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."
Rating: 
Summary: Poor DVD Transfer
Review: I am very disapointed. I loved the movie enough to get the DVD only to find that for one of the most beautifull movies ever made it is one of the worst DVD transfers I have ever seen. First, I don't know why Hollywood cannot get it screen format act together. This movie is not wide screen animorphic ( to fite wide screen TV's) nor is it surround sound, as it says on the back under special features. You have to look closer to see the word "Stereo" after running time and color. The first release of The Last of The Mohicans had the same screen format problem but thank God they came out with what they then called an enhanced widescreen version that fixed the problem. Please Mirimax restore Restoration to true wide screen dolby 5.1 surround sound and I will give it an easy 5 stars
Rating:
Summary: Magnificent!
Review: I do not buy many DVD's or videos. I'm extremely picky. But this is such a wonderful, rich, and beautiful movie, it was the FIRST DVD I bought when I got my player. Enough said.
Rating: 
Summary: Tremendous work on all sides
Review: I just watched this movie yesterday and was completely mesmerized. Literally, I could not look away. I think this is one of the best works of Robert Downey Jr. (best being "Chaplin"). It was fascinating to watch his character of Merivel change, grow up and use his talents for mankind. His relationship with Meg Ryan's character was bittersweet. The ending was remarkable and nearly every scene was gorgeous and lush. I highly recommend this movie.
Rating:
Summary: A sensual, enlightening period piece about the human heart.
Review: I knew the cast well before I began to watch this, but I had no real idea of what I was going to see. I was impressed. Sam Neill's performance of the King was tongue in cheek and glorious. He was intimidating, funny, and spiritual in every scene he was in. Robert Downey Jr was phenomenal as Robert Merivel, a sweet but debached physician...Physician heal thyself is the order from the king and it takes much hardship and soul searching for the good doctor to complete his own heart's truth, but when he does, nearly everything is restored to him. He fears much and is talented and can only begin to live when he has faced himself and gone on. I give this movie the ultimate thumbs up and its not nearly enough.The sets were lavish and befitting the time and the costuming was revealing about the human attitude of that time for fashion. Every where you looked, the heart motif showed itself, from a mole on the cheek, to a physician's silver case, to a wig's shape, to the open medical book, to the living breathing man who bears a hole in his chest that reveals his beating heart. Who among us would dare to reach in and touch the organ?
Rating:
Summary: Robert Downey jr.'s Best Performance
Review: I LOVED this film. I wasn't sure at first if it would be as wonderful as I had heard, but it was! Meg Ryan gives an exquisite and moving performance, one that before seeing this film, I didn't think she was capable of accomplishing. Visually this film is magnificent and sumptutous. If you love Robert Downey, Jr., as an actor, you will love this film!
Rating:
Summary: Truly moving and excellent!!! Multi-faceted; lavish music
Review: I must have watched this movie 5 times - at least! I loved it all! The history, the music, the wonderful Cavalier Costumes. I had never heard of "Robert Downey Jr." before and thought he was a great BRITISH actor - until I looked him up. He looked very sincere and caring in this movie. The scenes with the plague (with that one bell tolling - magnificent mood setter) really were well done. The final scene was a tear jerker for me.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful!!!
Review: I recently discovered this film on television, and right away rented it to show it to my family! THis movie is gorgeous! It even pulls in viewers who normally don't go for period films! The lesson of this film is so well told, the characters so likable, and Downey Jr. is briliant! This movie tugs at your heart and leaves you with a wonderful feeling! "Sags in the second half"? Did that reviewer actually watch the movie? Judge for yourself! This movie is a must see! A must have actually!
Rating:
Summary: BRILLIANT!
Review: I would have given it more than 5 stars, but that's all I am allowed to give it. This epic film is Downey's best, IMO, and he gives an amazing performance. He should have gotten an Oscar! The costumes and sets are lush and magnificent. Meg Ryan is surprisingly good.
Rating: 
Summary: very long movie/not worth the time
Review: If you're a Meg Ryan fan, she doesn't even appear until halfway through the movie, and then disappears somewhat near the end. Robert Downey Jr. is the main character here and he's always very good. He plays a man who is trained as a physician in the 16th century, but is afraid to use his "gifts", as everyone in the movie calls them, because he has seen so many people die and suffer. He adopts a carefree, indulgent lifestyle, much to the disturbance of his best friend who, in contrast to Downey's character, is a devoted physician. His friend prays for his return, and eventually, Robert (actually his character's name here) does return, by default. He has been banished from his lavish lifestyle by the king (Sam Neill), whom he has angered and disappointed by falling in love with the king's mistress (Polly Walker). Hugh Grant has a tiny part, as a snooty painter commissioned by the king to draw a portrait of his mistress. His character is a real nasty one, very unusual for Hugh Grant. Robert's character undergoes a major transformation, as the new harshness of his life forces him to grow and maximize his potential/his "gifts". The drawn out plot reaches an only slightly satisfying conclusion. Again, very long, and not worth the time.
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