Directed by:
Michael HoffmanScreenplay:
Rupert WaltersCinematography:
Oliver StapletonComposer:
James Newton HowardCast:
Robert Downey Jr., Sam Neill, David Thewlis, Polly Walker, Meg Ryan, Ian McKellen, Hugh Grant, Ian McDiarmid, Mary Macleod, Mark Letheren, Sandy McDade (more)VOD (3)
Plots(1)
Robert Merivel (Downey) is a young man who seems to have everything ... until a passionate affair leads to scandal, suddenly leaving him heartbroken and penniless. But it's only after losing it all that Merivel discovers who he really is and -- with the love of a beautiful woman (Ryan) -- becomes the man he never dreamed he could be! (official distributor synopsis)
(more)Videos (1)
Reviews (2)
I can’t shake the feeling that Americans shot the best epic period pieces around the 1980’s and 1990’s. Restoration is exactly that kind of movie. The premise is clear-cut and it has an amazing flow. The movie’s amazing to watch and the film-making quality aged well.
()
Restoration is definitely not to be considered as a "serious" historical drama. It is a romantic, period morality tale about a redeemed sinner, which has much in common with the costume French blockbusters of the 60s and 70s, such as Angelique. The film's strong aspect is its set design and star-studded cast, and the backing of a major American studio is undeniable. The film is made with ease, it presents itself as likable consumer goods that doesn't embarrass itself and approaches historical reality with a certain dignity. Moreover, it can skillfully work with emotions, moving and entertaining exactly where the authors intended. Even the clichés used here are not offensive. It is a cultured genre spectacle, somewhat more accommodating to a female audience. Overall impression: 75%.
()
Ads