carradine is psyching him out, comparable to a batters stepping out of the batter's box, good show Mr. Carradine.

Wow. I did not expect so many responses. I never fought a duel! Dad learned Italian Style Foil in the 1950s when he was in University in Sicily . He taught me as a boy. The technique is essentially what you see here with the small swords.People were still occasionally fighting duels there at the time. My fencing instructor in College had a mode he used for fencing for points in competition where he tried to”not get hit” .I always thought that would be how I would fence if it was for real. I think in a real duel one would not do anything that caused the distance too get too close. There would be no risky attacks or anything that caused a loss of balance. The more proficient I became as a fencer, the more I scored points on ripostes and responding to other people’s mistakes. An incorcatta in a duel would really have to be almost an act of brilliance or desperation. I encourage you all to get involved in fencing if you are interested. It is a great sport. I miss it Frank

This is one of my favorite movies. I've watched it several times. Professional duelist, Feraud, is shown to possess some kind of psychological pathology that compels him to challenge people to duels for insults, perceived or real. He challenges the movie's protagonist for a perceive slight to his honor. After watching the movie several time, I think the protagonist could have handled the initial confrontation better. But he let his own macho ego influence his words and demeanor, which only served to inflame Feraud all the more. Feraud becomes a lifetime enemy of him. Yet throughout their ten plus years of repeat duelings, Feraud continues to be a stickler to the strict social rules of dueling. Feraud never takes cheap shots at the movie's hero. In the second duel, where Feraud actually wins, he pick's up the hero's swords and hands it to the second. But Feraud doesn't want simply to win. He wants to kill his hated opponent. But he wants to kill him according to the dueling rules and without the slightest shred of contention that the kill was not clean nor warranted. At movie's end, the hero wins but doesn't kill Feraud. He tells Feraud that he owns his life from now on and that he cannot breach honor by demanding another duel. The movie ends without confirming whether Feraud actually agreed to these limitations. The social convention of dueling in Europe does not explain whether the winner can spare the life of the opponent and then keep the defeated from demanding a follow-up duel. If Feraud was that psychologically fixated, I doubt he would have held to the hero's demands. Yet Feraud would never stoop to something like ambush and murder. Honor was everything to him.

Hard to believe but this feud is based on historical fact.

"You're gonna be alright! You're gonna be alright! Say the god danm word! SAY IT!"

usually, fights are settled pretty quickly. a swordfight ends instantly due to a mistake of some sort like blocking, a gunfight lasts instantly due to a well aimed bullet, a dogfight lasts instantly due to a missile lock that happens. Fights can be dramatic at first because people are fearing for their lives, but once they go at it, it doesn't take long to find out who is better, and who is dead.

This film was so interesting in it's time. It felt like it came out of nowhere. But it made its own impact on me. Haunted my memory for years. The opening sequence felt like reality.

Loved this movie. The way the Keith Carradine character outwitted his obsessive compulsive opponent towards the end was text book brilliant.

It is amazing how much sword skill these great actors have. No CGI at that time. Just pure talent. I have seen the movie sop many times.

The fellow on the left hit him with what is called an incorccata. I have used it in competition against taller opponents by inviting in the line of 6 and dropping under it. I don't think I would do it in a duel as you are left so off balance at the end of it and if you miss you are finished. The fellow on the right rather much threw himself at his opponent. Combat fencing should be much more conservative and cautious, but this makes great theater. I love the camera work.

I really wish hollywood level productions would adopt this much more realistic take on combat. The tension is absolutely palpable and can still be shot theatrically, whereas most productions leave the audience with little sense of worry for the protagonist. While we might know that it is likely the hero will prevail to continue the narrative, scenes like this add a real sense of dread.

Ridley Scott’s first, and in my opinion, still his best film.

R.Scott said he got inspired by S.Kubrick's Barry Lyndon, and indeed the two movies have a similar photography. The Duellist proves R.Scott could have been a great artist and not only a profitable entertainer. He got blunt edged after his first three great movies, Duellists, Alien, Blade Runner.

The Duellists is such a great movie, and for it to be Ridley Scotts debut feature film makes it even more incredible.

This movie is a crowning achievement in Ridley Scott’s list of greats. I remember seeing this movie in ‘78. It was a spectacularly different feel than the traditional movies of its time. Barry Lyndon was also the same..

This is a gorgeous looking film.

You know a scene is realistic when an actor sneezes in it. I think its the first time that i have seen that happen actually

This deserves a remaster/restored version released on blu-ray.

I saw this excellent movie only once, but never forgot the final confrontation, when D'Hubert had Ferraud at his mercy: "You have kept me at your beck and call for fifteen years. I shall never again do what you demand of me. By every rule of single combat, from this moment your life belongs to me. Is that not correct? Then I shall simply declare you dead. In all of your dealings with me, you'll do me the courtesy to conduct yourself as a dead man. I have submitted to your notions of honor long enough. You will now submit to mine."

THE best and most realistic movie fencing scenes ever

I like how minilist this movie is. No epic music during the duels. Just quiet tension.

Those uniforms, the hair styles, amazing

It must have been a big problem for the generals of that time period ( Napoleonic, I'm guessing ) to be losing officers to duels when they're needed to lead their troops. Though it is common knowledge that soldiers of that & the past few centuries sporting mustaches, i had no idea that wearing braids had come into fashion. Its been a while since i saw this so i gotta re-watch later & check for any other details I missed. TY for posting this video

The direction and cinematography in this film is remarkable! Even though it's from 1977, it still looks brilliant and absolutely gorgeous! No wonder Ridley Scott was recognized for his effort with this one.

Went to fencing class in May 2023 and I learned this is true sword fight.

So I ask a quwstion here, after rewatching this , tense and on edge moment. Why Can't you do this anymore? Simple human moments and great story telling!!! ]

got wrecked in 3 seconds, please uninstall

Did that guy pause the duel to sneeze?

i love so many aspects of this film! The cinematography, the authenticity of the duel, shot wide-angle and no shaky cams, and sharp dialogues. Next time d'Hubert! And oh, men wearing pony tails! I think we need to revive this fashion.

I love how the swords ring when they hit each other. Most movie swords sound like metal yardsticks clashing together.

I love the little details like when he picks up his sword to hand to his friend and then the friend notices and annoyingly takes it from him. It almost looks like an unscripted moment but at to the realism. Definitely don't see stuff like that in movies today.

The cinematography in this whole scene is so beautiful. A wonderful film really.

I used to be really good at fencing, but I got tired of put up all hose fences. Now I'm a plumber.

The 19th century version of "You stepped on my Timbs."

The duel ending attack comes from old sword books. This attack will also be teached in modern military combat knife/bayonet training. Bending downwards until the free hand reaches the ground and then attack with an upward thrust. This attack is difficult to parry and especially effective for thrusting weapons. I have a video from around 1890, in which this attack is demonstrated with sabers.

Masterpiece. Needs more recognition as one of Ridley's very best films.

This is why they outlawed dueling. so many good men who's lives were lost for nothing.

Every second of this scene looks like a painting... It's beyond words

Man, looks good for a 1977 film!

I am a Napoleonic War history nut and I just love this movie

This is quite simply one of the finest films ever made. I have watched it many times, and it never fails to entertain me.

30 seconds just psyching each other out, waiting for an opening...then 3 seconds of explosive fighting. Got to love the pacing in this film. Superb!

It's a beautifully shot film. And this scene in particular with regards to the planning of the sunrise to frame the opening shot and then one long planning shot before the riders appear really is great filmmaking.

I remember the first time I watched this movie and the second, third ect. Each time it's gotten better and better. Masterpiece! I hope that they never do a reboot!

The rapier was about reach and leverage, being able to get at your opponent in narrow streets. The smallsword was shorter, lighter, and stiff, more able to beat a blade out of the way. I can't imagine trying to keep track of something so narrow moving so fast. Smallsword duels must have been the most breathlessly lethal things in the world.

bought this film in 2020 when I was living in Encinitas Ridley Scott likes his duels He made this, Gladiator, and the recent duel movie w Matt Damon and Adam Driver

It's pretty badass how he didn't strike him when he had to sneeze.

I haven't yet scene this movie, but the duel scenes I've watches remind me very much of Kubrick's camerawork, in particular Barry Lyndon of course.

1:25 - his pause of the duel while he sneezes is a detail of this scene that really adds to the realism here

I love the costumes and hairstyles in this film. I’ve never seen another historical film with this kind of look. Absolutely beautiful!

Overlooked, underrated film. The whole short film is just great. Seen it once or twice. There are messages in it .

The hussars uniforms make this movie so much more interesting

Superb photography, acting, costumes and sword fencing. It is disgraceful that film wasn't even nominated for an Oscar. Costumes??? WTF?! Keitel was just outstanding, one of his best roles.

Charlie Murphy on duels: Even back in the day when slapping a man was fashionable like back in Paris, you’d walk up to a man and slap him WHOSH-PAH!! I challenge you a duel! Someone had to die after that.

The grey uniforms are definitely 3rd Hussars. I think the green ones are 7th Hussars. Don't remember if they ever said in the movie. It's been a while since I saw it.

scholagladiatoria made a great analysis on this.

Fun fact: from the commentary on the DVD version, Keitel hadn't had much riding experience, and in the opening scene where he's galloping in, he fluffed his dismount badly and fell off. You can see the recovery in the foreground, just in the shot. Hilarious, apparently they had to edit out the fantasy laughter and giggling, especially from Harvey.

I love the fact that he hands his sowrd back when he dropped it.

I remember watching this at about 16 and has stayed with me to this day and agree that hussars were the finest dressed of all.

That sneeze should have won an Oscar.

Underrated flick. Great cinematography. Great lighting.

I was a teenager watching this movie for the first time in the late 90's. I almost choked on my food when that guy said "there's no need to bear a grudge." 🤣

Need to start making movies like this again.

Sneazing!! When Adrenalin rushes in the high intense situations a human is unable to sneaze.

So beautyfully shot . One can see Ridley Scotts film advertising history in his early work . He worked in film advertising early in his career before he went into films. Attention to detail is everything and highly stylised . I only stumbled across it some 25 years ago. I often wondered how i missed that gem as an old film buff !

A perfect film in every way.

Brilliant movie. The emotions feel so real. Keitel's character is irrational but totally realistic.

One of my favourite movies for historical attention to detail, but based on real incident that Conrad wrote about. Actual number of duels between the two were 25 over 15 years

Whether the east or the west, I always hold great respect and admiration for brilliant sword men.

man, those uniforms are slick af!

Such a magnificent cinematography, can't believe that it's from 1977.

This is an excellent movie. This movie and the 1952 movie Scaramouche are probably the two best movies when it comes to dueling.

fantastic film genuine masterpiece especially as it is ridly scots first film both the leads are brilliant and most realistic duels in films i have ever watched not a second of flyning

“How about you make it up like a couple of good fellows after getting stabbed in the lung by your enemy”

His opponent must have watched the first duel and wore the big glove.

I haven't seen this for years but has always stuck in my mind. shows how good it really is.

Looks realistic to me. If you ever watched fencing at olympia, they never fence for a long time. Few seconds and there is a hit and a point.

Where do I begin? Superb acting, excellent choreography and gorgeously shot. This film is incredible, I cannot believe it was shot in 1977.