Restoration
An aspiring young physician, Robert Merivel found himself in the service of King Charles II and saves the life of someone close to the King. Merivel joins the King's court and lives the high life provided to someone of his position. Merivel is ordered to marry his King's mistress in order to divert the queens suspicions. He is given one order by the king and that is not to fall in love. The situation worsens when Merivel finds himself in love with his new wife. Eventually, the King finds out and relieves Merivel of his position and wealth. His fall from grace leaves Merivel where he first started. And through his travels and reunions with an old friend, he rediscovers his love for true medicine and what it really means to be a physician.
Critics Sentiment
Merivel races through Great Fire trying to save Margaret
Katharine dies giving birth to daughter Margaret
The film drops significantly when Katharine dies in childbirth, then recovers strongly during the plague doctor sequences showing Merivel's transformation
Critics praised the film's first half for its sumptuous production design and depiction of court excess, but noted pacing issues in the second half. While the visual spectacle and period recreation earned consistent acclaim, Downey's performance and the film's ambitious scope received mixed reactions. The emotional core involving Merivel's character development resonated with many reviewers despite structural weaknesses.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 48
Robert Downey Jr.
Robert Merivel
Meg Ryan
Katharine
Sam Neill
King Charles II
David Thewlis
John Pearce
Hugh Grant
Elias Finn
Polly Walker
Celia Clemence
Ian McKellen
Will Gates
Ian McDiarmid
Ambrose
Mary MacLeod
Midwife
Willie Ross
Man with Visible Heart
Benjamin Whitrow
Merivel's Father
Roger Ashton-Griffiths
Mr. Bung
Andrew Havill
Gallant
Tony Gardner
Gallant
David Ryall
Lord Bathurst
Mark Letheren
Daniel
Sandy McDade
Hannah
Rosalind Bennett
Eleanor
David Gant
Chaffinch
Neville Watchurst
Latin Doctor
Crew
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