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Amazon.co.uk Review
One of the better BBC costume dramas of recent years, 2003's Charles II: The Power and the Passion depends very strongly on its central performance. Fortunately, Rufus Sewell is admirable throughout as the saturnine, witty monarch who has retained popular fondness down the centuries in spite of his conscientious adherence to the bad and losing cause of absolute monarchy. Adrian Hodge's intelligent script dramatises the issue in quick sound bites--many politicians accepted the Restoration to avoid chaos and were determined to bring Charles to heel, whereas he was determined to defend the position for which his father had been martyred. If that meant handing the throne to his Catholic brother in default of a legitimate son of his own, so be it.
The four hour-long episodes cover the Restoration, the Plague and the Fire of London, the secret treaties with France and the Popish Plot, as well as giving us a fair bit of Charles's moderately happy marriage to Catherine (Shirley Henderson in the most hideously accurate historical hairdos ever) and his affairs with various mistresses. Among a number of fine supporting performances, Rupert Graves stands out as Buckingham, the friend who betrayed Charles. This sort of costume drama only ever works if the acting is as good as it is here.
On the DVD: Charles II on disc comes with a making-of documentary and a commentary on the first episode from writer Adrian Hodge and the director and producer. It also includes an extended documentary on Charles's back story--his education, his attempt to fight Cromwell's forces, his period on the run in England and his long exile--in which a number of eminent historians, including Richard Holmes and Ronald Hutton, talk about how he became the king he was. --Roz Kaveney
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
42 of 44 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
This is NOT the original 4-hour, 4-episode version of Joe Wright & Adrian Hodges's excellent Charles II: The Power and the Passion, but the 3-hour, 2-episode version shown on A&E in the U.S. The longer original is vastly preferable, and there is no reason for anyone who has the capacity to watch Region 2 DVDs not to get that version instead. On that 2-DVD set, you also get interesting commentaries on the episodes. Oh, and in the scene where Nell Gwynn (sp?) poses topless for a painter, you get a glimpse of her, er... oranges. (Too much for the tender sensibilities of American audiences, apparently.)
Seriously, this is an outstanding collaboration between writer, director, designers and cinematographer (with the Czech Republic standing in for England!), and with an exceptionally fine cast. It was director Joe Wright's "breakthrough" film - before Pride & Prejudice and Atonement - and conveys real passion for its subject on the part of its makers.
Seriously, this is an outstanding collaboration between writer, director, designers and cinematographer (with the Czech Republic standing in for England!), and with an exceptionally fine cast. It was director Joe Wright's "breakthrough" film - before Pride & Prejudice and Atonement - and conveys real passion for its subject on the part of its makers.
35 of 38 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Having just watched this DVD again, I've been capitvated anew by how good it is. Everything, from the music to the costumes to the acting, is magnificent. Rufus Sewell skillfully portrays the character of Charles II - cynical, witty, essentially good natured but determined not to go on his 'travels' again. The supporting cast are wonderful too, especially Shirley Henderson as Catherine of Braganza, Helen McCrory as Lady Castlemaine and Rupert Graves as the Duke of Buckingham. The spirit of Restoration times - that is, self indulgent pleasure seeking interspersed with religious mania - is captured beautifully.
I have a few little complaints to make. I feel that James, Charles's brother and eventual successor, is treated rather unfairly. Yes, James was very stubborn and not too intelligent, but in the drama he is constantly defying Charles and is often borderline disrespectful to him. As a believer in the Divine Right of Kings, James wouldn't have acted like that. Also, it would have been nice to see James's daughters, Mary and Anne, featured, or even his second wife, but I understand that time constraints probably made this unfeasible.
Diana Rigg puts in a good performance as Henrietta Maria, despite her English accent. There are some slight chronological inaccuracies however - for example, Charles's brother Henry was dead long before Catherine arrived in England. These are all minor points however, and are the only reason I'm giving 4 rather than 5 stars. It's a wonderful, exciting drama and is for the most part true to history.
I have a few little complaints to make. I feel that James, Charles's brother and eventual successor, is treated rather unfairly. Yes, James was very stubborn and not too intelligent, but in the drama he is constantly defying Charles and is often borderline disrespectful to him. As a believer in the Divine Right of Kings, James wouldn't have acted like that. Also, it would have been nice to see James's daughters, Mary and Anne, featured, or even his second wife, but I understand that time constraints probably made this unfeasible.
Diana Rigg puts in a good performance as Henrietta Maria, despite her English accent. There are some slight chronological inaccuracies however - for example, Charles's brother Henry was dead long before Catherine arrived in England. These are all minor points however, and are the only reason I'm giving 4 rather than 5 stars. It's a wonderful, exciting drama and is for the most part true to history.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
All four long episodes of this classic BBC series are presented on two discs with a very extensive special feature section. Along with commentaries by Kate Harwood, Joe Wright, and Adrian Hodges,the Writers and Directors. There is a Documentary on the making of Charles II, and a more accurate historical Documentary, 'The Boy Who Would Be King'.
Rufus Sewell plays Charles II, tenaciously, and Rupert Graves, plays his impulsive close friend George, The Duke of Buckinghamshire, with whom he shared his exile in Belgium and France before being recalled by Parliament after the death of Oliver Cromwell.
Weaving through the intrigues between Catholics and Protetsants, king and Parliament, Dutchess Barbara Villiers manipulated Charles, and Helen McCrory recreates this fascinating sultry role with great panache.
As a contrast, bright cockney Actress Nell Gwynn out lasted most other Royal Mistresses, and Emma Pierson, brings this role to life excellently. Charles is reputed to have had at least 16 mistresses.
Shirley Henderson portrays his official wife, with an amazing wig from the fashions of the period, whith whom he eventually fell in love, Catherine of Braganza, from Portugal. It was at first a political marriage. Unfortunately their son was still born, and to protect them, and thwart Parliament, Charles would not name any of his children as heirs, but named his younger brother James as heir.
Christian Coulson plays his eldest son the Duke of Monmouth, who led an unsuccessful rebellion after Charles's death, and throughout most of the action, his old friend and advisor Sir Edward Hyde is played by Ian McDiarmid.
Diana Rigg has a small but powerful role as the Queen Mother.
The power and the conficting passion makes powerful viewing. In the midst of trying to maintain a fair and balanced seat of power, Charles was faced with two disasters, the Great Plague, and the Fire of London.
The only disappointing thing for me is that the music is always ponderous and heavily romantic. There was much lively Restoration music and humourous songs which could have added even more to the authenticity of the recreation of this period.
This whole production as a sumptuous Costume Drama, as well as an interpretation of History.
Rufus Sewell plays Charles II, tenaciously, and Rupert Graves, plays his impulsive close friend George, The Duke of Buckinghamshire, with whom he shared his exile in Belgium and France before being recalled by Parliament after the death of Oliver Cromwell.
Weaving through the intrigues between Catholics and Protetsants, king and Parliament, Dutchess Barbara Villiers manipulated Charles, and Helen McCrory recreates this fascinating sultry role with great panache.
As a contrast, bright cockney Actress Nell Gwynn out lasted most other Royal Mistresses, and Emma Pierson, brings this role to life excellently. Charles is reputed to have had at least 16 mistresses.
Shirley Henderson portrays his official wife, with an amazing wig from the fashions of the period, whith whom he eventually fell in love, Catherine of Braganza, from Portugal. It was at first a political marriage. Unfortunately their son was still born, and to protect them, and thwart Parliament, Charles would not name any of his children as heirs, but named his younger brother James as heir.
Christian Coulson plays his eldest son the Duke of Monmouth, who led an unsuccessful rebellion after Charles's death, and throughout most of the action, his old friend and advisor Sir Edward Hyde is played by Ian McDiarmid.
Diana Rigg has a small but powerful role as the Queen Mother.
The power and the conficting passion makes powerful viewing. In the midst of trying to maintain a fair and balanced seat of power, Charles was faced with two disasters, the Great Plague, and the Fire of London.
The only disappointing thing for me is that the music is always ponderous and heavily romantic. There was much lively Restoration music and humourous songs which could have added even more to the authenticity of the recreation of this period.
This whole production as a sumptuous Costume Drama, as well as an interpretation of History.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Charles II
I love history films and this one is now part of my growing collection.
And I hope producers will keep making them!
And I hope producers will keep making them!
Published 2 months ago by Veronique Braem
Realistic and Entertaining
This is an excellent set of dvds highlighting the difficulties of succession and the conflict between Catholicism and Protestantism in the English Royal family. Read more
Published 3 months ago by Rosalind
A remarkable vision of the Restoration
"Charles II - The power and the passion" offers a magnificent vision of a magnificent period in English history. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Oliver W. Holmes
Pedestrian
I was really looking forward to this production as I think the Restoration period is the most fascinating period in English history: in its politics, art and music. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Felix
Highly recommendable
I purchased "Charles II" as part of Martin Freeman's back catalogue available on DVD, and yes, this particular DVD is the 4 episode, Region 2 version with special features. Read more
Published 10 months ago by H. O'Sullivan
Protestant Monarch with a Catholic Heart ...
I was really surprised at how good this production is.I am a big history fan but came across this title by accident. Read more
Published 12 months ago by Avril
Superb TV series
Loved this series, the DVD is fine. Bought the DVD set as I have yet to see any repeat of the show on the BBC (perhaps it is on one of the history channels? Read more
Published 17 months ago by Mr. A. Buckle
Rufus and Charles are one.
Rufus Sewell and Charles.II are one.
He was born for this part.
From the time of his fathers beheading to his death, Charles.II is brought back to life. Read more
He was born for this part.
From the time of his fathers beheading to his death, Charles.II is brought back to life. Read more
Published 18 months ago by cullodenmist
Not as bad as some make out
Having just watched the full 4 episodes on 2 discs, I can vouch this is the full version ermm tits an all. Read more
Published 20 months ago by Volvi
No.t what I expected
I thought this was going to be an accurate historical production. I didnt open it for when I read the cover and saw the rating. Knew it was just a bawdy old production. Read more
Published 21 months ago by Ck Scott
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