Rating: 
Summary: The rise, fall & restoration of the physician Robert Merivel
Review: "Restoration" won a pair of Oscars for Eugenio Zanetti's Art Direction-Set Deocration and James Acheson's Costume Design, and there is a sense in which the spectacular sets threaten to overwhelm the story, which is based on the novel by Rose Tremain. This is a gorgeous film where the camera often takes time to focus on every detail as we are introduced to one spectacular set after another that presents the lavish court of King Charles II, who returned to the English throne following the restoration of the Stuart monarch. As far as period costume dramas go this 1994 film is virtually in a class by itself, and how it was made for only $18 million is beyond belief.The reason that many viewers may not cotton to this film is that it is one in which we are repeatedly misled as to what the film is above. Even with the hint of the film's title, which is at face value the term used to describe the reign of Charles II, "Restoration" makes more sense retrospectively. However, I liked the idea that my idea of what the film was about kept evolving. After all the times I have sat through predictable films and been ahead of the characters and the plot, I can certainly enjoy trying to keep up with a story for one and being surprised by the twists and turns in the narrative. The story is about Robert Merivel (Robert Downey Jr.), a young physician of great promise who is summoned to court to attend to a patient at the command of the King (Sam Neill). Merivel succeeds, albeit more through luck than skill, and is appointed to a position in court. Seduced by life in the palace Merivel accepts the position, which means turning his back on his studies and his best friend John Pearce (David Thewlis), a Quaker. However, the King finds another use for Merivel and marries him to his most spirited mistress, Lady Cedlia (Polly Walker). After the lavish wedding Merivel gets a knighthood and a huge country estate, but the one thing that is denied him is sex with his "wife." Having been ordered not to fall in love with Celia, we believe we know what this film is going to be about. However, in that regard we are both right and wrong. Despite the glamour of Merivel's rise in the first part of this film, it is his fall that produces the true drama. It is a long fall, hard fall, set against the backdrop of two cataclysmic events in the London of that time: the Black Plague and the Great Fire. It is not that Merivel finds himself during these trying times, but rather than he remembers himself. Downey's performance covers a lot of ground. When he is the fool he embraces the role wholeheartedly, but at the end when he has restored to him the most precious thing that he has lost the look on his face is a moment of transcendent joy. Of course, it is impossible to watch this film today and not wish the actor had taken its moral to heart. I have enjoyed watching this film several times and one of these days I am going to have to read Tremain's novel. I suspect that the screenplay by Rupert Walters is being extremely faithful, but I would also think that Tremain has all sorts of marvelous period details that I would enjoy. Another thing that impresses me about Michael Hoffman's film is that it has Ian McKellen and Meg Ryan in what are essentially small, but pivotal, roles. "Restoration" is a film where you just go along for the ride, enjoy the pretty pictures, and be surprised at the end to discover how far you have come from where you started.
Rating:
Summary: The rise, fall & restoration of the physician Robert Merivel
Review: "Restoration" won a pair of Oscars for Eugenio Zanetti's Art Direction-Set Deocration and James Acheson's Costume Design, and there is a sense in which the spectacular sets threaten to overwhelm the story, which is based on the novel by Rose Tremain. This is a gorgeous film where the camera often takes time to focus on every detail as we are introduced to one spectacular set after another that presents the lavish court of King Charles II, who returned to the English throne following the restoration of the Stuart monarch. As far as period costume dramas go this 1994 film is virtually in a class by itself, and how it was made for only $18 million is beyond belief. The reason that many viewers may not cotton to this film is that it is one in which we are repeatedly misled as to what the film is above. Even with the hint of the film's title, which is at face value the term used to describe the reign of Charles II, "Restoration" makes more sense retrospectively. However, I liked the idea that my idea of what the film was about kept evolving. After all the times I have sat through predictable films and been ahead of the characters and the plot, I can certainly enjoy trying to keep up with a story for one and being surprised by the twists and turns in the narrative. The story is about Robert Merivel (Robert Downey Jr.), a young physician of great promise who is summoned to court to attend to a patient at the command of the King (Sam Neill). Merivel succeeds, albeit more through luck than skill, and is appointed to a position in court. Seduced by life in the palace Merivel accepts the position, which means turning his back on his studies and his best friend John Pearce (David Thewlis), a Quaker. However, the King finds another use for Merivel and marries him to his most spirited mistress, Lady Cedlia (Polly Walker). After the lavish wedding Merivel gets a knighthood and a huge country estate, but the one thing that is denied him is sex with his "wife." Having been ordered not to fall in love with Celia, we believe we know what this film is going to be about. However, in that regard we are both right and wrong. Despite the glamour of Merivel's rise in the first part of this film, it is his fall that produces the true drama. It is a long fall, hard fall, set against the backdrop of two cataclysmic events in the London of that time: the Black Plague and the Great Fire. It is not that Merivel finds himself during these trying times, but rather than he remembers himself. Downey's performance covers a lot of ground. When he is the fool he embraces the role wholeheartedly, but at the end when he has restored to him the most precious thing that he has lost the look on his face is a moment of transcendent joy. Of course, it is impossible to watch this film today and not wish the actor had taken its moral to heart. I have enjoyed watching this film several times and one of these days I am going to have to read Tremain's novel. I suspect that the screenplay by Rupert Walters is being extremely faithful, but I would also think that Tremain has all sorts of marvelous period details that I would enjoy. Another thing that impresses me about Michael Hoffman's film is that it has Ian McKellen and Meg Ryan in what are essentially small, but pivotal, roles. "Restoration" is a film where you just go along for the ride, enjoy the pretty pictures, and be surprised at the end to discover how far you have come from where you started.
Rating: 
Summary: Well worth watching. Great costumes and performances.
Review: A beautiful movie, with interesting settings, costumes, and great performances. An intriguing story of discovery, hope and love.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent Fairy Tale
Review: A story that is surprisingly light-hearted, funny and optimistic even amongst the horrors of the plague and the great fire of London. Unique both visually and in tone from other period films. The story moves along at a very fast pace, leaving some characters underdeveloped, but overall this charming fairytale is one celebrating progress and human kindness. Excellent performances by Downey Junior and Sam Neill.
Rating:
Summary: 'The Merry Monarch'
Review: Admirable costume drama lavishly made and brilliantly set in 17th century England before during and after the Great Plague and the great fire of London.Although it dosent quite pull it of some how. This is the story of a profligate young surgeon played by the forever rehabillitating Robert Downey jr in one of his better roles,who eventually finds his true calling as a healer of the sick.The cameos by Hugh Grant,Ian McKellen,Polly Walker and supporting cast Meg Ryan and Sam Neill manage to lift this film above the ordinary but the second half seems to ramble along in a disorganised manner some how losing the interest of its audience until the denouement at the end.Enough said.I have always been fascinated by the character of King Charles II.One of Englands more wayward monarchs played here by new zealand actor Sam Neill.Not for nothing was he known as the merry monarch.His reputation with woman was such from the high born to the common peasant girl that he left behind him a whole raft of illegitimate children who all married into the english nobility.The lady Diana Spencers family is descended from one of them.The irony is that despite all these proginey he failed to sire one legitimate heir from his long suffering but barren wife the portuguese princess Catherine of Braganza.His sense of humour extended to all.When the founder of Pennsylvania William Penn approached Charles to petition him for land in the new World he refused to take his hat of whereby the king removed his own exclaiming to the surprised quaker that 'where I am mr Penn only one head may remain covered'.Despite the faux pas Charles generously granted the request.In his extensive works on the history of The English-speaking Peoples Winston Churchill vilifies and decries the reputation of this most un-serious king.I believe the man was more complicated than that.Oh well.Sam Neill gives an authentic portrayal here of king Charles,despite his flawed character.The film itself may not interest you but the history sure will.
Rating:
Summary: A Masterpiece?
Review: After reading the other reviews that have so much great information about this film I won't go into details but I must say that in my opinion the second half of this movie should really only be judged by the individual viewer. If the film would have continued the same as the first half I feel the originality of the film would have been lost. The script, acting and photography were all totally amazing. An overlooked and underrated movie. I could almost call this film a masterpiece.
Rating:
Summary: Amazing scenery, very solid acting, strong story line
Review: All I can say is this is an amazing story. I for one like movies over their printed counterparts - especially when the actors and directors interpretations tell a fantastic story. This is that type of movie. Sam Neill is extraordinary as is Robert Downey Jr. who is playing a character similar to his real life. I think it is a stunning movie visually but don't believe others that tell you this overshadows the plot or character development, it doesn't. In fact the point of the movie is the Restoration of Merivel (Downey) from a sensualist bent on wine, women and song, to recognize his true talents of a physician and the support that those close to him have given him. This movie is a journey for Merivel through the ups and downs of his life, from drunken debauchery of Charles II's court to fighting the great fire of London and the plague that struck Europe. All in all I think the scenery is enough reason to get this movie. But don't believe for a minute that there isn't a compelling story, a true character transformation and plenty of conflict and resolution that would have made this movie a winner were it shot in black in white in the mountains.
Rating:
Summary: A MASTERPIECE!!!!!!!!!!!
Review: BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN, ACTED AND DIRECTED.............A MASTERPIEC
Rating:
Summary: Historic Drama Of Beautiful Proportions
Review: Director Michael Hoffman's 1994 film "Restoration" was based on Rose Tremain's novel about 17th century England in the time known as "The Restoration" during the reign of King Charles II. A gorgeous film, it explores the times and its light and dark elements while at the same time we journey through the eventful life of the physician Dr. Robert Merivel (played by Robert Downey Jr). Through the course of the film, he encounters two women- the mysterious, beautiful and aristocratic Lady Celia Clemence (Polly Walker) and the simple, Irish Puritan played by Meg Ryan who hardly takes up roles in historic films. Guest stars include Ian McKellen (Gandal from Lord of the Rings)as a member of the king's court and Hugh Grant as an annoying, self-deluded portrait artist.
The title suggests not only the period in England's history but the spiritual "restoration" of Robert himself, who goes through enormous change throughout the film, from womanizing, sinful, care-free, naive, immature young doctor to enlightened, wise, mature, compassionate and religiously guided family man. Merivel is a doctor during the Plague- not the Bubonic Plague of Shakespeare's day but the later plague of the mid 1600's. Science is illuminating the otherwise dark, superstitious medieval world as a type of Renaissance emergences in all the fields. Charles II (played by Sam Neill) has restored England and freed the country from the conservative, repressed and bleak reign of the Puritans, opening the theatres again (which the Puritans had found sinful)and opening his mind to the wonders of science. In one scene, an elderly guinea pig has been cut to reveal his living heart which he tells Merivel he can touch for a shilling. The role of Charles II is performed effortlessy by Sam Neill who makes him appear like England's version of Frances' Louis XIV the "Sun King". He offers Lady Celia (who enters in a magnificent display) as Merivel's bride but in one condition: he must never fall in love or have sexual relations with her. However, the promise is broken when Merviel and Celia do break the rules. Lady Celia, one of many mistresses of the polyamorous English king, is jealous and tormented that she is not the only one who owns the king's heart. I thought her character was rather wooden in this respect and she could have at least shown more strength of character rather than pining away for that lusty king. In contrant, Meg Ryan is simple, unassuming, spiritually motivated and ultimately happier though she lives in sheer poverty and plague.
This is another little twist to the story. The poor seem to be better people than the rich. John Pearce, a Quaker, is the opposite of Charles II as he seems to be the power figure in a religious world of humanity and simplicity rather than luxury and pursuit of pleasure. This is a gorgeous film, with beautiful detail and attention to historic fact as well as a moving journey in the life of one man. Robert Downey Jr. himself incorporates the modern Merivel, as he has himself indulged in pleasures- and in life-afflicting drugs of which he has since recovered. Now, Downey is a better man, a changed man, much like Merivel in the end of the film. This is a great movie to look at, if only for its visual cinematography. There is subtle symbolism in the film, such as the tree in the Puritan settlement which seems to have mystic connections, the London Fire seems to be speaking of Hell Fire, the Universe "Model" with the King in the center seems to be saying that Charles II's reign was absolute. A great costume drama that is not easily forgotten.
Rating:
Summary: A parallel to the life of Robert Downey, Jr.
Review: Here is one of my favorite films and one of the best period pieces of recent years. Occuring during the English Restoration period, it is also the story of a soul's restoration to recognize one's talents and one's destiny. Based on the novel by Rose Tremain, it cuts across the events of the era using the life of the character Robert Merivel, played by Robert Downey, Jr. The beauty of the costumes and art direction was accomplished within a miniscule budget (the total film budget was less than $20 million) but resulted in winning the Oscar for both categories. As always, Mr. Downey Jr. proves that he is one of the top actors in America today. It is a pity that his personal life has been so tragic and yet, here within this film, he portrays an individual bent on self-destruction rather than recognizing and exercising his talents. You want to shout, "Robert, do you watch any of your films?" It is funny, touching and inspiring. Sadly, not a box office smash, but it was a difficult movie to promote. Also, pay attention to the film score, a great combination of classical music of the period and an excellent score by James Newton Howard. And, to Mr. Downey Jr., who I hope can get his personal troubles behind him so that he can enjoy his talents, there is a line for him that is quite appropriate: "Lord, send a light to show Robert the way."
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