Director Michael Hoffman presents us with a lush period piece of 1660's England during the reign of Charles II after the restoration of the monarchy. Robert Downey Jr. plays a young doctor who is driven to find his calling through circumstances and women, and the king himself, who drive him. There is a strong cast and beautiful photography: no wonder this film won Oscars for its visuals. The story line loses power because of its wavering focus - although if that clearly reflected the main character's own journey, perhaps that would not be such a weakness. The plague, the London fire, the environs of the time are richly portrayed: so are the women and the sex, belying the film's opening statements that it is about a man of science bringing reason to his times. It's certainly worthwhile but doesn't deliver its potential.
Review of Restoration
