
Restoration
Seen it?1995 | 117 min | Drama, Romance
Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet
It earned strong reviews (71% on Rotten Tomatoes) and it won 2 Oscars, though it had a box office loss and a lukewarm 6.1 out of 10 from audiences. A safe bet when you want something reliable.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for romantics. If you loved Maurice or Dangerous Liaisons, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Warm and romantic.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 57 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated R: meant for adults.
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.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsStrong
71% on Rotten Tomatoes, 66 on Metacritic
- AudiencesBelow par
6.1 out of 10
- AwardsStrong
Won 2 Oscars: Best Costume Design, Best Production Design.
- Box office & staying powerWeak
$4 million worldwide on a $19 million budget
- Buzz & cultural impactSolid
About 58K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
More like this
MauriceSaturday SpecialAlso stars Hugh Grant, in another drama, and a Saturday Special.
Dangerous LiaisonsFriday Night FlickAnother critically acclaimed drama.
ValmontWeeknight WatchAnother drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
The LibertineWeeknight WatchAnother drama, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
Your Fault: LondonSunday Safe BetAnother romance, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Michael Hoffman
- Robert Downey Jr.Robert Merivel
- Meg RyanKatharine
- Sam NeillKing Charles II
- David ThewlisJohn Pearce
- Hugh GrantElias Finn
- Polly WalkerCelia Clemence
- Ian McKellenWill Gates
- Ian McDiarmidAmbrose
- Mary MacLeodMidwife
- Willie RossMan with Visible Heart