Film Review

By Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat

Restoration
Directed by Michael Hoffman
Buena Vista Home Entertainment 12/95 DVD/VHS Feature Film
R - sexuality

Here is a robust and rousing film about the spiritual journey of a young physician living in 17th century England during a period of astonishing cultural change.

Robert Downey Jr. gives a smashing performance as Merivel, a doctor who forsakes his practice to indulge in the pleasures of his flesh in the court of the flamboyant King Charles II (Sam Neill). A special favor for this playboy monarch lands Merivel an estate and knighthood but leaves him unable to win the one woman (Polly Walker) he loves. Fate brings him back to work with his old friend (David Thewlis) in a Quaker asylum. There he is restored to the art of healing and takes a wife (Meg Ryan). When the plague hits London, Merivel returns to the city to care for those afflicted with the disease.

Director Michael Hoffman has come up with a visually stunning screen adaptation of the 1989 novel by Rose Tremain. Restoration is a phantasmagorical film about a late bloomer who takes a long time to find and follow a path with heart.

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by Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat