Rating: 
Summary: A fantastic period piece
Review: Some of Downey's best work, I believe. There isn't a single piece of acting in this film that didn't impress me, and of course as a period piece the costuming is gorgeous. It's a well-made statement about what was going on during the Restoration period, as well as being a moving story about an intelligent and talented man thrown into the world of court intrigue, and failing to deal with it very well.
I could wish for more extra stuff on the DVD, but I almost always can. ;-)
Rating: 
Summary: Restoration is not just a period of British history.
Review: Sometimes restoration is about the rehabilitation of the human spirit, and this movie is a perfect depiction of that. This is a beautiful film in all respects. The costumes and settings are second to none. All the actors deliver completely believable performances. Best of all, we get another example of how the human spirit can be redeemed and uplifted. One viewing of this movie could never be enough. It will become a mainstay in many private collections, as it has in mine.
Rating:
Summary: A film about the awakening of a human soul.
Review: The first time I saw this movie I was distinctly underwhelmed. I'm an art historian with a specialty in the Baroque and found the settings way over the top, especially in the palace scenes. Everything seemed to be enlarged and rather ridiculous. I'm afraid that my annoyance about this prevented me from seeing the real value of the film. After a long time I recently viewed it again and was stunned to discover that there was a very interesting and inspiring story lurking among the overinflated sets. The story of a person's decay into self-indulgence and self-pity and eventual discovery, through religious friends, of the pathway to genuine happiness by caring for others was actually very surprising in contemporary culture. Bravo!On the performances: I thought Robert Downey, Jr. did a pretty good job in the title role and that Sam Neill did a remarkably good job (with, I suspect, some tongue-in-cheek)embodying Charles II. I was less impressed by the women (and Hugh Grant), but they really had subordinate roles anyway. And Ian McKellan, who has always impressed me as a very physical actor, did a great job as an elderly rural servant. Best of all were the pack of Cavalier King Charles Spaniels who did a superb job of playing themselves!
Rating:
Summary: A restoration of one man's spirit
Review: The title Restoration has more than one meaning here. It refers, of course, to the period in history, but also to one man's own quest, from arrogance and dissipation to love and responsibility. I saw this movie because I like period pieces, but more than that, I found this movie extremely moving and uplifting. Downey's performance is astounding. Yes, it is slower in the second half, but to me it proved no detriment. See this movie if you care about the human condition, and if you appreciate quality movies.
Rating:
Summary: Critics gone wrong
Review: This film is one of the most moving I have ever seen...from the emotionally charged score, to the performance of Robert Downey Jr. To my surprise, the online reviews from various film critics did not rate this film very highly. To anyone considering buying or renting this film, do not be misled by the critics. It is a beautiful, touching film. Robert Downey Jr. is a master of facial expressions and carries this picture with his sensitive acting.
Rating:
Summary: Visually Stunning!
Review: This is one of my all time favorite "costume" movies. I have seen it at least 15 times and never tire of it. It's plot I must admit, is a bit slow however, the cinematography and set design make up for that. The sets are astounding and if you want a film that gives you an idea of the gaudiness and decadance of the riegn of Charles II this is for you. It may not be historically accurate, but Robert Downey, Jr. performance makes you believe it happened that way. If you like 17th or 18th century costume films...this one takes the cake.
Rating:
Summary: a good story and some great acting
Review: This movie tells a moving historical story, not to mention the brilliant performance by Robert Downey, Jr. as Robert Merivel, a spoiled and later rediscovered physician. He has such amazing range of acting capabilities - as funny, sincere, smart, dark, deep, subtle, ruthless or bewitched, which I only have taken notice since he started appearing on Ally McBeal. This film confirms his superb acting once again. Although the film seems kind of lack some development details on story or characters, Robert Downey made up most of it smoothly with his beautiful performance. Other actors I like in the movie include: Ian McKellan (as servent) and Hugh Grant (protrait painter - such a character in a small part). But, Meg Ryan's character wasn't that convincing at all, and she couldn't even speak in Irish accent (pretty much American accent actually) even though everybody else around her speak with perfect British/Irish accent, including Robert Downey. I really wished, when watching this film, that director would have had chosen a different actress to play Meg Ryan's character. Go to see this movie, at least rent one, and then you would see what I mean...
Rating: 
Summary: Flawed but Fabulous
Review: Visually magnificent, with plenty of opportunities for oppressive opulence in this delicious, but ultimately convoluted epic, *Restoration* is a lovely mess. Spanning the reign of Charles II, the great fire, the plague, ad nauseum, the "restoration" refers to, not only the period, but the human condition. But that conclusion is a difficult one to arrive at, and will only be understood by those viewers who actually sit through the movie. Shot in England and Wales, and winning Academy Awards for Art Direction and Costumes, the script involves a promising young doctor, Jack Merivel (Downey), whose gifts attract the attention of the King. Entering the revered court circle, Merivel has the delights of the world at his fingertips and ultimately succumbs to debauchery. But it is a story of restoration (as well as *the* Restoration) and redemption, with certain timeless aspects that have modern consequences, but the script begins to fray throughout the second half. With the exception of an unpleasant, jarring characterization of a mentally ill woman by Meg Foster (whose forte is definitely not period pieces), the leading and supporting roles are well cast. Downey has an appeal and charm (one that survived his recent tribulations), and gives Merivel humor, irony and dedication, in addition to the human foibles he falls victim to. Neill carries off the role of King Charles II with style and assurance, as he seeks to secure the permanent services of his mistress by marrying her off the Merivel, thus keeping her near. The King has selected Merivel for his inability to be placated with one woman - Merivel's desires keep him on a constant conquest for new and different lasciviousness - but the King's one condition is that Merivel not fall in love with his own wife. Needless to say, that is exactly what occurs, and thus begins the tumultuous fall from grace. And that's just the first part of this lengthy movie. The second half deals with Merivel's quest for redemption - not from the King, but from himself and God. It involves his daughter by the Meg Ryan character, and this is where the story changes from costume drama to social commentary. It is through Merivel's personal travails, as well as those inherent in the period: disease, pestilence and ignorance, that Merivel understands that the only reason he is on earth is to care for this child that is an extension of himself. His flight to find her and prove his worthiness in overcoming the obstacles set before him is a moment that would have been served at little earlier in the film. Despite the lush cinematography, there is an overdose factor involved that, once the outcome of the movie is evident, the viewer yearns for it to hurry along and be over. That said, it also leaves lingering memories of beauty and gratification.
Rating:
Summary: Are we the masters of our soul?
Review: Yes this is a period piece and the movie was beautifully costumed and the colors were brilliant. But a lot of movies can say that. These were great actors. They all made memorable movies before and after this one. Not all movies can say that they are more than the sum of their parts and that the characters were great enough to outshine the actors. But this one is one of those movies. It really doesn't fit any category of movie unless you can call it inspirational.
Robert Merivel was the master and the sum of his choices. Even the circumstances that looked like her had no control over were the results of previous choices. This also applied to the other characters that surrounded him. The end is the results of the means. This is one movie that could not be remade.
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful period piece!
Review: You probably will not find many more beautifully photographed historical films than "Restoration". Robert Downey's acting is very good, although I am not a fan of Meg Ryan...she always seems so "self aware" in her roles. The film has an inspiring message as it stresses the virtues of human kindness and self sacrifice over a life of self seeking indulgence. And the film is an excellent depiction of the times...from the restoration of the monarchy to the plague years to the great fire of London. Well worthwhile seeing!
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