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 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 of his high-minded Quaker colleague John Pearce (David Thewlis). Merivel achieves the high societal status he covets when he's summoned by King Charles II (Sam Neill). Merivel is chagrined to find that he's expected to care for the king's ailing spaniel, but the dog rallies and Merivel joins court. When one of Charles' mistresses, Celia (Polly Walker) becomes uppity, Charles arranges her marriage to Merivel. In return for keeping Celia in a pretend marriage, he receives an estate and knighthood. Merivel, however, falls in love with Celia and, betrayed by an eccentric painter (Hugh Grant), inspires the king's wrath. Banished and stripped of his wealth, Merivel rediscovers love with an Irish mental patient (Meg Ryan). He also rediscovers his passion for medicine during London's Great Fire and the Black Plague. ~ Karl Williams, Rovi

Rating, Runtime: R, 2 hr. 30 min.
Directed By: Michael Hoffman
Genres: Drama, Romance

In Theaters: Feb 2, 1996 Wide
On DVD: Aug 3, 1999
Studio: 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.
Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times
Restoration avoids the pitfalls of pious historical reconstructions and plunges right into the cauldron.
Carol Cling, Las Vegas Review-Journal
Gorgeous, witty romp that
Geoff Andrew, Time Out
Engaging if uneven.
Chuck O'Leary, Fantastica Daily
An interesting evocation of a decadent era marked by opulence, excess and abject poverty. But works equally well as a study of personal redemption amidst the turmoil.
Rob Thomas, Capital Times (Madison, WI)
Ryan's hilariously out of place, but this is otherwise an entertaining yarn.
Dragan Antulov, rec.arts.movies.reviews
Despite its flaws, Restoration proves that Hollywood can at times treat history in satisfying manner.
Jeanne Aufmuth, Palo Alto Weekly
Robert Downey, Jr. can do no wrong by me, and his expressiveness and irreverence are what make this film work. Seen through his eyes, the changing currents of the times are navigable only with large doses of dark humor and compassion.
Frederic and Mary Ann Brussat, Spirituality and Practice
Phantasmagorical film about a late bloomer who takes a long time to find and follow a path with heart.

Read all 13 critic reviews

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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
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 and since this the movies after all, things turn out fairly well for him.
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
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!
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
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 almost unnoticed, Downey subtly and masterfully creates a man I can both respect and admire in his courage and faith. McKellen is also fabulous, quietly adding a dash of humour and wisdom to every scene he graces. Of course, the film has some downfalls - chiefly the often soggy script and melodrama that tends to creep in at peak moments. I'm also under the impression that it's not entirely historically accurate, but it works with the plot line almost always. I'm glad to have found this one - a film worthwhile of the hunt for it.
FanGirl B

A well made film, that I wish I had something clever to say about.