German viewers can watch the Western “The Duel” for free in the ARD Mediathek until January 20th. The Western features stars from “The Hunger Games”, Woody Harrelson and Liam Hemsworth, in a duel to the death. And the Western shows what happens when a hero breaks the most important rule: Never take your wife to work.
What is “The Duel” about? When thinking about “Duel” and westerns, one first imagines two cowboys standing off against each other on the sandy main street, but at the center of “The Duel” is a different form of combat: Two men are tied together by one arm. With their free hand, each holds a razor blade. They stab at each other until one falls.
This way, Texas Ranger David Kingston (Liam Hemsworth) loses his father as a child. Twenty years later, he is supposed to bring his father’s murderer to justice.
His arch enemy, Abraham Brant, has transformed from a ruthless killer into a charismatic preacher, has built his own town in the middle of nowhere, and is on the verge of starting a war with Mexico because Mexicans regularly disappear in the town, including the daughter of an influential general.
Never take your wife to work
Which rule does the hero break? The film begins with a variation of the classic hero’s journey: The hero is no longer a young man at the start of his adventure, but the protagonist is already a Texas Ranger, an experienced veteran who lives in an idyllic setting away from all troubles with his beautiful wife and is now sent by a father figure to go on a journey and fight the evil on its territory.
But his lovely wife does not want to wait alone in the cabin for the cowboy’s return any longer, and tells him: Take me with you or I’m gone.
The hero already has a feeling that this is a bad idea, but he actually gives in and takes her into enemy territory, which turns out to be a terrible idea. For the woman falls into the orbit of the charismatic arch enemy and everything turns against the hero.
Woody Harrelson shines as the charismatic villain
What is the appeal of the film? The fascination of the film comes from Woody Harrelson as the villain “Abraham Brant”, who is difficult to read. He is not a classic villain, but first approaches the hero in a friendly and respectful manner. Harrelson only reveals his cards late, showing what is truly at stake.
Liam Hemsworth, the younger brother of Thor, has – as with the follow-up as “The Witcher” – received a relatively thankless role, but makes the best of it as the taciturn cowboy whose life is falling apart.
Where can you see it? “The Duel” can still be watched for free in the ARD Mediathek until January 20th at 3:10 AM. The film is rated “from 16”, so you can either watch it after 10 PM or, if you go through the age verification process, also during the day.
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