Restoration

When this movie came out, the movie critics all jumped on and called it a failure. They said it was a hugely disappointing role for Robert Downey, Jr. Although, this movie was not superb, it was at least decent. That's... Full review

Mainly a biography of a lustful doctor, "Robert Merivel ," (Robert Downey) who has his way in the king's palace for the first half of the film and then helps out the downtrodden in the second half, mainly "Katharine" (Meg... Full review

I love this movie! It's exotic, quick, bright, thoughtful. I love Robert Downey, Jr.; his talent is amazing. The way he is harassed by Hollywood makes no sense. Anyway, that said, just looking at the scenery in this movie is like... Full review

This has to have been one of the most beautiful movies I have ever seen. I am not as up on history as some people, but I think the time - the costumes, the dress, the manners, (though not the... Full review

Good Lord! a historical epic without a spectacular set piece till the fire of London. There was not a minute of this film I did not enjoy! Those who need chariot races to feel historically present need to know we... Full review

restoration is a powerful film and most of the time the acting works well. In some scenes, the story is too drawn out and long. overall, however, the film is cleverly played and all the actors were quite excellent.... Full review

The set design and art direction on this movie was entirely mesmerizing! I will never forget the scene in which Dr Merivile returns to court (after The Plague has ravished London) in which this huge heavy swishing pendulum like incense... Full review

After watching this film, I felt my faith in humanity had been (somewhat) restored, and not for the squishy, feel-good reasons either. Instead, I felt that filmmakers can often demonstrate truly wondrous, creative talents; Try not to think of all... Full review

Fortunately, I do not judge a film merely by its technical excellence. Other reviews seemed to overemphasize the limited script, miscasting, lack of focus, etc, that this movie supposedly represents. All of it may be true, and certainly if the... Full review

Restoration is one of the great overlooked gems of the 1990's. This movie is beautifully shot and competently directed. It is based closely on the original novel, and also reminds me of some of the more juicy excerpts from Samuel... Full review

Though the second part of the film is still interesting, it is much less lively than the first, which causes the pacing to lag....Hoffman stages some impressive set-pieces, and he extracts fine performances from his cast.....The director is also smart enough to allow his supporting players to develop individual characters....there's also a hilarious cameo by Hugh Grant, as a foppish painter..... ... Full Review

Restoration'' never restores itself -- the ribald and the robust vanish and, with them, the film's character and fun. Suddenly, the movie takes on a somber, fitful atmosphere. ... Full Review

The British are famous for their period pieces, and, while Restoration isn't among the best (all of Jane Austen's adapted novels are superior), it's still solid entertainment, especially in a season when Hollywood's releases are repeatedly causing grimaces. ... Full Review

The film takes a grave turn when Merivel works with Pearce at an asylum, fathers a child by an inmate (a miscast Meg Ryan) and returns to London to battle the bubonic plague. So is King Charles II (a superbly sly Sam Neill), who sweeps him into the royal court, where Merivel degenerates into an idle party boy. ... Full Review

Even in the glummest scenes, Hoffman's cast seem to be having great fun prancing about in wigs and ruffles. It's a gloriously strange moment, pregnant with potential resonances. ... Full Review

Every week for the next month, authors shortlisted for the Orange Prize for Fiction will be interviewed by telegraph.co.uk readers. All you have to do is e-mail us with with your questions. ... Full Article

England in the mid-1600s: The witty and charming King Charles II is in reign and London is enjoying the sumptuous energies of the arts, politics and sciences. ... Full Article

IN "Restoration," Robert Downey, Jr. plays Robert Merivel, the son of a glovemaker and a dedicated young London physician with a gift for healing. But part of him enjoys drink, women and nights of debauchery. He longs to leave sickness ... Full Article

The film stars Robert Downey Jr. as a randy young physician and Sam Neill as his royal plushness King Charles II, the ``Merry Monarch'' whose desire for the lavish and sensual set the tone for the age, where extremes of ... Full Article

Synopsis: This lavishly-mounted costume drama focuses on one of England's most fascinating periods: the restoration of the monarchy after 11 years of Puritan rule, which led to an explosion of culture and... ... Full Article