Synopsis
An aspiring young physician, Robert Merivel found himself in the service of King Charles II and saves the life of someone close to the King. Merivel joins the King's court and lives the high life provided to someone of his position. Merivel is ordered to marry his King's mistress in order to divert the queens suspicions. He is given one order by the king and that is not to fall in love. The situation worsens when Merivel finds himself in love with his new wife. Eventually, the King finds out and relieves Merivel of his position and wealth. His fall from grace leaves Merivel where he first started. And through his travels and reunions with an old friend, he rediscovers his love for true medicine and what it really means to be a physician.
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Cast
- Robert Downey Jr.Robert Merivel
- Meg RyanKatharine
- Sam NeillKing Charles II
- David ThewlisJohn Pearce
- Hugh GrantElias Finn
- Polly WalkerCelia Clemence
- Ian McKellenWill Gates
- Ian McDiarmidAmbrose
- Mary MacLeodMidwife
- Willie RossMan with Visible Heart
Recommendations
- 88
Chicago Sun-Times
The film has many virtues, but for me the most enchanting is simply the lust with which it depicts a bold and colorful era in history. - 75
Washington Post
Screenwriter Walters and director Hoffman superbly replay the mood of Tremain's lively, well-written novel. - 75
Entertainment Weekly
Blinking his puppy-moist eyes and grappling with an English accent, Downey struggles so manfully in the role that one cuts him a lot of slack; working earnestly on her Irish brogue and mussing up her cupcake demeanor in the service of verisimilitude as a wise madwoman, Meg Ryan’s performance is, refreshingly, less precious than she’s been in a long while. - 75
San Francisco Examiner
Hoffman proves himself a master of complex scenery, crowd control and graceful direction. He succeeds in making a conspicuously lush and rich movie out of what was reportedly a less than kingly budget. - 75
Boston Globe
For all its shortcomings, Restoration is miles beyond most historical epics. [26 Jan 1996, p.51] - 75
Chicago Tribune
If one judged movies purely on the basis of photography and sets, Restoration would deserve a place near the top. [26 Jan 1996, p.C] - 70
Time Out
This adaptation (by Rupert Walters) of Rose Tremain's brilliant Booker-shortlisted novel is a lot better than rumours about its frantic, lengthy post-production might have suggested. Engaging if uneven. - 63
Washington Post
Writer Rupert Walters's episodic narrative is decidedly corny—especially the later chapters—and yes, it's as creaky as old bones. But its weaknesses are offset by the film's elaborate re-creation of plague-ridden London.
