Restoration

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Cast

Robert Downey Jr.
as Robert Merivel

Sam Neill
as Charles II

David Thewlis
as John Pearce

Polly Walker
as Celia

Meg Ryan
as Katherine

Ian McKellen
as Will Gates

Hugh Grant
as Finn

Mary McLeod Bethune
as Midwife

Hugh McDiarmid
as Ambrose

Mary MacLeod
as Midwife

Mark Letheren
as Daniel

Sandy McDade
as Hannah

Rosalind Bennett
as Eleanor

Willie Ross
as Man with Visible Heart

David Gant
as Chiffinch

Benjamin Whitrow
as Merivel's Father

Neville Watchurst
as Latin Doctor

Bryan Pringle
as Watchman

Roy Evans
as Fleeing Man

John Quarmby
as The Chancellor

John Dallimore
as The Secretary

Roger Ashton-Griffiths
as Mr. Bung

Janan Kubba
as Pretty Wench

Henrietta Voigts
as Female Patient

Simon Taylor
as Second Doctor

Selina Giles
as Fair Lady

Susanne McKenrick
as Dark Lady

Nick Hutchinson
as Pinworth

Andrew Havill
as Gallant

Tony Gardner
as Gallant

David Ryall
as Lord Bathurst

Philip Babot
as Whittlesea Dancer

Ena Cohen
as Whittlesea Dancer

Dylan Davies
as Whittlesea Dancer

Jim Ennis
as Whittlesea Dancer

Russell Gomer
as Whittlesea Dancer

Caroline Lamb
as Whittlesea Dancer

Margarlda Morini
as Whittlesea Dancer

Frank Rozelaar Green
as Whittlesea Dancer

Carol Blade
as Whittlesea Dancer

Jessica Lynn Cohen
as Whittlesea Dancer

Alex Edmonds
as Whittlesea Dancer

Stephen H. Fisher
as Whittlesea Dancer

Timothy Hext
as Whittlesea Dancer

Philip Michell
as Whittlesea Dancer

Belinda Neave
as Whittlesea Dancer

Wendy Griffith
as Court Dancer

Bernadette Iglish
as Court Dancer

Leonni Pallett
as Court Dancer

Beryl St. John
as Court Dancer

Judy Herbert
as Court Dancer

Philippa Luce
as Court Dancer

Joanne Redfern
as Court Dancer

Wendy Woodbridge
as Court Dancer

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Critic Reviews for Restoration

Audience Reviews for Restoration

• Apr 27, 2013

  Restoration is the sort of period piece that succeeds almost entirely in its world building. Set during the mid 1600s, after the English Civil War, the film revokes around a young physician and his escapades with the Royal aristocratic establishment. We see the evolution of his fall, discovery, and rise, set against a genuine historical period. The thing that sets Restoration a part is its unique story-line. Certainly the themes are familiar, but Restoration is very ambitious in how it sets about resolving its plot. The film is expansive, introducing several main characters, and at various stages. We see Downey's character over a period of years, yet the film never feels rushed, paying off its story-lines well. That the film introduces major characters and hints at sub plots, but instead focuses its attention elsewhere, was refreshing, never feeling predictable (until the final act). The entire progression of Restoration was not concerned with hitting on plot points, being more concerned with immersing Downey's character in a variety of situations, and watching his development from there. The one drawback with Restoration's expansive nature, however, is that we lack one central dramatic through line to anchor us. Downey's performance is strong, as are the others, but with the shifts in focus, the viewer can feel a bit disengaged, making it harder to keep us empathetic with the actions of those involved. Still, the script does a good job of providing us interestingy characters, and was intelligently written, with a keen sense of dialogue. Overall, Restoration is a mature period piece for those that enjoy sophisticated world building and interesting characters, albeit with plot that is not quite as impacting. 3.5/5 Stars
  Jeffrey M Super Reviewer
• Jul 29, 2011

  Lavish production and a veritable glitterati of talent cannot hide a meandering script about a young doctor in old London who's seduced by the power, money and privilege of life in the court of the king.
  Kevin M. W Super Reviewer
• Mar 19, 2010

  This is one of the most underrated films of all time. I just discovered it about two weeks ago. From the director of this year's "The Last Station" comes a film that one two Academy Awards. Look at the cast, Robert Downey Jr., Meg Ryan, Sam Neill, David Thewlis, Polly Walker, Ian McKellen, Hugh Grant, and Ian Mcdiarmid (Palpatine/Sideous from Star Wars). It is a beautifully shot period-piece and a film not to be missed. Only one of my friends on flixster has seen this, what's wrong with you guys!
  Kyle S Super Reviewer
• Apr 28, 2009

  An interesting movie about the choices one makes in their lives. Robert Downey is a 17th century physician who first makes a number of self-indulgent choices which backfire on him and he loses everything. He then is basically forced into helping in the efforts to fight the plague and since this the movies after all, things turn out fairly well for him. I downgraded my ranking by one star because I watched Restoration a few years after the first time I had seen it, and had no idea that I had already seen it. I figured if I had totally forgotten I had ever seen it in the first place, it could not have been as good as I had rated it to start with.
  Red L Super Reviewer

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