Restoration

Restoration (1996)

  • 69% of critics liked it
    (32 reviews)

  • 56% of users liked it
    (3,617 ratings)

This lavish historical drama based on the acclaimed novel by Rose Tremain won Oscars for Costume Design and Art Direction. Robert Downey, Jr. stars as Robert Merivel, a gifted medical student of the 17th century who ignores his studies in favor of pursuing debauched fun -- much to the consternation… More

R, 2 hr. 30 min.
Directed By
Michael Hoffman
Genres
Drama, Romance
In Theaters
Feb 2, 1996 Wide
On DVD
Aug 3, 1999
Miramax

Critic Reviews

  • Janet Maslin, New York Times

    Since the robust 17th-century picaresque tale is not enjoying any current vogue, the success of "Restoration" can be considered a very pleasant surprise.

  • Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times

    The film is overcome by the rumbling workings of a creaky plot as the story grows more serious.

  • Peter Stack, San Francisco Chronicle

    The movie takes on a somber, fitful atmosphere of straining epic proportions. But it strays into an episodic bog that leaves it gasping for dramatic life.

  • Peter Travers, Rolling Stone

    Lively, lavish and grandly acted pageant.

  • Jeff Millar, Houston Chronicle

    While this sly and sumptuous new film offers just the single word as its title, it will make you think of all you learned about Restoration comedy -- and drama -- in that long-ago History of the Theater 101 course.

Read all 13 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

  • moon r


    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.

  • Red L


    An interesting movie about the choices one makes in their lives. Robert Downey is a 17th century phsyician 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… More

  • jay n


    Interesting idea shakily executed, Downey is good as usual as is Polly Walker but Meg Ryan is awful, she should never in anything but films set in modern times.

  • Kyle S


    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… More

  • Jessica v


    Quite the period piece. To be honest, I found the gaudiness and splendour of the first hour both amusing and disgusting - an odd combination, but nonetheless effective. Note that a large part of my disgust was aimed directly at our hero in his simpering mannerisms and voice. But… More

Read all 6 featured audience ratings

Cast

See full cast

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