Diagonaldi Very well executed

SoftInloveRox Horrible, fascist and poorly acted

Fairaher The film makes a home in your brain and the only cure is to see it again.

Dana An old-fashioned movie made with new-fashioned finesse.

aussiechris I am completely surprised by the poor rating of this film. A masterpiece of great acting, directing and artistry - I truly felt I had traveled back in time. Especially when you compare it to today's similar films, this film felt superbly realistic, with amazing attention to detail and incredible sets, locations and costumes. The greatest surprise of the film is Robert Donwey Jr. himself who pulls off a great performance with a very convincing British accent. He gives the character of Robert a lot of depth showing his evolution from superficial and materialistic to mature practicing physician. And unlike other reviewers I truly did not mind Meg Ryan in this role, in fact it was good to see her as something other than the ditsy leading lady in a rom-com and I was surprised to see her do a fair Irish accent. I can only guess that the poorer rating was due the context of the period during its release. The 90s really saw the rise of the big blockbuster (which has continued to this day) and this film is anything but. Apart from the over the top (and yet brilliant) sets, this film is moderate in tone and pace - there are no action sequences aside from a bit of action through the fire scene and no over the top romance or drama - and this is what makes the film so enjoyable and realisticI highly recommend watching this Restoration to anyone that wants to be swept away to another period in history and to anyone who wants to see Robert Downey Jr's true acting talent.

ramsri007 Restoration is a period drama adapted from a novel by Rose Tremain and is directed by Micheal Hoffman. This probably is one of the most overlooked gems in period movies. This movie is visually enchanting replete with lavish costumes and is therefore not surprising to know that this movie had won 2 Oscars – Art direction & Costume Design.Restoration focuses on the gloomy aspects of the era life poverty, illness, medicine and the way of living during those times. This is a movie where you need to listen and absorb. You would enjoy it better watching it alone or with like-minded people. The story revolves around Robert Merivel, (Robert Downey Jr) who is a doctor during the reign of King Charles II (Sam Neil). He longs for the good life at the King's court and achieves it after successfully treating & saving His Majesty's royal dog. On gaining the King's favour Merival gives in completely to the rich life and all that it brings with it. This until he make a deal with the King and is married off to His mistress on the condition that Merivel is not to fall in fall with her. However he does do the one thing that is forbidden of him and ends up losing the King's favour. We are taken on a journey to two worlds; one of luxury another modest. We see how Downey lives in both of them. He returns to work with his Quaker friend John Pearce, (David Thewlis) at a mental institution where he meets and impregnates an Irish cuckold (Meg Ryan). However, when she gives in childbirth, he takes it upon himself to help cure London of the plague. He gets caught in the Great Fire of 1666 where he is left to believe that all is lost. Fate, however, has other plans. Downey has pulled off the English accent very proficiently. He looks foppish in curls and his short trousers & pulled off the transformation in Merival's outlook with élan. It most certainly was a moving performance and strikes a chord within you. This was the time when Downey was in war with his own personal demons in substance abuse. He does not look healthy but, the role fits his worn-down appearance and brings to life Merivel. I can't imagine any other actor playing Merivel. The rest of the cast slid into their roles perfectly.

ccthemovieman-1 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 Ryan).The GOOD - Fantastic set decoration (i.e. the lush king's palace) and costuming make this a visual treat. The language is also very tame. Ian McKellen and Hugh Grant provide interesting support.The BAD - After 50-60 minutes, this movie simply gets too boring. It desperately needed to be given some spark after an hour but it does the opposite: it drags on and on. The script certainly needed some badly-needed "restoration," shall we say? The film may look nice but it's a long two hours to sit through.....too long.

liniel I must admit I was a bit skeptical before watching this particular film. Not only were my expectations met but exceeded. The story is brilliantly written to not only be historically accurate but it moves the human spirit. The casting was infallible as well. Downey does a wonderful job displaying the naive, hormonally driven young doctor who, in itself, restores his identity throughout the film. Meg Ryan captivated the film with her coy charm and the cameo by Mr Grant was nothing shy of entertaining. One aspect that hit home for me was the fact that the film did not speak solely on the Age of Restoration within society, yet it clearly focuses on one man of the age, Robert Merivel who, as stated before goes through a complete 180 on the maturity spectrum as well as going from a boy to a man. The director Howard, also does a fabulous job playing on human emotion. The first half of the film is light and uplifting with royalty almost satirical. It makes the viewer feel comfortable as well as happy such as Robert felt during his stays at court. Yet once "out of paradise" Howard then exposes the dark side of the age by changing scenery to a less lavish and happy setting. There is rain, dark colors, plague, death and despair. So ultimately you feel as though you are journeying along with Sir Merivel as apposed to being a mere passerby or an observer. It takes a special film to sort of grab you by the shoulders and force you to be apart of it.